Does Plant-Based Chili With Beans contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients list, it does not contain dairy. It contains oats, which are naturally gluten-free but often cross-contaminated, so it is not certified gluten-free.

Is Plant-Based Chili With Beans good for weight loss?

It is moderate in calories and high in protein, which helps with satiety. However, the sodium content is high, and the added fats and sugars make it a calorie-dense processed food.

Where can I buy Plant-Based Chili With Beans?

This product is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and can be ordered online via Amazon or grocery delivery services.

Is Plant-Based Chili With Beans safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. It does not contain caffeine. However, the texture of the soy protein and the spice level might be too intense for very young children.

Is Plant-Based Chili With Beans Vegan?

The short answer is: **MAYBE**. While this chili contains no meat or dairy, it includes two controversial ingredients—palm oil and sugar—that strict vegans often avoid due to ethical and processing concerns. Here is the full breakdown of what is inside the can.

The Ingredient Breakdown

At first glance, the ingredient list for Plant-Based Chili With Beans looks promising. The base consists of water, pinto beans, and tomato puree, which are all staple vegan ingredients. The protein source is textured soy protein concentrate, a common meat substitute derived from soybeans. However, to understand if this product is truly vegan, we need to look at the two most flagged ingredients on the list.

The first flag is palm oil. Palm oil is technically plant-derived, but it is a major ethical concern for vegans. Its production is linked to massive deforestation, which destroys the habitats of endangered species like orangutans. Many ethical vegans choose to avoid palm oil entirely to prevent contributing to environmental damage.

The second flag is sugar. In the United States, many white sugars are processed using a filtration method that involves bone char—charred animal bones—to achieve a pure white color. Unless the package specifically states that the sugar is organic, raw, or explicitly labeled vegan, there is a chance it was processed with bone char.

Finally, we have natural flavors and yeast extract. While yeast extract is generally considered vegan (it is a byproduct of brewing), natural flavors can be a gray area. They can technically contain dairy derivatives, though in a savory product like chili, this is less likely. The product does contain soy, so it is not suitable for those with soy allergies.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

sugarpalm oil

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Plant-Based Chili With Beans is a solid source of protein and fiber, largely thanks to the textured soy protein and pinto beans. A single serving typically provides a significant amount of your daily iron and potassium needs. However, the product is also relatively high in sodium, which is common for canned soups and chilis.

Regarding the flagged ingredients, the palm oil contributes to the saturated fat content. While the amount is likely moderate, it is still an added fat that contributes to the overall calorie count. The sugar adds a small amount of empty calories and can spike blood sugar levels, though it is not a high-sugar product compared to desserts. If you are watching your sodium intake or following a strict low-fat diet, you might want to consume this in moderation.