Seeing how much I love chili, Manolo’s Best Farmstand Chili reached out to me to see if I’d like to sample some of its uniquely spiced 100% plant-based chili. Of course, I said yes. I’m an equal opportunity chili lover, after all.

Founder Mitch Wolinsky delivered it himself. Though, I feel his days of home deliveries are probably numbered. This guy is building a vegan chili-making empire to rival Hormel. He’s on the fast-track to becoming the #1 vegan chili brand east of the Mississippi.

Wolinsky proudly announced recently that Whole Foods is expanding Manolo’s Best Farmstand Chili into 130 stores in the Midwest and in Ontario, Canada.

He originally came onto the scene in 2016 through the interest, encouragement, and support of the Whole Food Market’s Incubator program based in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Following the Cherry Hill launch, Manolo’s Best Farmstand products became available in Whole Foods markets throughout southern and central New Jersey as well as the Philadelphia region.

Manolo’s Best Farmstand chili and soups are 100 percent plant-based, vegan, gluten and soy-free, and low sodium, satisfying the most discerning of palates and health-minded consumers.

“Whole Foods supporting us as a small, mom/pop shop has made a world of difference to us,” said Wolinsky. “Without the support of Whole Foods, I cannot imagine where we would be today. We will be forever grateful to the Whole Foods team for welcoming us onto their stores and onto their shelves,” Wolinsky added. 

While the COVID pandemic had an impact on the timing of some of the company’s plans for moving forward, Wolinsky found creative ways to produce the product, keep the marketing program alive, and the demand high. “Working through a pandemic was challenging to say the least, but we did it and came out of it with our product expanding throughout the Midwest and Canada. Our hard work is paying off and is allowing us to follow our dream of entrepreneurship.”

I highly recommend trying these delightful vegan chilis even if you don’t follow a plant-based diet. I can be flexitarian when I want to be. While I do eat meat, I occasionally switch to plant-based for short stretches of time. So, this product is a good choice when I want something meatless that will make me feel full. I also try to limit my sodium intake, so that is a big draw of this product, too.

The original farmstand chili imparts a wonderful spiciness thanks to warming cinnamon and fresh cilantro. The sweet potato chili packs a robust flavor as a result of cocoa powder and molasses. Both chili options are made with a variety of vegetables and several different types of beans making them hearty and immensely satisfying.

Pick some up at your nearest Whole Foods and let me know your thoughts!

Samples were provided but opinions are my own.