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Canned Chili Showdown: A Taste Test
Canned chili offers convenience, but how does it stack up to homemade? I tried five popular brands to find the best option.
Hormel: Classic canned chili flavor, but very mild and bean-heavy.
Wolf Brand: Spicy and smooth, but spices dominate the flavor, overpowering the chili and beans.
Amy’s: Meat-free option with a surprisingly convincing tofu texture. Light and flavorful, with noticeable bell peppers.
Campbell’s Chunky Chili Mac: Unexpectedly good. Macaroni adds a pleasant texture, and the tomato flavor shines through.
Campbell’s Well Yes Veggie Chili: Thin and soup-like, with a noticeable spiciness. More of a minestrone soup than chili.
Overall, none of these canned chilis rivaled homemade, but some offered decent flavor and convenience. The Campbell’s Chunky Chili Mac stood out with its satisfying texture and mild tomato taste. For a quick and easy microwave meal, it’s the one I would recommend.