Imagine getting home to a wonderful stovetop-made chili to warm up your weary bones. Is there anything cozier?
It may seem unlikely, but you can get that without endless hours in the kitchen! The best tasting canned chili is not an urban myth: you can have great quality and taste without investing huge amounts of time.
Table of Contents
- Best Canned Chili Comparison
- Best Canned Chili Reviews
- #1. Hormel Micro Cup Chili with Beans
- #2. Skyline Chili 15 oz (4 cans)
- #3. Wolf Brand Chili Homestyle with Beans
- #4. Campbell’s Chunky Chili, With Bean
- #5. Amy’s Organic Chili, Medium with Vegetables
- #6. Campbell’s Chunky Chili, with Bean Roadhouse
- #7. Westbrae Natural Organic Chili Beans
- #8. Stagg Silverado Chili with Beans
- Is canned chili healthy? What to look for
- Go have the tastiest, easiest chili meal ever
I am all for reducing the work and increasing the fun: if I can find good chili that lets me have more free time, I am all for it!
I have tried several brands, and these are my top 7 choices for the best canned chili (that I will pretend I made myself).
Best Canned Chili Comparison
| Image | Brand of Canned Chili | Features | Latest Price |
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Hormel Chili |
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Skyline |
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Wolf Brand Chili |
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Campbell’s |
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Amy’s |
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Campbell’s |
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Westbrae |
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Stagg |
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Best Canned Chili Reviews
#1. Hormel Micro Cup Chili with Beans
Hormel’s Micro Cup Chili comes in packs of 12 small cups— each cup containing 7.38 ounces of ready to eat chili. Hormel specializes in creating crowd-pleasing solutions, and this product is not the exception to the rule.
This is a chili that contains beef, beans and flour: not apt for vegetarians or those sensitive to wheat intolerance. However, the easy prep— pop it open, warm it up, serve!— wins over many picky eaters.
A shortcut to an otherwise time-consuming meal, the Micro Cup Chili is rich in protein and can be used in more elaborate recipes. I should say that this product is the best canned chili for chili cheese!
- As an enthusiast of maximum enjoyment and little hassle, I love the minimal preparation time. Ready to go in just one minute!
- I like just how hearty and filled with protein this canned chili is.
- It is great for crowd situations, especially those days when nothing goes right and you have no time for meal prep.
- In my experience, this one of the best canned chilis out there to work as a recipe base (for example, for nacho sauce, stew, etc.). It is one of the best canned chili for frito pies, too!
- It is better than the canned chili by the same brand.
- The concentration of the ingredients in the Micro Cup Chili leaves something to be desired: it is a little bit soup-like on occasion.
- Because of its small size, it may not be enough to make a meal by itself (this is where its recipe-base suitability comes in handy!).
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#2. Skyline Chili 15 oz (4 cans)
Although a little less beloved by the public than the previous product, Skyline Chili is one of the best tasting canned chili. It comes in packages of 4 small cups that will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
This product is the commercially available version of the chili served in the famous Cincinnati restaurant Skyline. This means you can get restaurant-type meals at home, as well as original destination flavors.
It is somewhat different from other canned chilis on the market. This might be because of its particularly tangy flavor or its lack of beans. Beware, though, as it contains yeast!
- Tangy and sweet paprika notes give this chili a special, original touch.
- If you want to feel like you are out on a fancy dinner date, go for it! This product will transport you to a well-known restaurant in a beautiful town, all without leaving your house!
- No beans: this can swing towards an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on your personal taste. In my opinion, it makes it more versatile!
- The texture of this chili can be sometimes grainy, especially if it has been sitting on the shelf for a long time.
- It is a bit on the fatty side: you can see patches and lumps of fat content in the chili.
- It does not have a lot of meat, so if that is the reason for your chili love, do not buy this product.
- The Skyline Chili is not as good in its canned version as it is when served at the original restaurant. If you have not been there, though, no harm done!
- At 70 cholesterol milligrams per portion, this canned chili is not ideal healthwise!
