Yes, there are several brands and varieties of canned chili without meat. Canned chili is a popular convenience food that can be eaten alone or used in recipes. While traditional chili recipes contain ground beef, turkey, or other meats, vegetarian and vegan versions have become widely available. Major chili brands like Hormel, Amy’s, and Bush’s all offer meatless options made with vegetables, beans, soy protein, or seitan. There are many reasons people seek out meatless chili, including dietary restrictions, health concerns, environmental impacts of meat production, and personal taste preferences. When shopping for canned meatless chili, important factors to consider are nutritional profile, spice level, bean type, and thickness.
Why Eat Meatless Chili?
There are several motivations that lead people to choose meatless canned chili:
- Vegetarian or vegan diets – People who avoid meat for ethical, environmental, or health reasons need a hearty, protein-filled chili option.
- Health benefits – Meatless chilis can be lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber than traditional beef chili.
- Variety – Trying new flavors and expanding one’s palate can be fun and rewarding.
- Environment – Producing meat has major environmental impacts. Meatless chilis have a smaller carbon footprint.
- Budget – Canned vegetarian chili is often cheaper than those made with meat.
- Taste preference – Some people simply enjoy the flavor of vegetable-based chili over meat-based.
Whether for lifestyle, health, ethical, monetary, or taste reasons, meatless canned chili fills an important niche.
Nutrition Comparison of Meatless vs Meat Chili
Meatless chilis have some nutritional advantages over beef-containing options:
| Nutrient | Meat Chili (beef) | Meatless Chili |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 cal per serving | 180 cal per serving |
| Total Fat | 8 g | 2.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg | 900 mg |
| Protein | 12 g | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g | 6 g |
As shown, typical meatless chilis are lower in calories, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol compared to beef chili. They provide a cholesterol-free plant-based protein source. Meatless chilis also contain more fiber, which aids digestion. However, they can be higher in sodium.
Major Brands of Meatless Canned Chili
Several major food brands offer meat-free canned chili options:
Hormel Vegetarian Chili
– Made with textured vegetable protein instead of meat
– 19 g of protein per serving
– 7 g of fiber
– 480 mg of sodium
– Milder flavor suitable for those new to meatless chili
Amy’s Organic Chili
– Made with organic beans, tomatoes, and vegetables
– 17 g of protein per serving
– 7 g of fiber
– 750 mg of sodium
– Vegan and non-GMO
– Spicier flavor palate
Bush’s Chili Beans
– Contains chili, beans, and tomatoes but no meat
– 13 g of protein per serving
– 11 g of fiber
– 800 mg of sodium
– Very affordable option
– Kidney beans provide substantial texture
MorningStar Farms Chili
– Made with soy protein crumbles instead of meat
– 14 g of protein
– 6 g of fiber
– 910 mg of sodium
– Lower fat than beef chili
– Mild spice level
What to Look for When Selecting
When choosing a meatless canned chili, here are some factors to consider:
- Ingredients – Check for types of vegetables, beans, soy or wheat proteins used.
- Spice level – Assess your tolerance for heat and flavor intensity.
- Texture – Ingredient differences impact the chili’s thickness and consistency.
- Sodium content – Limit intake if you have high blood pressure.
- Allergens – Watch for potential allergens like soy or wheat-based ingredients.
- Added sugars – Some chilis include molasses, corn syrup, etc. for enhanced flavor.
Prioritize your taste, nutrition, and diet needs when selecting the best meatless chili brand and variety.
How to Use Canned Meatless Chili
Canned vegetarian chili can be used in all the same ways as traditional meat-based chili:
- Eat straight out of the can heated up
- Pour over hot dogs, fries, nachos, or baked potatoes
- Make chili cheese dogs by topping hot dogs in buns with chili and shredded cheese
- Add to cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for chili mac or bowls
- Top baked potatoes with chili, cheese, onions, and sour cream
- Make tamale pies by layering corn muffin mix, chili, and cheese in a casserole dish
- Stuff peppers or mushrooms with a mixture of chili, beans, rice, and cheese
- Mix into scrambled or fried eggs
- Use as a dip for tortilla chips, crackers, or raw veggies
- Make chili cheese fries by topping fries with chili and cheese
With so many quick and easy recipe ideas, canned vegetarian chili can be a versatile meal starter and tasty plant-based protein source.
Homemade Meatless Chili Recipe
While convenient, canned chilis often contain high sodium and preservatives. Making meatless chili at home allows control over ingredients. Here is a simple stove-top recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp each: cumin, oregano, paprika
– 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
– 2 15-oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
– Optional garnishes: cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in spices and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat and continue simmering 10-15 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve hot topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro if desired.
This simple homemade chili skips the meat but keeps all the flavor. Adjust spice amounts to preference and garnish as desired.
Conclusion
For those seeking a hearty, protein-packed chili without the meat, there are many canned and homemade options. All major chili brands offer meatless varieties made from vegetables, beans, soy, or wheat proteins. When shopping, compare nutrition labels and ingredients to find a flavorful chili that suits your tastes and diet. Meatless chilis can be used in all the same ways as traditional beef-based chilis. With so many cholesterol-free, high-fiber choices, going meat-free with chili can be easy and delicious.