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Quick Summary: our pick for the best Amy’s Organic Chili Medium with Vegetables. It is savory, rich, flavorful, and full of great ingredients that help make any meal special and help you to pull off dinner quickly and easily. If you are looking for a great chili that is going to go the extra mile, Amy’s Organic Chili is the best choice for you.
Canned chili is something that we have all reached for at some time or other and knowing which brand is going to make the biggest impact and that your dinner mates are going to love. Canned foods can be bland and flavorless but the right canned chili can make a big difference in the way that you serve your canned foods.
Chili is a fantastic way to fill your family up and to warm up on a cold day. We’ve taken the time to find the best canned chili that you can buy to help impress your dinner guests and fill them up at the same time. It may be difficult to know what canned chili is the best without testing them all, luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you.
If you take the time to look at a few different options and really evaluate what makes a great canned chili, you can find one that fits your needs and your taste buds. If you are looking for a great canned chili, here are a few different options for you to choose from and a bit about each.
Quick Navigation:
- 10 Best Canned Chili Comparison
- Reviews of 10 Top Canned Chili
- How to Choose the Best Canned Chili
- Our Recommendation
10 Best Canned Chili Comparison
 | 1. Amy’s Organic Chili Medium With Vegetables (Best Overall) Amy’s Organic Chili is a vegetable option that is both suitable for vegetarians and vegans and comes in a 14.7-ounce can that is also gluten and tree-nut free. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Campbell’s Chunky Beef And Bean Firehouse Chili (Best Budget) The Campbell's Chunky Chili comes with chilis, beans, and beef that offers a hot and spicy flavor for those who want to have a fiery palette. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Hormel Micro Cup Chili With Beans This Hormel Chili pack with beans comes with 12 cans that each features beef and beans with tomatoes that offer a high protein option that fills you up. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Wolf Brand Homestyle Canned Chili The Wolf Brand Chili is a homestyle Texas style recipe that contains beans, beef, and pork and is a great source of protein that offers 12 cans. | Read Our Review |
 | The Skyline Original Chili Recipe contains beef, tomato, and is one chili that does not feature any beans for those who want an all-meat option. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Ortega Diced Green Chiles, Mild The Ortega Fire Roasted green chiles are a diced, mild choice that can be poured over beans or meat to turn any dish into chili with great flavor. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Armour Star Chili With Beans, 14 oz. The Armour Canned Chili with beans is made with pork, beef, and beans that offer 14-ounces of filling contents that come in a 12-pack of cans. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Wolf Brand No Beans Chili - 6/15 oz. The Wolf Brand No Beans Chili is a meaty and filling chili option that doesn’t come with beans and has an authentic Texas-style flavor that is very savory. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Beef Chili with Beans 8/15 Oz. The Cattle Drive Gold beef chili is a filling and savory meal that’s made with beans and is gluten-free, in an 8-pack, and is made with real sea salt. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Joan of Arc Spicy Chili Beans, 15 Ounce The Joan of Arc Spicy Chili Beans is a certified gluten-free option that contains multiple spices that create a flavorful and hot style that heats up a meal. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of 10 Top Canned Chili
Best Vegan and Vegetarian Chili
1. Amy’s Organic Chili with Vegetables, Medium, Vegan, USDA Organic, 14.7-Ounce
For those that are looking for a great canned chili but may not want to opt for those that have preservatives or non-organic ingredients, Amy’s offers a fantastic organic canned chili.
Amy’s is also a vegan and vegetarian-friendly brand and this chili is meatless. It has a ton of flavor with a blend of Mexican herbs and spices to give you a great, authentic flavor.
It is made with vegan ingredients including a mix of vegetables and red beans to give body and flavor that you expect when eating chili.
This chili is made of vegan ingredients so it is free of any animal products and byproducts but it is not lacking in flavor. This is a great source of protein and fiber and is USDA certified organic.
It is also gluten-free for those that are either allergic to gluten or avoiding it. Amy’s is family owned and dedicated to providing customers with food that is not only delicious, but that is also going to be great for you.
All products from the brand are also non-GMO and some are Kosher and sodium conscious as well. There are a few different options when it comes to Amy’s brand chili, there is the traditional medium spiced chili as well as a black bean chili, mild chili and more.
Some pros for this brand are that it is vegan and organic and offers the same flavor of a traditional chili without the meat. Amy’s Organic Chili is great for those that want to keep the flavor and feel of a good chili but that may not want to eat meat or are avoiding it.
