Food has a fantastic way of bringing people together. Whether gathering around the dinner table with family, dropping off a warm meal to a friend in need, or cooking a comforting dish for new parents, sharing food is one of the simplest ways we connect with others. But food can also be surprisingly divisive.
From debates about the “right” ingredients to the most authentic recipes, certain dishes tend to stir up strong opinions.
In the world of social media, food debates have taken on a life of their own. A perfect example is chili—there are countless recipes, each with its twist. Some use ground beef, others shredded meat. Some have beans, some don’t.
No two recipes are the same, and people can get fiercely protective of their version of chili.
So, when Costco recently brought back its beloved prepared chili, it caused quite a stir online. While many customers were excited to see the return of this seasonal comfort food, others were quick to criticize it, questioning whether it’s really “authentic” chili at all.
The Return of Costco’s Chili Sparks Excitement
Costco’s prepared foods section is known for its affordable, crowd-pleasing dishes, and their heat-and-eat chili is no exception. The warehouse giant brought back its fan-favorite chili this fall, just in time for the cooler weather.
Priced at $3.50 per pound, it’s an easy, hearty meal for families looking to keep things simple during the busy week.
When the popular Instagram account @Costcohotfinds announced the return of Costco’s chili, fans were quick to share their excitement. “Been waiting for its return!” one commenter exclaimed. Another fan raved, “We love their chili! We serve it over rice, and our family of five eats it for two meals.”
Costco’s chili is made with ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, and a mix of seasonings, all topped with shredded cheese. It’s a convenient comfort food that many appreciate, especially on chilly fall evenings when cooking a big meal from scratch is out of the question.
But only some people are happy with this version of chili. The issue? Beans.
The Great Chili Discussion Beans or No Beans?
For some people, including beans in Costco’s chili is a significant problem. “That’s not chili—that’s bean soup with cheese,” one social media user grumbled. Another commenter from Texas stated, “Real chili has no beans here in Texas.”
This debate over beans in chili is nothing new. Traditional Texas chili, often called “Texas Red,” typically consists of beef and chili peppers with no beans. For many Texans, beans don’t belong in chili, and any dish that includes them doesn’t deserve to be called “chili” at all.
However, chili is a dish that varies greatly depending on where you are. Outside of Texas, it’s not uncommon to find chili recipes that include beans.
Many people love the added heartiness that beans bring to the dish. It’s also worth noting that Costco is a national chain catering to customers all across the U.S. Hence, it makes sense for them to offer a version of chili that incorporates different regional traditions—including beans.
A Society That Is Divided
While some people are up in arms about the beans, others seem less concerned about the debate and are more focused on simply enjoying a quick and tasty meal. One commenter said, “We love Costco’s chili, beans or no beans. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.”
Still, the bean debate rages on. The argument seems to boil down to personal preference and regional pride. Texans, for instance, may prefer their chili “pure” without beans, while others across the country have embraced beans as an essential part of the dish.
Ultimately, chili is a versatile dish that means different things to different people, and it seems unrealistic to expect one version to satisfy everyone.
Chili and Cornbread a Perfect Pair
One thing most people can agree on, however, is that chili pairs perfectly with cornbread. While many Costco shoppers were excited about the return of chili, one person expressed disappointment that their local Costco had plenty of cornbread but no chili in sight.
“They had some killer cornbread in our Costco bakery in M.N.—but no chili!! JUST WRONG!!!” the commenter complained.
And they have a point—chili and cornbread make a fantastic combination. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread complements the hearty, savory chili flavors. Whether you’re on team “beans” or team “no beans,” we can all agree that a bowl of chili with cornbread is a winning combination.
If you’re lucky enough to find both at your local Costco, you have an easy and delicious meal ready. Heat the chili, serve it with a slice of warm cornbread, and have a comfort food feast perfect for fall.
Conclusion
The debate over what constitutes “real” chili will doesn’t go away anytime soon. Whether you’re a purist who believes chili should only consist of meat and peppers, or you’re more flexible and enjoy the addition of beans, the beauty of chili lies in its versatility.
It’s a dish that has been adapted and enjoyed by countless cultures and communities, and it’s meant to be shared and savored.
Costco’s decision to offer a chili that includes beans may only please some, but it’s clear that plenty of customers are happy to see it back on the shelves. For those who want to stick to their bean-free versions, you can make your own from scratch.
But for those who appreciate the convenience and comfort of Costco’s chili—beans and all—it’s a welcome addition to the fall menu.
In the end, food is about more than just ingredients and recipes. It’s about bringing people together, sharing meals, and creating memories. So whether your chili has beans or not, the most important thing is that it’s enjoyed with the people you love. And maybe a slice of cornbread on the side.