#3. Wolf Brand Chili Homestyle with Beans
The Wolf Brand Chili is one of the best canned chili beans out there. Authentic texas style, this recipe is inspired by the communally sharing family table, and it brings that spirit to your meals.
It is packed with veggies, beans, and meat, making it exceptionally nutritious! One portion is worth 300 calories, but it is full of vitamins, iron, and other good stuff. Its cholesterol count, at 35 mg., is low.
You can make a whole meal out of the Wolf Brand chili! Its bold flavor and abundant nutrients mean that one cup yields two servings.
- So much content! Wolf Brand Chili states that they include half a cup extra veggies in each can, making it a better choice both health- and budget-wise.
- It has just the right amount of spice! It is not too hot, but still could never be described as bland.
- There is a lot of variety in this small can: all the different ingredients make sure it is nutritionally balanced.
- It contains both beef and pork.
- The original brand owners had a pet wolf. A pet wolf.
- The Wolf Brand Chili is not suitable for those digestive systems on the more delicate side. All those nutrients, calories, soy and oats make it a bit of a heavy hitter.
- It is not the most visually appealing canned chili on the market, as it can appear brown instead of the typical red.
- The top does not pop up. This means you have to use a regular can opener— not ideal!
- High calories. While this can be a good thing, it is not so if you are trying to keep your weight in check!
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#4. Campbell’s Chunky Chili, With Bean
Campbell is one of the oldest and most well-known brand names in Canned-Products-Town. Their Chunky Chili Firehouse sure packs a punch!
Beans, veggies, beef and pork crumble: this chili has it all. Many versatility and nutrition points!
I will go ahead and say this is the best canned chili for chili dogs! Hot and traditional, the Chunky Chili Firehouse goes great with game or party day foods.
- The packaging gives this product a slightly retro feel— a twentieth century homely vibe— and that is never a bad thing!
- An easy to use pop top makes opening this can a walk in the park!
- The microwaveable container saves you a lot of time and, as time is one of the first reasons we get canned food, this is a big win!
- Big chunky pieces to bite into and enjoy.
- It contains less fat and calories— 11% and 240, respectively— than other canned chilis: it is healthier!
- Cooked in the USA: I am a huge fan of supporting the national industry.
- I believe Campbell’s might have recently changed its recipe for this chili, as it is runnier and less pleasantly chunky than it used to be.
- Steep sodium count for the nutritional value it contains, at 870 milligrams.
- Soy and wheat make it less than appropriate for people with allergies or sensitivities.
#5. Amy’s Organic Chili, Medium with Vegetables
Amy’s is a health-conscious brand founded in 1987 with the intent of providing the public with wholesome, organic food. Its Organic Chili lives up to those standards of healthful nutrition.
At 230 calories and absolutely zero cholesterol, Amy’s Organic Chili is the healthiest choice on this list, as well as the best canned vegetarian chili. This recipe does not have any beef or pork products, but it is full of wholesome vegetables.
Do not let its healthy standards put you off, though! This canned chili is also great at being delicious. Its perfect level of hot and chunky will make you forget it is actually good for you!
- This brand only uses BPA free cans. BPA can cause serious health issues, so the lack of this chemical is something to be grateful for!
- The chili is organic and holds an official certificate. Amy’s is, in fact, among the pioneers in organic food in the US. It also contains no preservatives.
- No gluten means it is available to a whole group of chili lovers who do not often get what they need to take care of their bodies.
- The perfect medium-spiced Mexican sauce makes the flavor bold but consistent.
- The nutritional value is off the charts! You will not find a better option, health-wise.
- Jalapeños. Have I mentioned that I love those?
- There is nothing I do not like about this Amy’s Organic Chili. It works well as a base for other dishes, and offers filling, wholesome nutrition.
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#6. Campbell’s Chunky Chili, with Bean Roadhouse
Another Campbell’s product! And how could I not include this canned chili, given that it is one of the best tasting chilis available?
