Healthy Food Guideby KarbCoach

Healthy Food Guide by KarbCoach

Hormel Chili No Beans: Food Integrity analysis

Updated 2026-10-17 · Hormel

Quick answer

Mixed integrity

Hormel chili no beans received a Food Integrity Score of 62 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects highly processed and moderate additive load. This is a canned chili built on a beef and pork base with simple pantry staples like tomato paste, corn flour, and oatmeal, but it leans on modified cornstarch, hydrolyzed protein, and vague flavoring to deliver its taste and texture. Those extra helpers, plus 988 mg of sodium per cup, make it a reasonable occasional convenience food rather than an everyday staple. Main considerations include modified cornstarch and hydrolyzed protein formulation helpers, vague flavoring and spices terms, and high sodium per serving. Simpler options: Choose versions with fewer flavor helpers and modified starches; make a batch at home with lean meat, beans or tomatoes, and your own spices.

Food Integrity Score 62/100

What stood out on the label?

  • Highly processed
  • Moderate additive load
  • Transparency: Medium

What to watch?

  • Modified cornstarch and hydrolyzed protein formulation helpers
  • Vague flavoring and spices terms
  • High sodium per serving

Simpler options to consider

  • Choose versions with fewer flavor helpers and modified starches
  • Make a batch at home with lean meat, beans or tomatoes, and your own spices

You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.

Source data, GTIN, and Healthy Food Guide analysis details

Product facts

Product
Hormel Chili No Beans
Brand
Hormel
Category
Prepared Meals (source: Chili & Stew)
GTIN / UPC
00037600366212
Serving size
236 g (1 cup)
Source data — ingredients
Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
Healthy Food Guide analysis
Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
Data last verified

Food Integrity results

Chili No Beans

Hormel

Mixed integrity

Warning Signs

Modified cornstarch, hydrolyzed soy/corn/wheat protein, and unspecified flavoring all signal a formulated product, not a simple pantry recipe.

Consider This

Yeast extract, flavoring, and hydrolyzed protein are flavor-builders typical of factory-formulated canned foods.

Good Substitutes

Brown a pound of lean ground beef with onion, garlic, tomato paste, and your own chili powder and cumin for a simple homemade pot.

Overall Assessment

Mixed integrity

This is a canned chili built on a beef and pork base with simple pantry staples like tomato paste, corn flour, and oatmeal, but it leans on modified cornstarch, hydrolyzed protein, and vague flavoring to deliver its taste and texture. Those extra helpers, plus 988 mg of sodium per cup, make it a reasonable occasional convenience food rather than an everyday staple.

Key Highlights

What stood out

  • Modified cornstarch and hydrolyzed protein formulation helpers
  • Vague flavoring and spices terms
  • High sodium per serving

Family Watchlist

Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.

  • Modified Cornstarch — Modified starch used for texture
  • Hydrolyzed Soy, Corn, and Wheat Protein — Flavor-boosting protein hydrolysate
  • Flavoring — Unspecified flavor system
  • Yeast Extract — Concentrated savory flavor
  • Contains 2% or less of Sugar — Refined sweetener

Highest concern ingredients

  • Modified Cornstarch (7/10) — Chemically modified starch for texture engineering.
  • Flavoring (7/10) — Vague flavor system with undisclosed components.
  • Hydrolyzed Soy, Corn, and Wheat Protein (6/10) — Processed protein used for flavor boosting.

Better choice tips

  • Choose versions with fewer flavor helpers and modified starches.
  • Make a batch at home with lean meat, beans or tomatoes, and your own spices.

Ingredients

Ingredient list

WATER, BEEF AND PORK, TEXTURED SOY FLOUR, OATMEAL, CORN FLOUR, CHILI POWDER (CHILI PEPPERS, FLAVORING), CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SUGAR, SALT, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, HYDROLYZED SOY, CORN, AND WHEAT PROTEIN, TOMATO PASTE, FLAVORING, YEAST EXTRACT, SPICES.

Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.

Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.

  1. Modified CornstarchConcern 7/10 — Higher concernModified starchWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Modified starch

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Modified starches are texture engineering helpers rather than kitchen staples.

    Additional note

    Chemically modified starch used for texture stabilization.

    Family watchlist

    Modified starch used mainly for texture and thickening.

  2. FlavoringConcern 7/10 — Higher concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term

    What this is

    Vague ingredient

    Processing category

    Unknown / not listed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Unspecified flavoring can hide several flavor inputs.

    Additional note

    Unspecified flavoring system with no source detail.

    Family watchlist

    Broad flavoring term without specific sourcing.

  3. Hydrolyzed Soy, Corn, and Wheat ProteinConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernFlavor proteinWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Flavor protein

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Hydrolyzed proteins are flavor-engineering inputs used to boost savoriness.