If you are looking for a chili with meat, this is not a good option for you. It also may cost a bit more than other options as Amy’s does cost a bit more because of the organic ingredients.
Some pros for this brand are that it is vegan and organic and offers the same flavor of a traditional chili without the meat. It is great for those that want to keep the flavor and feel of a good chili but that may not want to eat meat or are avoiding it.
If you are looking for a chili with meat, this is not a good option for you. It also may cost a bit more than other options as Amy’s does cost a bit more because of the organic ingredients.
Pros:
- Easy to cook, just warm up on the stove or in the microwave.
- Medium spice suits most people.
- Totally organic ingredients.
- Vegan so suits vegetarian diets too.
- Soy and gluten-free: suits many diets.
- Certified kosher.
- Includes vegetables for additional nutrition.
Cons:
- 10g of protein – lower than other products.
Best Hot and Spicy Chili
2. Campbell’s Chunky Chili, Hot & Spicy Beef & Bean Firehouse, 19 Oz (Pack Of 12)
Hot and spicy is a fantastic flavor and many people look for a bit of heat in their chili. Campbell’s Chunky hot and spicy beef and bean firehouse chili is a wonderful hot option.
We have all heard the cliché that firehouses are famous for chili and this gives you the feel and taste of an authentic firehouse chili. This product offers a whopping 14 grams of protein per serving so it is fantastic for those that are looking for a great nutritional value.
It is made with kidney beans, seasoned beer, seasoned pork crumble, red and green peppers, and chipotle seasoning. This chili tastes like it was slow cooked and like it was simmered for hours with spices to give you a flavor that is full of depth and richness as well as spice.
This chili is meant to be very chunky so it is going to have tons of big chunks of meat and beans with each bite. It is also spicy so it is going to be hotter than your typical canned chili making it one of the best canned chili options.
Campbell’s Chunky Chili is going to taste different than your average canned chili and is going to give you the flavor that you would get if you spent hours in the kitchen making your own pot.
This chili is great for those that do like spice but if you are not a fan of heat and spice, or you are not able to have it, you may want to look for a less spicy version of the chunky chili.
This is a great chili to pair with noodles, sour cream, cheese, or just eat on its own. Campbell’s is known for making great canned foods and this is one that is sure to please each and every time that you sit down to eat it.
Pros:
- Campbell’s well-known and well-liked family brand.
- Hot chili for those who like spicy food.
- Chunky chili for additional flavour.
- Includes beef, pork and beans so it is very filling.
Cons:
- Not gluten-free so doesn’t suit those with coeliac disease.
- Contains soy (an allergen)
- It might be too hot for some people.
- Not kosher.
Best Meal Chili
3. Hormel Chili Hormel Microwaveable Cup Chili With Beans, 7.38 Oz (Pack Of 12)
Another option for those that are looking for something that is really an all in one is the Hormel brand chili. This is a great meal option and the microwave cups are ready to eat in around a minute.
Hormel has been one of the most popular brands when it comes to chili and is one of the best options when it comes to a great canned chili. Hormel offers a huge range of canned chili including hot and spicy, medium, mild, chili with beans, chili without beans, and even a vegetarian chili option.
Overall this is a great stand by chili that is most likely going to be delicious no matter what variety you get or what application you ultimately end up using it in. this is a great chili for those that may not be used to using canned chili and want something simple and easy to use.
It can be somewhat simple in flavor as it is a basic recipe but overall it works great for a meal. The microwave cups are wonderful if you are on the go and want to eat something that is going to be fast, tasty and filling.
Hormel Chili Hormel Chili is made with high quality beef and beans and is great for filling you up and keeping you full for a long time. It can be eaten on its own, added to noodles, topped with cheese and sour cream, eaten with crackers, and more.
This is also a great chili to add to recipes as it has a great basic chili flavor but not anything that is super distinctive or that does not work well with other flavors and other textures.
One con you may notice is that it is not a super unique flavor and may blend in or taste like other chili that you have tasted. Since it is a bit basic, it may not stand out in recipes.
Pros:
- Microwaveable cup for easy preparation.
- Cooks in 1 minute saving you time and hassle.
- Includes beans, beef, and pork for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cons:
- Only 14g of protein. Not as high as other brands.
- Includes soy, which can irritate intolerances.