Chunky Chili Roadhouse is a powerhouse of beans, spicy pork and delicious, hearty peppers. Is your mouth watering too? Big, chunky pieces that are super filling will give you 240 calories per serving, as well as loads of vitamins A and C.
The difference between the Roadhouse and the Firehouse I reviewed before is that this one does not have chipotle, and it is perfect for eating with rice!
- Super filling! Hearty and warmed up, this canned chili will satisfy all your stomach’s cravings.
- Not too It hits just the right spot!
- There is a generous amount of meat in this can!
- The size is very generous: 19 ounces are more than any amount offered by other canned chili products, and will fill your belly nicely.
- As it gives you 240 calories per serving, and each can contains 2 servings, the total for one can would add up to 480 calories. As it is so tasty, it will probably be hard to control your portions! Note: this is only a half-hearted criticism.
- Sometimes there are not just that many big pieces or… pieces. Can be runny, but it is really a chance thing.
#7. Westbrae Natural Organic Chili Beans
Westbrae Chili Beans are a great organic—certified!— and kosher— also duly certified!— canned chili option. Plant-based and wholesome, these beans are a close contender for best canned vegetarian chili.
The cans contain a reasonable 15 ounces, and are sold by the dozen so you can stock your pantry for any eventuality. These bad boys are ready to serve!
How can I describe these beans’ quality? Everything— beans, veggies, et al— are non GMO, the cans are recyclable and free of BPA, they use sea salt (healthier!) instead of regular salt… I could go on.
- The packaging checks every box! Not only is it good for us, it is also good for the planet.
- No fuss. Everything is ready to go.
- The fact that it is vegetarian and kosher is great! Everyone should feel included in the chili feast.
- All organic ingredients, the good variety of salt, zero cholesterol. This product is great for your body!
- The Westbrae Chili Beans are good for getting your necessary fiber and iron nutrients.
- Not the fanciest canned chili out there. The old adage that says if you get health you compromise taste is sadly true in this case.
- Be careful with the cans! The material is less strong than in other products, which may lead to dents that ruin your chili’s safety standards.
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#8. Stagg Silverado Chili with Beans
Much beloved by the general public, the Silverado Chili is a house name, beside being— interestingly enough— the very best canned chili for nachos.
These 15 ounce cans come in manageable packs of 6, and contain silverado beef, good quality beans, and only 3% fat— though too much of that fat is of the bad sort.
With lots of veggies, the Silverado Chili is well-known for its taste. Jalapeños, delicious beef, and long simmering are all present in the rich flavor.
- The taste is, put plainly, stellar. It makes you want to forget that it is less than perfectly healthful. This is the main feature and source of attraction of this product.
- Real, Texan homemade feel. A home away from home.
- On the negative side of the equation, it is pretty high in sodium— 860 milligrams per serving.
- The Silverado Chili’s performance in the nutrition field is, overall, poor. With no Vitamin C, low counts of iron and Vitamin A, as well as high saturated fats and sugars, it’s far from the best on this list, health-wise.
- Not organic ingredients that I know of.
- You can not warm it up in the can, but have to pour into a bowl to put in the microwave instead.
Is canned chili healthy? What to look for
Many people believe canned food is not healthy and, for this reason, they refuse to buy it.
It is sad, because they are missing out on tasty meals that don’t take hours of slaving away in the kitchen. Do not fall into this trap!
Of course, not all canned food is created equal. There are some things that make some products healthier than others.
In the first place, look for any damage to the can itself. If there are any dents, severe bumps, leakage or other signs of harm, don’t buy it! There might be dangerous bacteria growing inside that can make you very sick.
Getting into the finer details, you are always safer going for cans that are BPA-free. Also keep in mind low sodium counts, lack of preservatives and presence of organic ingredients as positive things when choosing your canned chili.
Go have the tastiest, easiest chili meal ever
No matter which of these canned options you pick, you have a guaranteed meal!
Now, to make the best of it— and of your budget and time—, come back to this guide anytime you need to choose. I hope my experience and tips are helpful to you!
Now smile, eat, and get warm. And always remember to make the time you have as fun and stress-free as possible.
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