Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 10 Best Canned Chilis To Spice Up Your Snack Time

If you’ve ever been to a chili cookoff, you know that people get serious about their chili recipes. What used to be a campfire meal for cowboys out on the range has become a food with a cult following. Of course, we’d all love to make chili from scratch whenever we get the craving for the spicy, protein-packed, one-pot meal. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to prepare a great bowl of chili. That’s why so many have food companies have invested in providing their customers with an excellent canned chili.

Whatever your chili preference is — vegetarian, white, turkey, extra beans, no beans, Cincinnati style — you’ll be able to find a canned chili that can satisfy your craving. So get your bread bowls, cornbread, tortilla chips, and any other toppings you may need. We’ve hunted down the best canned chili options for your pantry.

Best Spicy Chili: Campbell’s Chunky Chili, Hot and Spicy

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Unafraid of a little heat? You just may want a glass of water nearby. Campbell’s Hot and Spicy will provide a fiery experience for your taste buds. Their recipe features a beef and pork crumble with both red and green peppers. The flavor is balanced with just enough garlic and onion to round out the robust texture. Seasoned with chipotle chili peppers, you’ll find it quite filling and appropriately bold. The real secret is the paprika component included in that mix of spices.

Best Vegetarian Chili: Better Bean Three Sisters Chili

Image used with permission by copyright holder

For those that prefer meatless options, this flavorful chili is going to become an immediate favorite. By using ingredients such as squash, yam, beans, and tomatillos, Better Bean knocks it out of the park with a full-bodied recipe. You don’t need to fear an excess of heat, either. The spices and seasonings include garlic, cumin, oregano, and Ancho pepper. The Three Sisters variety is also dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-fat.

Best Texas Style Chili: Wolf Brand Chili

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you have had any experience with Texan cuisine, you’ve no doubt been introduced to classic Texas chili. An American tradition, this recipe dates back to the year 1895. Texas-style is often distinguished by its exclusion of beans in pursuit of a meatier flavor. Generous amounts of beef and pork are smothered in a blend of seasonings for a thick, protein-rich dish. The meat used in the Wolf Brand is all-natural, providing an excellent source of iron.

Best Chili Con Carne: Nalley Original Chili Con Carne

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you prefer a more classic rendition of chili, the Nalley Original Chili Con Carne will fit the bill perfectly. It retains the most beloved elements of a well-rounded stew. Smothered meat and beans are mixed with rich spices and seasonings. This particular chili is delicious on its own but is excellent poured over the top of hot dogs or served alongside a summer barbecue.

Best Chicken Chili: Hormel Natural White Chicken Chili

Image used with permission by copyright holder

From the Number 1 selling chili in America, Hormel does chicken-based chili the justice it deserves. All-natural ingredients include a wholesome blend of chicken, bell peppers, tomato, and white beans. Hormel chicken includes tender rib meat, which enhances the consistency in each can. The spice level is lower compared to most other chilis, which makes this a safe and filling choice. The chicken is certified to be MSG-free, and gluten-free.

Best Cincinnati Style Chili: Skyline Chili Original

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve never had the pleasure of consuming authentic Cincinnati chili, this is a wonderful place to start. The Skyline has it just right — a thinner consistency and unique spices to set it far apart. Often using seasonings such as cinnamon, allspice, and Worcestershire, you’ll be surprised at the tasty marriage of sweet and savory. This rich flavor highlights city cuisine and diverse additions to a classic dish.

Best Turkey Chili: Dennison’s Chili with Turkey

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Widely advertised as America’s “Stand-Up” chili, Dennison’s chili is certainly hearty and healthy. It is so generously made, if you plant your spoon in the bowl, that spoon should stand straight up. Additionally, each serving is 98% fat-free. Turkey is a typically leaner meat, so those looking to avoid red meat will appreciate this selection. Their recipe is crafted with plump turkey, vine-ripened tomatoes, beans, bell peppers, and onions. The spices include Jalapeno and chipotle peppers for an appropriate kick.

