How We Tested

The Best of the Year testing team arranged for Amy’s Kitchen to ship the shelf-stable chili directly to 15 evaluators over a two-month testing period. Each received one can, so each hands-on assessment reflected a single preparation occasion. Consumer testers prepared the multi-serving chili according to package directions and shared it with family members. They evaluated taste, texture, overall quality, ease of preparation and likelihood to recommend, and reported what worked, what they would change and any problems encountered.

Our expert review included two nutrition judges and a chef judge, who assessed the ingredients and nutritional profile, labeling, sensory experience, category performance, value and marketing claims. Given the breadth of Amy’s company-wide sustainability initiatives, two sustainability judges conducted a focused review of the brand’s programs, claims and supporting materials, while two packaging experts separately assessed product’s packaging for innovation, recyclability and more. Best of the Year analysts and editors also prepared the product at home in addition to reviewing the entry and submitted materials.

What Experts and Consumer Testers Said

The registered dietitians on our judging team were struck by how much whole-food nutrition is packed into each can. "I was most impressed with the high protein content from non-meat, whole-food sources rather than additives," says one judge. "It's a really good packaged meal option.”

Vegetarians also raved about it: "I can't believe there's no meat in this chili. It's surprisingly satisfying for a completely plant-based dish. The tofu gives it real heartiness without tasting like a meat substitute. A homey, freshly prepared quality I wasn't expecting from a can," says another Best of the Year judge. And of course, convenience was a frequent highlight: “It’s a heat-and-eat meal you can lean on when there’s no time to cook and still feel good about what’s in the bowl,” added another consumer tester.

"High protein content from non-meat, whole-food sources rather than additives. It's a really good packaged meal option." -Best of the Year Judge & Food Category Expert

All testers were pleasantly surprised that canned chili could taste this close to homemade, with tender beans and vegetables and a hearty tofu base. They also loved having a reliably nourishing dinner ready in minutes, and the whole household generally dug in thanks to mild-leaning seasoning. A few testers noted they'd happily take a spicier version or a slightly thicker base, but these are easy fixes with sliced jalapeños, a shake of cayenne or some diced avocado. If you're feeding a crowd, the other amazing thing you can do is scale up very easily. Use two cans for two people, three for three, and so on. Or half the serving size and add a side salad or some crackers to make it a complete meal.

"An easy dinner after a long day with little — I mean no —prep time needed." -Best of the Year Consumer Tester

Judges noted Amy's commitment to organic ingredients and sourcing, confirming the now sources more than 100 million pounds of certified-organic ingredients a year, one of the deepest organic supply chains in packaged food, built on relationships with farmers it has supported for decades. This chili is that philosophy in a can: three beans, house-made tofu, organic vegetables, and a warm, medium-spiced sauce.

The care extends past the recipe. Amy's is a Certified B Corporation with a strong environmental record, from high waste diversion and water savings at its facilities to a can with an easy-open peel top and clear recycling instructions. And when nutrition assistance was threatened, the company committed to donating half a million organic meals because, as it puts it, high-quality food is a human right.

It's a heat-and-eat meal you can lean on when there's no time to cook and still feel good about what's in the bowl." -Best of the Year Consumer Tester

Best of the Year Bottom Line

Amy Organic Chili is a heat-and-eat meal you can lean on when you have no time to cook and you still want to feel good about what you're putting on the table. It's flavorful without bringing too much heat, making it an easy crowd-pleaser. Keep a can (or a few) in the pantry and you’ve got a hearty lunch or dinner ready in minutes — perfect for those hard day or snow days. We hate to say it, but winter is just around the corner and there's nothing like a steaming bowl of chili after a day on the slopes.

Why Trust Us?

The Best of the Year Media team comprises award-winning editors, analysts, subject-matter experts and consumer specialists who have spent their careers helping people make smarter, more confident decisions. With deep expertise across consumer lifestyle categories, our team brings decades of experience evaluating products, brands and services. Our recommendations are grounded in rigorous evaluation combined with expert judgment and consumer insights, giving readers trusted guidance on products, services, and experiences worth bringing into their lives.

P.S. We use affiliate shopping links where possible. We may make a few dollars if you click them. It’s one of the reasons we're able to give you a calmer site experience, with fewer ads and distracting pop-ups.