Augason FarmsSouthwest Chili Mix Can, Certified Gluten Free, Emergency Food Supply, Everyday Meals, 34 Servings

The quality is great and the taste is good.But the shelf life is why you buy it.And it is a fair price.5 stars for sure.

I have pretty much all good experiences with Augason Farms products. I really like this chili mix, and I would buy it and use it for any time not just for emergency use. It has a pretty good flavor on its own. Good base flavor, and is doable as is. I can't help myself, so I doctor it up a bit. I will add more of my own seasonings, sometimes add TVP or real beef, or add in extra vegetables. Serve over rice, noodles, or have a side of bread with it. But as is, with nothing else under or over it.. I would have no problem with it either.At this point I buy food on sale, and look for ways to stretch what I have to work with. When I can find sales on Augason Farms products, I usually buy a can or two. Some I use right away, some I tuck away. I find that the current global situation calls for using some of it now. Chili is nice way to fill the belly and is so easy to modify per person preference. I can make a little or a lot. I find that I spend less using this over buying all the ingredients to make a pot fresh. Or this can be used to stretch what I make. All the considerations, and this product this brand has a role in it.My can was in good shape. I occasionally get dented cans from Augason (and other brands). There is rarely anything in them that cant take a dent. Those concerns are primarily for acid foods, like tomato or pineapple, and that is with it having liquid. Many products in emergency packaging have additional packaging inside (like a bag within the can). I just really haven't ever been concerned.

Great product and service! Highly recommended!

I just received this today. I love chili but mostly eat it in the fall and winter months. I decided to open it and try it out. My first impression was it is not all that great as is right out of the package. It does not have really any flavor and it did not taste like any chili I ever had. Where is the meat, the tomatoes and, hot spices! But, after I thought about it a little while I realized. This would be a good base to make your own chili from. Everyone has different taste when it comes to chili. Some like it spicy hot and some do not. Then there are the different meats or meat substitutes people use. So whether your a meat lover or vegetarian, this is a great base to start your own chili from. Just add whatever meats, spices and, other ingredients you want in your chilli. This product is actually very versatile and can be used by anyone. Some of you may like it right out of the can and some of you won't, like me. I need meat in my chili. Also I like my chili a little more spicy so it will clear my nose after being outside in the cold. I like my chili to have tomatoes and tomato sauce in it as well. I was going to give this 2 or 3 stars but after much thought I have decided on a 4 star rating for now. I gave it this rating because I see potential. Yes, some people will like it the way it is but, I'm not one of those people. I will make my next batch my way using this as a base and then update this review.As for you backpackers out there, if you like this as is then just bring the water you need. Some hikers like bringing things to cook that are quick and simple. For those of you that need more in your chili and don't mind, just prepare it before your hike. Then put it in a heavy duty Ziploc bag. Being cooked already should help it last longer in your pack as well but don't wait to long. I see this product being used more by the home pepper then the backpacker because of prep and time. Not that it can not be done. Augason also makes many other products like onions, tomatoes, meats and substitutes, cheese, and so on. It just depends on how much you want to carry just to have this chili as a meal.

I'm used to having to cook Chili for hours over a hot stove, but now I don't have to do that anymore! Just add meat, sweat some onions and garlic, I add a dark beer for extra richness, add the mix and you've got a great meal! I also added a can of tomato sauce and beef bouillon for extra depth and this was GREAT!

Saving them in case of emergency!

Great "Chili Starter", but so bland a 4 year old wouldn't blink at it. It needs a lot more tomatoes, onions, peppers, seasoning, real or faux meat/chicken etc. badly. It says tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices are in it, but barely, I couldn't see or taste them. Did I mention how bland this stuff is?Does not tell you on the can, but way at the bottom there is a big silver Mylar pouch with the seasoning mix & thickener in it. I emptied the beans into a ziplock to keep inside the can and the Mylar pouch went into a large airtight canister for use with them over the next 6 months or so. Maybe opening the can from the bottom would work better. Makes 34 ONE CUP servings, so I would say really only 15- 20 adult meals. If you have teenage boys, all bets are off. Cheap compared to a restaurant, or canned, but for homemade, 100% from scratch you can do better if you buy dry beans and own a pressure cooker. Since you need to cook this stuff for 12-15 minutes IT IS NOT INSTANT FOOD. Not just add water, it has to be cooked. It is vegetarian so it has soy in it if that is a concern for anyone. I will stretch it out with my own cooked beans, tomatoes, rice, macaroni, whatever. I know this is emergency/prepper food, but I had to open it to try it so there it is. If you like bland food or you like to cook chili from almost scratch, this stuff is great.