Top 12 Best Canned Chili 2023 – The Versatility in Your Cooking

Are you one of those enjoyers who doesn’t even blink when eating a chili? If so, I’m sure you have a favorite somewhere in your pantry. It certainly represents a warm-up food for many people. I remember my grandma used to prepare hot chili sauce during winter to spice up a freezing day.

It was a beautiful homemade memory from a long time ago. However, due to its popularity, there are plenty of products sold in cans in the market nowadays. For all who love hot food all the time, this is some good news, it goes without saying.

Now, I want to guide you through my personal choices for the best available canned chili products.

1. Hormel Less Salt 

Recently, I tried the “Hormel Less Sodium Chili with Beans,” and it was a pleasant surprise. The reduced salt content didn’t take away from the rich flavors of beef, pork, and spices. I appreciated the hearty texture and the genuine taste of the beans and meat.

It was comforting to have a bowl on a cold evening, and I felt good knowing I was opting for a healthier choice with less sodium. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss chili that delivers on taste while being mindful of health. Would definitely recommend for those looking for a flavorful yet less salty option.

This is the best alternative when you don’t have time to make the sauce from scratch. For those that are always on the go, a quick and easy meal preparation is convenient.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Beef
• Beans
• Concentrated Crushed Tomatoes
• Corn Flour
• Powder and Peppers
• Salt
• Modified Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Spices/onions
• Green Chili, Jalapeno peppers

2. Wolf Brand Chili No Beans

The wolf brand made this “no beans” chili for those who want it simple like the old times. If you have problems with consuming beans, this product is your choice. This is also perfect to blend in with other ingredients that you have in mind.

Do you know what this one is best for? It’s an excellent sauce for breakfast Mexican recipe Chilaquiles. This is a bit higher in price than other kinds but it’s worth it.

Take note though that this also contains soy. If you can’t tolerate soy, this is not recommendable for you.

Ingredients:

• Beef and pork
• Water
• Tomato puree
• Rolled oats
• Textured vegetable protein
• Pepper
• 2% of salt
• Sugar
• Spices
• Garlic powder
• Soy
• Caramel color
• Sodium

3. Amy’s Kitchen Organic 

This spicy Mexican organic chili with medium beans and vegetables makes it a favorite pick for those who love strong taste of spice blended with sweetness, including myself. A 590 g can contains 25% sodium, 30% of vitamin A and 15% of vitamin C, 4% calcium and 10% of iron.

The product does not use eggs, fish, and peanuts. Hence, it does not impose a high risk for allergy-prone consumers. It’s guaranteed that Amy’s Kitchen ingredients are grown without the use of harmful chemicals and GMO’s.

Being a good source of protein and fiber, its not too hot and spicy tastes best with rice and meat. Not bad for a family business that promotes organic and healthy food. A shout out to all vegans out there, this is a great choice for you, no doubt about that.

Ingredients: (Organic)

• Red Beans
• Filtered Water
• Onions
• Tofu
• Bell Peppers
• Rice Flour
• High Oleic Safflower
• Sunflower Oil
• Jalapeno Peppers
• Spices
• Garlic
• Sea salt

4. Skyline Original 

I’ll let you be the judge of this one. I trust that you love the traditional taste of chili sauce which contains carefully picked ingredients. It’s neither salty nor bland for my taste, but it sure has a thick and spicy tang on it.

I invented my own “Chili spaghetti” with this canned chili and found out that sprinkling parmesan or cheddar on top of the pasta makes the taste incredible and amazing.

I tell you, it’s perfect for your tortilla dips shared with everyone after the party. In each can, it’s packed with a bit of calcium, iron, Vitamin A and C, protein, and sodium.

However, considering the reasonable price and the superb taste, I opt to choose this whenever I run out of my favorite chili blend. I recommend that you stock this in your pantry since it comes in handy for quick bites.

Ingredients:

• Beef
• Water
• Tomato sauce (water, tomato paste, dehydrated onion, garlic, paprika, and natural flavors)

5. Nalley Con Carne with Beans

Honestly, I grab this one first when I do the grocery. I love the taste of the well-cooked beans, tender and soft along with its sauce. A can offers high fiber with a minimum fat level in every serving. Not bad for health-conscious fanatics.

Do you know why I stick to this product? It reminds me of the homemade taste of my grandma’s sauce with beans. Yeah, it’s not just the nutrition, but the familiar flavor of it as well. Let me share with you a secret; Add a bit of your favorite Tabasco, and it will give you the kicks!

Ingredients:

• Water
• Beef
• Beans
• Tomato Paste
• Salt Spices
• Wheat Flour
• Malted Barley
• Soy protein/Soy/Wheat
• Sugar
• Paprika
• Flavorings

6. Armour Hot Dog 

During one of my recent grocery shopping trips, I stumbled upon Armour’s canned chili. Given the rising food prices, I was on the lookout for affordable yet tasty options, and Armour seemed to fit the bill. I decided to give it a try, and to my delight, it was a decent choice for its price.

It comes in two variations: one with beans and one without. I opted for the one with beans. The primary ingredients include water, pork, beef, and a blend of common seasonings. Even though it had a good flavor, I did notice that the texture was a bit on the grainier side.

Still, with a little creativity, I was able to enhance its taste. I added some diced leftover burger patties to the pot, and its texture and heartiness improved significantly. Overall, if you view Armour’s as a base to which you can add your own twist, it’s definitely worth a purchase.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Pork
• Beef
• Common seasonings

7. Campbell’s Chunky with Beans

Some months ago, I gave Campbell’s Chunky Chili with Beans a go. While it didn’t quite hit the mark for me as some other brands have, it’s still a commendable option. The chili boasts a robust tomato foundation, complemented by a mix of beans, beef, and pork. 

