When you’re craving chili but short on time, a good canned chili can be a true kitchen hero. It’s an easy way to enjoy hearty flavors without preparing from scratch. But with so many options on the shelf, choosing the best canned chili can feel overwhelming. Based on taste tests, expert opinions, and ingredient quality, here’s a detailed guide to help you find the top pick for convenience, flavor, nutrition, and versatility.
Top-Rated Canned Chilis: Standout Picks
Campbell’s Chunky Chili with Beans
This chili consistently ranks high across multiple taste tests from Food Republic, Simply Recipes, and Bon Appétit. It delivers a satisfying mix of beef, beans, and tomato, with a balanced texture where each bite includes meaty chunks and intact beans
Wolf Brand Angus Beef Chili (with Beans)
Praised for its large pieces of Angus beef and rich taste, this chili excels in texture and flavor. The daringkitchen’s panel rated its beefy chunks and velvety base highly, despite noting it’s rich in calories
Trader Joe’s Organic Vegetarian Chili
For a vegetarian or plant-based option, food experts from Simply Recipes unanimously select Trader Joe’s Organic Vegetarian Chili as a top choice. It combines a thick tomato-vegetable base with textured pea protein, delivering texture and flavor without meat or soy – ideal for vegetarians or those avoiding soy
Campbell’s Turkey Chili with Beans (Trader Joe’s brand)
Not to be overlooked, this turkey-based chili gets strong reviews for its homestyle feel and balanced spices. Priced around $2.69, it delivers a close-to-homemade taste thanks to ground turkey, red beans, tomatoes, and jalapeños
Other Notable Mentions
- STAGG Chili: Known for clarity in ingredients, bold texture, and a homemade feel, though slightly under-salted
- Brookdale (Aldi’s house brand): Offers good texture and value, though slightly mushy and chili-heavy in flavor
- Dannison’s: Affordable with smooth texture, great for quick chili mac meals
Categories: What to Consider
With Beans vs. Without Beans
Purists who prefer bean-free chili might gravitate toward Wolf Brand’s no-bean options. Bean lovers should look to Campbell’s or Trader Joe’s vegetarian/turkey varieties.
Meat-Based vs. Vegetarian
Wolf Brand and Campbell’s offer robust meat-based options, while Trader Joe’s vegetarian variety stands out for its hearty texture and meatless protein.
Nutrition and Health
Campbell’s, Trader Joe’s, and Amy’s variants offer moderate sodium levels and clearer, more natural ingredient lists. Wolf Brand wins on protein but packs more calories and fat
How to Choose the Best Canned Chili for You
- Flavor preference: Want beefy depth? Go for Campbell’s or Wolf Brand. Prefer veggie-forward or lighter options? Choose Trader Joe’s or turkey chili.
- Use case: Chili dogs or mac-and-cheese topping benefit from meaty chili; soups or vegetarian nachos suit the veggie versions.
- Ingredients: Those avoiding soy or artificial additives will appreciate Trader Joe’s and Campbell’s options.
- Price: Store brands like Brookdale and Dannison’s offer solid value, while premium options range $2-4 per can.
Tips for Enhancing Canned Chili
- Add fresh toppings: chopped onions, cilantro, cheese, sour cream.
- Cook briefly on the stove with added spices (cumin, chili powder) and fresh garlic.
- Serve over baked potatoes, with tortilla chips, on hot dogs, or in nachos.
- Stretch it as a sauce for chili mac, casseroles, or stuffed peppers.
The best canned chili depends on your taste and dietary needs. For authentic, hearty beef-and-bean flavor, Campbell’s Chunky Chili with Beans is a top pick. Meaty fans might prefer Wolf Brand’s Angus variant, while vegetarians and health-focused shoppers will appreciate Trader Joe’s Organic Vegetarian Chili. For a turkey-based compromise, Trader Joe’s Turkey Chili delivers on flavor and nutrition. When in doubt, enhance your favorite can with fresh ingredients and creative serving ideas.