Taste Test: The Best and Worst Black Bean Chili Brands
Key Highlights :
As the weather gets colder and days get shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of chili. Black bean chili is a popular vegetarian-friendly option that is low in fat and nutrient-dense. But how does the store-bought version taste? We put seven brands of black bean chili to the test, from Amy’s Organic to 365, to find the best and worst.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that the majority of the chilis we tasted were flavorful and hearty. Amy’s Organic Chili had a delicious flavor with a decent spice kick and a complex, thick and piquant taste. 365 Everyday Value Black Bean Chili also had a great flavor with kernels of corn, intact beans and bits of tomato and pepper. Trader Joe’s Taco Beans, while not a chili, had an impressive flavor infused in the beans.
Unfortunately, not all of the chilis we tasted were winners. Whole Foods 365 Organic Chili was watery and bland, and the pricey box of Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Black Bean Chili was overly sweet.
The worst tasting chili of all was the most expensive one. Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Black Bean Chili was shockingly sweet, with a flavor that was more like a bowl of beans in tomato juice than a chili. If you’ve tried this one, politely request a refund.
Overall, our taste test of black bean chili brands revealed that Amy’s Organic Chili, 365 Everyday Value Black Bean Chili and Trader Joe’s Taco Beans were the best tasting, while Whole Foods 365 Organic Chili and Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Black Bean Chili were the worst. So if you’re looking for a delicious bowl of black bean chili, stick to the top three brands.
