The Versatile Trader Joe’s Canned Item Its Customers Can’t Stop Finding Uses For

Apart from Trader Joe’s canned fish selection (which recently got an upgrade, courtesy of its new canned clams), its tinned food doesn’t often get a lot of attention. That’s arguably because canned food just isn’t that flashy. Affordable, reliable, good for a nuclear apocalypse: All these things may be true. But show-stopping? Not really – and when it’s placed next to the ever-changing lineup of exciting Trader Joe’s releases, it doesn’t really stand out. 

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Well, I encourage you to think of one of its canned products like a faithful lover, who may not be an A-list movie star, but who will be there at the end of a hard day when you need them most. Customers definitely feel that way about its Turkey Chili with Beans. 

Trader Joe’s Turkey Chili with Beans

This week, Trader Joe’s shoppers have been busy praising its Turkey Chili with Beans on Reddit, thanks to its impressive versatility. The thread, appropriately titled “Turkey Chili and its many, many uses,” garnered dozens of responses, with people sharing how they wield it in their evening meals. 

These uses run the gamut from being a topping for other food items to being an integral part of the recipe itself. The original poster of the thread’s personal recommended use is to top a buttered sweet potato with the chili, following up with some shredded cheese and maybe some Greek yogurt or sour cream, if you’re so inclined. Others said they use it in chili mac (one person mixes it with protein pasta and cottage cheese for a more gym-friendly version), while others still add it to Frito pies or homemade nachos. Look, all I’m saying is, you have options. 

Old Faithful

Some customers also pointed out that Trader Joe’s Turkey Chili with Beans has a surprisingly good nutritional profile – and while it’s still very salty (each serving has 790 milligrams of sodium, or 34% of your recommended allowance), it shines in other areas. The chili has 17 grams of protein per portion and, maybe more impressively, 15 grams of fiber. Given that barely anyone gets enough of the latter, that’s nice to see.

As for how I would use this chili, as I was typing away, I had the thought that it would probably be seriously good encased in puff pastry. Think about it: A spoonful of chili enrobed in flaky, crunchy, egg-washed dough, baked until golden? Maybe served with a dipping sauce? Sign me up.