- Not kosher.
- Plastic cases aren’t as planet-friendly as cans.
Best Daily Meal/All Around Canned Chili
4. WOLF BRAND Homestyle Chili With Beans, 15 Oz, 12 Pack
There are plenty of the best-canned chili varieties out there and the Wolf Brand Chili is a great option.
This chili is made with ground pork, beef and pinto beans in conjunction with tomatoes, onions, green peppers and a proprietary blend of spices and herbs. The flavor is rich and deep and perfect for everyday meals at any time during the day.
This is made with no preservatives and is made with beef and pork that is minimally processed and made with an as little extra as possible and has plenty of natural ingredients.
This is also a great source of iron and protein and is a filling option for those that want to find a good canned chili that is going to taste like a real chili that has been simmered for hours.
This chili is great for those that do want something that tastes wonderful and that is great for eating alone, eating with noodles, or adding to different recipes. There are a few different varieties to choose from like mild, spicy, Texas chili and more.
Overall WOLF BRAND Homestyle Chili is a great chili that is going to have a unique flavor that works well with tons of different recipes. Wolf is a great brand that makes the best canned chili if you are looking for something that is going to work in a variety of applications.
This is a wonderful canned chili if you are looking for something that can both stand alone and work well with other dishes. The pros are of course that this is a chili that works well with a ton of different applications and it is still tasty on its own.
One con that you may come up against is that it is thicker and bolder so some may not like the unique taste.
Pros:
- Beef, pork, beans and vegetables for all-round nutrition.
- Cook on the stove or in the microwave.
- Easy and quick to prepare, saving you time.
- No artificial ingredients.
- High amount of protein: 17g.
Cons:
- You might want to thicken it.
- Not kosher.
Best Pasta Chili
5. Skyline Original Chili Recipe, 15-Ounce Cans(Pack of 6)
Skyline is a brand that has been known for chili for years. The brand is also a restaurant that sells the famous chili. This is a chili that has a special twist, Skyline Chili is made with a dash of cinnamon and has a very unique taste that is out of this world.
This very unique taste is something that most people will not expect when they are eating chili and could be a great surprise if you are serving it for dinner.
Since this chili is very fine and does not have a ton of beans and chunks in it, it is perfect for pouring over noodles. It can be quickly and easily thinned out to be poured over noodles or to be served in pasta dishes.
Skyline Original Chili is a great chili for spicing up a boring pasta dish that you may be having difficulty making taste a bit more special. It is a wonderful chili if you are adding it to dishes that you are cooking that you want to add a bit of flavor but not a ton of texture.
This chili is easy pour because it is a bit thinner than some traditional chili options that do have beans and are a bit chunkier. This chili is made with natural beef, onion, garlic, and paprika as well as cinnamon.
For those that want something that is going to be a bit different than your traditional chili that we have all tasted before. Some drawbacks to this chili may be the unique taste.
The cinnamon flavor may not be what everyone wants and may not fit the specific recipe that you are cooking. A definite pro however is that it is going to be fantastic for those that want something that is going to work well with pasta and be a bit different.
Pros:
- Original chili recipe for great, simple flavors.
- Pack of 6: great for stocking the kitchen.
- Great on camping trips cooked over the stove.
- Easy to cook.
Cons:
- Doesn’t include many vegetables.
- Will need a can opener if you use it as camping food.
6. Ortega Diced Green Chiles, Mild, 4 oz (Pack of 12)
What You Will Love: The Ortega diced green chiles come in a 4-ounce can that has been fire-roasted for flavor and offers a mild flavor that can work with cooking a mild chili with beans, meat, and veggies. This 12-pack can be used to make Mexican meals to spice up your dinner.
4-Ounce Cans
These Ortega green chiles come in a 4-ounce can that offers enough chiles to make a large pot of chili or a smaller dish. This will allow a bit of spice as a way to give more flavor to a dish or meal and make a Mexican style dinner.
Fire Roasted
These green chiles have been fire-roasted, which helps bring out the full flavor of the chiles so you get the most out of each Ortega can. The Ortega signature roasting method allows more flavor to come out and is used for a better Mexican flavor.
Mild Flavor
These Ortega Diced Green Chiles have a mild spice that will not be too much for those who don’t like a very spicy taste. It adds a bit of spice without being too much to handle and can be used for meat and bean chilis alike.
