As far as I can tell, chili beans are simply kidney beans with onions and chili powder added to them for more flavor. Any Texan will tell you that chili doesn't have beans in it. read more
Packaged Chili often uses a variety of beans mostly kidney beans but some brands may use red beans, pinto, white or black beans. Kidney beans have a harder dark red skin, the inside bean is coarse and dry in texture compared to other beans which have a creamy texture. read more