What is a preservative in chili?

Chili, as a home-cooked dish, typically doesn't need preservatives. The ingredients themselves, like tomatoes, onions, and beans, have a natural shelf life, and the cooking process helps to further preserve them.

However, there are some instances where preservatives might be found in chili:

* Store-bought chili: Pre-made chili from the grocery store might contain preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate to extend its shelf life.

* Canned chili: Canned chili often uses sodium benzoate to prevent spoilage.

* Certain ingredients: Some ingredients used in chili, like vinegar and salt, have natural preservative properties.

If you're concerned about preservatives in your chili, the best way to avoid them is to make it from scratch using fresh ingredients. You can also look for store-bought chili with minimal ingredients and no added preservatives.