Pros:
- 12-pack
- 4-ounce cans
- Fire roasted chiles
- Mild flavor profile
- Spices up beans and meats
Cons:
- Some pieces are not cut up small enough
- Mild spice may be too mild
7. Armour Star Chili With Beans, 14 oz. (Pack of 12)
What You Will Love: The Armour Star Chili with beans is a 14-ounce can that is sold in a pack of 12 cans. These cans contain both beans and meats to create a hearty and filling chili that can be used to make a large pot for a family meal or a small pot chili for a single person.
Two Meats
This chili contains two different types of meat in each can with the beans. Pork and beef are included to add a higher protein content and to give a nice mix of flavors that can be used for either a Texas-style or Mexican-style dish.
12-Pack of Cans
This pack of Armour Star Chili with beans comes in a pack of twelve cans that can be used for a canned food collection for emergencies or can be used for a large meal for a large pot of chili that is made to feed many people.
Ready to Eat Chili
This specific chili has everything you need for a whole meal of chili and is ready to eat. You can heat it up in the microwave or in a pot on the stove and serve right away instead of needing to fully cook and prepare it.
Pros:
- 14-ounce cans
- 12-pack of cans
- Contains pork and beef
- Includes beans
- Ready to eat
Cons:
- This chili is heavy on the salt
- Higher price than similar products
8. Wolf Brand No Beans Chili – 6/15 oz. Cans
What You Will Love: The Wolf Brand No Beans Chili is a two-meat option that does not have beans and instead makes a hearty, meaty chili that fills you up and has a high amount of protein. This option also has an authentic Texas-style recipe that gives a more TexMex flavor.
Pork and Beef
For those who want a meat-filled chili that doesn’t contain mostly beans, this is the one. With both pork and beef in the can and no beans as a filler, you get the full meat flavor of both options for a savory taste.
Texas-Style Flavor
This Wolf Brand Chili has a flavor that is reminiscent of Texas BBQ and offers a blend of southern flavors with a south of the border flavor. This mix gives you a great TexMex taste that is sure to please everyone.
15-Ounce Cans
This 6-pack of chili cans each comes in a 15-ounce can that offers more chili per can than other options. Wolf Brand No Beans Chili is great for larger families, or to keep in an emergency food supply for when disasters strike.
Pros:
- 15-ounce cans
- 6-pack of cans
- Pork and beef
- Texas-style flavor
- Ideal for emergency canned goods
Cons:
- Meats are really finely ground which can feel watery
- Has a spice that is not expected, may be too hot for some customers
9. Cattle drive gold Beef Chili with Beans 8/15 Oz
What You Will Love: The Cattle Drive Gold pack of chili cans is a beef chili with beans that offers eight cans in a pack. The chili also contains tomato and is free of gluten so that those who are sensitive to it can still enjoy this savory chili.
Gluten-Free
These cans of chili contain no ingredients that have gluten, so they are safe to eat by those who are sensitive or allergic to gluten and cannot have it in their diets or those who like to stay away from it for personal reasons.
8 Cans
This pack of Cattle Drive Gold comes with eight cans that are ready to eat and can be used for dinner dishes whenever needed. This also makes a good option for keeping for natural disasters or emergencies.
Real Sea Salt
This Cattle drive gold Beef Chili with beans and beef uses real sea salt to help flavor and preserve the chili. Sea salt has a saltier flavor than other options and allows you to use less to keep the sodium content low without sacrificing taste.
Pros:
- 15-ounce cans
- 8-pack of cans
- Gluten-free option
- Uses real sea salt
- Low sodium content
Cons:
- Has a spiciness that is not advertised, some customers may not like this
- Comes at a high price for an 8-pack
10. Joan of Arc Beans, Spicy Chili, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)
What You Will Love: The Joan of Arc Spicy Chili Beans is a hot and flavorful choice that will make a great foundation for a chili. The can contains only the beans, so all other ingredients will need to be added. This is ideal for those who want fresh ingredients but want canned and ready to eat beans with a hint of spice.
Pack of 12
These chili beans cans come in a large pack of twelve that is ideal for large family meals or holiday gatherings but can also be a good option for keeping extra cans for emergencies because a 12-pack can last a long time.
Hot Flavor
These Joan of Arc Beans and chili cans all have a spicy flavor profile that adds heat to any homemade chili you would like to make. The spice level is high, which may be too much for some, but can be toned down with other ingredients or can be enhanced with other spices if you enjoy that flavor.