The seasoning is on point, and the inclusion of red and green peppers brings a flavorful twist. It’s a substantial meal, rich in protein, perfect for those moments when you need something quick and satisfying.

Even though it wasn’t my top pick, it’s a solid choice for anyone craving that traditional chili flavor with the heartiness of beans.

Ingredients:

• Beef
• Kidney beans
• Tomato puree
• Chili powder
• Spices

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing your canned chili is not that difficult at all. If you are that curious and determined to start eating spicy recipes, you need to know what to consider when buying one. Here are some facts you need to know when picking the right one for you.

Different Variants

For variations, there are different types that you can choose from in the supermarket. Depending on how you like your food to be, one of these types if not all could land as a regular in your kitchen.

Con Carne

The traditional spicy stew never fades when it comes to taste. This classic spicy sauce consists of peppers, tomatoes, beans, and meat. You may find that the usual seasoning for this blend is onions, garlic, and cumin.

Because of the diverse cooking culture each cumin country has, using con carne may be a basic dish for one or merely an ingredient for some. The seasonings may also change depending on the different taste preference. However, no matter what, using it saves up time in preparing meals.

Verde

Canned green chili could be super spicy or mild sauce or stew. It contains roasted green peppers, tomatillos, garlic, and bits of cooked pork in chicken soup. You may find some products with tomatoes, but mostly it does not have. If you are fond of burritos, then you have been eating Verde all the while.

White 

Are you surprised to know about white chili? It’s just called white because the dish color turns out white after cooking. Canned white contains bits of roasted chicken breasts or turkey meat, white beans and cream sauce instead of beef and tomato sauce.

If you have problems of hyperacidity or cannot tolerate spiciness, and you want your dish to be mild, choose this variant, to prevent it getting too hot.

Vegetable mix 

I like the idea of mixing other vegetables inside the canned chili. It makes the blend more flavorful and healthy. Check the labels of the can and choose those that have the vegetables that you like. Some likes it to be pure, but others also love the veggie mixture. Therefore, manufacturers made a variety of it particularly beans and tomato to suit the taste of consumers.

Meat-based and Vegetarian 

Vegetarians out there must be happy to know that there are products that don’t have meat and contains purely chili and vegetables. Because of some meat substitutes (beets, squash, mushrooms), it simply tastes like real meat.

For meat lovers like me, plenty of variants with meat is available that you can buy. You can choose between beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. You can choose between cubed or ground, chunky, creamy, and tender type of meats.

I know that many differ in preference so you can mix your own seasonings, vegetables, and kind of meat in accordance to your liking.

Spiciness

What is your tolerance when it comes to spicy food? Do you know that it’s even a challenge nowadays? Check the label of the canned chili, and you’ll see that the level of spiciness is indicated. Choose whether you like medium, medium-hot, hot, and super hot.

The spiciness of the canned chili is dependent on the kind  used to make it. Some like it mild, but for the extremes, they want it super spicy.

Thickness

Every brand has their own signature blend. Therefore, the thickness may differ. This is helpful when you want to cook several recipes that require different thickness. I commonly use the beef patty, tomato paste, and stew-like thickness.

FAQs

Why should I consider canned chili over homemade?

Canned chili offers convenience and a consistent flavor. It’s perfect for those who may not have the time to prepare chili from scratch but still want a hearty meal.

Is it gluten-free?

While some brands offer gluten-free options, it’s essential to read the label to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination.

Can I freeze leftover canned chili?

Canned chili can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 4-6 months for future use.

Is canned chili healthy?

Canned chili can be a convenient and affordable meal option, but whether or not it’s healthy depends on the specific brand and ingredients used.

Many canned chili brands contain high amounts of sodium, preservatives, and additives. Excessive consumption of sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, some canned chili brands may contain added sugars or unhealthy fats, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

However, there are some healthier options available on the market that use quality ingredients and have lower sodium content. It’s important to read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully when purchasing to make sure it aligns with your dietary goals and needs.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, making your own chili from scratch using fresh ingredients and lean proteins can be a good alternative. This allows you to control the sodium content and avoid additives and preservatives.

Does canned chili need to be cooked?

Canned chili typically comes pre-cooked and ready to eat straight out of the can. However, some people prefer to heat it up before consuming it for a more enjoyable and comforting meal.

If you choose to heat up canned chili, you can do so on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven. Simply pour it into a pot or microwave-safe dish and heat it until it’s hot and bubbly.

It’s important to note that if you do decide to heat up, be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking and consume them within three to four days. Additionally, be sure to reheat any leftovers thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Can I heat canned chili in its container?

It’s generally not recommended to heat canned chili in its container because most cans are not designed to withstand the heat of a stove, microwave, or oven. Heating its container can cause the can to swell or even explode, which can be dangerous.

Instead, it’s best to transfer it to a pot or microwave-safe dish before heating it up. This allows for more even heating and reduces the risk of any harmful chemicals leaching into the food from the can.

If you do decide to heat it up in its container, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use a can opener to fully remove the lid before heating. Never heat up in a can that has been opened partially or with a broken seal, as this can increase the risk of contamination.

Final Thoughts

What can I say? My top list of the best canned chili for me. I already noted the reasons above why each of them is the best for me. Remember, for the categories that I indicated, they are the best than the other products on the market.

When I feel homesick, I grab the Nalley. Skyline is perfect for my spaghetti, and if I’m motivated to eat healthily, Amy’s organic suits best. For the adventurous me, it’s a challenge to eat Wolf’s with friends and bring along Hormel’s for a quick breakfast at work.

See? They all are the best! What’s about you? What is your best pick?

See also:

• Best Oyster Sauce: Top 10 of the Finest Brands
• Best Canned Sardines that are Too Good not to Try
• What Chili Paste Substitute that is Easy to Find?