Does Chili con carne contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy in the form of cheddar cheese. Regarding gluten, the ingredients list does not explicitly show wheat, but modified food starch can sometimes be a source; however, the primary allergen flags here are milk.

Is Chili con carne good for weight loss?

Generally, no. Due to the high fat content from beef and cheese, it is calorie-dense. It is better suited for maintenance or bulking diets rather than calorie restriction.

Where can I buy Chili con carne?

This type of canned chili is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains, as well as online via Amazon.

Is Chili con carne safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children, though the spice level (chili powder, hot sauce) might be too intense for toddlers. It does not contain caffeine.

Is Chili con carne Vegan?

No, traditional Chili con carne is strictly not vegan. Based on the ingredient list of this specific product, it contains both cooked ground beef and cheddar cheese, making it unsuitable for a plant-based diet. While it offers a rich, savory flavor profile, it is firmly rooted in animal-derived ingredients.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I analyze ingredients to determine dietary suitability. When we look at the label for this Chili con carne, the verdict is clear immediately. The primary flag is the presence of cooked ground beef. This is the defining ingredient of the dish ('carne' literally means meat in Spanish). It is not just a trace amount; it is a core component of the product's identity and flavor.

The second major flag for vegans is the cheddar cheese. The ingredients list specifies it is made from pasteurized milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes. Milk is an animal product, specifically a dairy derivative. Even if the beef were removed, the cheese would still render the dish vegetarian at best, but certainly not vegan.

There are also hidden animal-derived ingredients to consider. The product includes beef fat and a beef flavor concentrate. This concentrate is made from beef broth, beef flavor, and beef fat. Manufacturers often add these to intensify the savory 'umami' taste. Additionally, the hot sauce contains distilled vinegar and red pepper, which are vegan, but the overall dish is compromised by the meat and dairy.

Finally, the texture is manipulated with modified food starch and xanthan gum. While these are generally vegan-friendly (xanthan gum is produced by fermentation of sugar), they are used here to bind the animal fats and liquids together. The presence of yeast extract adds a savory depth, but it does not negate the animal origins of the main ingredients.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

milkbeef

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this Chili con carne is a dense source of calories and protein, largely due to the cooked ground beef and cheddar cheese. A standard serving likely contains a significant amount of saturated fat, derived from the beef fat and the cheese. If you are monitoring your cholesterol or saturated fat intake, this product would be considered a high-risk choice.

The sodium content is also worth noting. Between the salt, beef flavor concentrate, chili powder, and hot sauce, the sodium levels are likely elevated. This is common in canned chili to act as a preservative and flavor enhancer. For those on a low-sodium diet, this could exceed daily limits in a single serving.

Regarding carbohydrates, the product contains resistant maltodextrin and modified starch. These are often used as thickeners but can contribute to the total carb count. However, it is not a high-sugar product (aside from natural sugars in tomatoes and peppers). It fits a 'comfort food' macro profile: high fat, moderate protein, and moderate carbohydrates.