    Additional note

    Enzyme- or acid-broken protein used for savory flavor.

    Family watchlist

    Hydrolyzed protein used as a savory flavor enhancer.

  4. Textured Soy FlourConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernProtein extender

    What this is

    Protein extender

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Extruded soy is a formulation-oriented protein ingredient.

    Additional note

    Extruded soy protein used as meat extender.

View all 14 ingredient assessments
  1. Chili Powder (chili peppers, flavoring)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term

    What this is

    Vague ingredient

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Unspecified flavoring makes this blend less transparent.

    Additional note

    Blend includes unspecified flavoring alongside chili peppers.

    Family watchlist

    Contains unspecified flavoring within the spice blend.

  2. Yeast ExtractConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernFlavor enhancerWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Flavor enhancer

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Yeast extract is a concentrated flavor input adding savoriness.

    Additional note

    Concentrated yeast flavor used for savory depth.

    Family watchlist

    Concentrated flavor enhancer often used in savory formulations.

  3. Corn FlourConcern 3/10 — Mild concernRefined grain

    What this is

    Refined grain

    Processing category

    Natural refined

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Refined corn fraction adds bulk rather than whole-food character.

    Additional note

    Refined corn flour used as thickener and filler.

  4. Contains 2% or less of SugarConcern 3/10 — Mild concernSweetenerWatchlist

    What this is

    Sweetener

    Processing category

    Natural refined

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Refined sugar is present in a small amount.

    Additional note

    Small refined sugar addition for balance.

    Family watchlist

    Refined sweetener, present in small quantity.

  5. SpicesConcern 3/10 — Mild concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term

    What this is

    Vague ingredient

    Processing category

    Unknown / not listed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Spices is a broad term without listed specifics.

    Additional note

    Broad spice category with unspecified components.

    Family watchlist

    Broad spice category without itemized components.

  6. Beef and PorkConcern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Recognizable meat base, typical for canned chili.

    Additional note

    Meat base; processing expected for canned chili.

  7. OatmealConcern 1/10 — Very low concernWhole grain

    What this is

    Whole grain

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Recognizable grain used as a binder or filler.

    Additional note

    Grain filler; minimal processing.

  8. SaltConcern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Salt is simple, but this product carries high sodium overall.

    Additional note

    Basic seasoning; sodium load noted at product level.

  9. Tomato PasteConcern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Recognizable tomato base with category-normal processing.

    Additional note

    Concentrated tomato; expected preparation.

  10. WaterConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Plain water is a neutral base ingredient.

    Additional note

    Basic liquid base with no added concern.

This Food Integrity score estimates how closely the ingredient profile resembles simple, recognizable foods. It is not a medical safety rating. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.

How this product may fit different goals

The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.

  • Low-Spike Stability

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)

    See more for this goal

  • Heart-Healthy Eating

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Added-sodium ingredients (Mentions "salt". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • GLP-1 Eating Support

    Supportive

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.

    A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "pork". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Low Sugar Lifestyle

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)

    See more for this goal

  • Appetite & Portion Awareness

    Supportive

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.

    A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "pork". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Workout Recovery

    Supportive

    Athletic Performance

    For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.

    A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "pork". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

See how this product fits your goals

Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.

Personalize this analysis

Understanding the Food Integrity analysis

What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates

The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.

Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter

Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.

Who may prioritize Food Integrity

Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.

How Food Integrity differs from Longevity

Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.

Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too

The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.

Common questions about this product

Is Hormel Chili No Beans highly processed?

Food Integrity lists processing level as Highly processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.

How much fiber is in one serving?

Hormel Chili No Beans shows about 3.07g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.

Does it contain added sugar?

Hormel Chili No Beans: 3.99g total sugar per serving. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.

What helped the Longevity Score?

Key positives called out in the analysis include: Meaningful protein per serving (~15g); Contains some fiber (~3g) from oatmeal and soy; Relatively simple core ingredient list.

What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?

Key concerns noted include: High sodium (~989 mg per cup); Processed beef and pork base with textured soy; Modified cornstarch, hydrolyzed protein, and flavorings.

Who might evaluate this product differently?

People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same prepared meals differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.

Other published analyses in Prepared Meals, selected from the same Healthy Food Guide catalog.

Source data and Healthy Food Guide analysis

  1. Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
  2. Healthy Food Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
  3. How the Longevity Score is calculated
  4. How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
  5. Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
  6. Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
  7. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information

Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.

Sources, citations & safety

See how this item lines up with your goals

Healthy Food Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.

Set your goals in KarbCoach

Also available in the app

Download on the App StoreGet it onGoogle Play