Best Chili Verde: Juanitas Pozole De Puerco Con Chile Verde

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Believe it or not, Juanitas has been providing delicious and spicy selections since 1946. This chile verde serves up the telltale green chile with pork broth, jalapeno, and cilantro. The broth is simmered slowly for maximum flavor. If you prefer Mexican flavor profiles, this is the ideal choice for you. The traditional, homestyle taste is blended perfectly. Excellent with rice, a side of tamales, or even shredded cabbage with lime.

Best Black Bean Chili: Amy’s Organic Black Bean Chili

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A proper black bean chili needs a blend of spices that stand alone, and Amy’s Organic selection can hold its own. Each serving combines tomato, onion, bell pepper, chilis, lime, and garlic for a sensational taste. All ingredients, including the beans themselves, are completely organic and certified by the USDA. An excellent source of fiber, this chili can be eaten as-is or used as a chili starter. For this, simply pour into a pot and add meat, chopped vegetables, and broth as desired until the proper consistency is reached.

Best Artisan Chili: Vietti Artisan Craft Chili

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Are you craving something a little different? For a taste off the beaten path, Vietti has multiple artisan recipes you’ll love. Their craft chili contains no preservatives and is packed with chicken, salted porter ale, onion, peppers, and even molasses. The resulting taste is robust and down-to-earth. Vietti sells an excellent Buffalo Chicken chili that will be sure to please.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Steven Johnson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Steven Johnson is a chef-turned-content strategist. He now helps companies attract and retain more customers through content…
The 10 best sweet treats for your Valentine’s Day celebration
These desserts are perfect for sharing with your Valentine
Inside Out Red Velvet Cookies

Some folks love Valentine's Day, spending the day with your special someone, fully embracing the hearts and flowers of it all. Others take great pride in declaring it a commercial greeting card holiday, and rebelling against the societal pressures set upon them. But no matter how you look at the day, it has one benefit for all: it's an excuse to make really good desserts. These 10 Valentine's Day dessert recipes range from entry-level to expert offering sugary bliss to cooks and bakers of any level. They also vary in prep and cook time, so no matter how busy you are you'll be able to whip one of these up no problem.

These Valentine's Day desserts would be great after a delicious Valentine's Day dinner or while watching a Valentine's Day movie.
Related Guides

Read more
The best Super Bowl snacks: Your party will be a win even if your team sucks
Wow your Super Bowl party guests with deviled eggs sprinkled with BBQ rub or smoky guacamole
Rodney Scott deviled eggs with pickled okra on a metal tray with a red fork.

No Super Bowl party is complete without an endless variety of snacks and appetizers. From spicy deviled eggs to guacamole and party mixes, Super Bowl snacks should be flavorful, fun, and plentiful. For expertise on this culinary journey, The Manual has curated five recipes from pitmasters to cookbook authors and pizza experts. One taste of these recipes, and your Super Bowl party guests will be singing your praises all year.
Rodney Scott's deviled eggs

Rodney Scott is a James Beard award-winning pitmaster of Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ and bestselling cookbook author of
Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day: A Cookbook
. These deviled eggs are upgraded with Rodney's Rib Rub, crispy pork skin, and pickles, making this a perfect bite for a Super Bowl party.

Read more
You can now design your own splitboard, courtesy of… Twix?
Twix has paired up with Olympian Maddie Mastro to create a split board; all it needs is your design!
The limited edition Twix Doughboard on a white background

The humble Twix. This confectionery world's mainstay has long divided us between those who prefer the left and those who prefer the right — I'm talking Twixes here, not politics. But their new product, the Twix Cookie Dough, is all about bringing them together, lovers of left and lovers of right. And what represents the conjoining of left and right better than the sport of splitboarding?

Sure, on the uphill, you've got a left and a right section, but the ride's true beauty starts when you bring the two together. Splitboarding is one of winter's biggest sports, taking the thrill of snowboarding into the backcountry with deep powder, steep lines, and the potential for true adventure. Twix has paired up with Olympian Maddie Mastro to design a two-part splitboard. Maddie has designed one half, but the other half, well, that's up to you.

Read more