All Beans
This 12-pack of chili beans has cans that contain only beans. This makes the perfect foundation for creating a chili from scratch without having to cook your beans. The beans are already spiced and flavored, so you can cook all other ingredients and just add these cans to it.
Pros:
- 15-ounce cans
- 12-pack of cans
- Has a hot flavor
- Comes already seasoned
- Contains only beans
Cons:
- Should be rinsed before adding to chili
- Cans are not completely filled to the top with beans
How to Choose the Best Canned Chili?
Choosing a canned chili is not as difficult as you might imagine. Knowing what you are looking for is certainly the best way to go about choosing a chili that is going to work for you and that is going to taste great.
There are a few different factors to consider when choosing the best canned chili and knowing what to look for can make the selection process that much simpler.
Types of Chili
The first factor to consider is what type of chili you want. There are a few different types of chili and the most common is chili con carne, which means, chili with meat.
Chili Con Carne
This is going to be a chili that is either just meat and chili sauce with spices and vegetables, or chili with meat and beans.
This is going to be a heartier chili that can stand alone and that does not have to have any sort of noodles or other accompanying elements with it.
Related Reading: Best Canned Refried Beans
Chili Verde
Another variety you may consider is a chili verde, or green chili. This type of chili is traditionally made with pork, not beef, and is made with green salsa or green chili sauce.
This is going to be a chili that is not made with red sauce and that is made with green chili so it may be a bit spicy for some. A chili verde is fantastic for those that want something that is a bit different and that may not taste like a traditional chili.
White Chili
The last variety you may encounter is a white chili, or poultry chili. This chili is, again, not going to use a red tomato based sauce and is going to focus on a chicken or a turkey.
This type of chili is in a gravy more than a sauce and is delicious and great for stand-alone recipes and for pairing with other types of foods.
Ingredients
Another factor that you want to keep in mind is the overall ingredient list. A traditional chili is going to have meat, beans, tomato, peppers, and spices. You want to take a look at the ingredients of a canned chili before you buy to see if it fits the recipe or purpose that you are using it for.
If you are adding it to noodles you may not need beans, if you are eating it alone you may not want meat, so on and so forth. You also want to look at the quality of ingredients and things like preservatives, special ingredients, and even meats that have not been overly processed.
Nutritional Value
Since chili is a dish that is made with beans and beef generally, a good chili is going to have iron, fiber, protein, and more and is going to be fantastic for you in terms of keeping you full.
With any canned food you want to watch the overall salt content of the food. Canned chili can easily get very salty and slightly hard to eat. You also want to watch out for fat content as canned chili can also get fatty. Chili is a great canned food but it can easily become bad for you if you are not taking the time to consider nutritional value.
Recipe and Taste
You also want to pay attention to the overall taste of the chili and the recipe. Most brands are going to offer several different recipes like hot, spicy, mild, medium, Texas style, sweet, etc.
You want to take the time to look at the different recipes that the brand offers to find one that fits the needs of the recipe or purpose that you are using it for. A recipe can change the overall taste of a chili as well.
A recipe can change the overall taste of a chili as well. Taking the time to read the ingredients and really look at the different flavors can help you to figure out what recipe that works best for you. Taking time to try out a few different recipes from the same brand may help you to decide which is going to work best for you.
Containers and Shelf Life
The last factor you want to consider when buying the best canned chili is to think about what container it is stored in and what the shelf life is.
Those chili brands that are made with more natural ingredients are going to have a shorter shelf life than those that are made with preservatives and those that may not be as natural. You may also want to consider the container.
Brands like Hormel make microwave cups that are made of plastic, but for the most part, chili is going to be in a tin or aluminum can. Looking at shelf life can also give you an indication of things like salt content, preservatives used, and what goes into the chili.
Our Recommendation: Best Canned Chili
Finding the right chili for your meal doesn’t need to be difficult. With the reviewed options we covered in detail, you can choose which ones you like the most.
Whether you want to go with our top choice of the Amy’s Organic Chili Medium with Vegetables, or you decide you would like to try another brand on the list, you will be getting a great-tasting product.
You can also come back to this list if you feel like trying a new chili or bean for your next meal and purchase a can that you haven’t bought before, to mix things up. However you decide to go about it, you can find the best canned chili for your next dish.
