Tamales
Corn masa dough stuffed with fillings (pork in red chile, chicken with salsa verde, rajas with cheese, sweet corn), wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed until firm.
Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.
Your dietary restrictions
The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.
Full allergen breakdown
Ingredients
- masa harina (corn flour)
- lard or vegetable shortening
- chicken broth
- filling: pork in red chile sauce or chicken in green salsa or cheese and chiles (Dairy)
Hidden Ingredients
These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.
- lard beaten into the masa dough — present in every tamale regardless of filling
- chicken broth in the dough
- cheese-filled tamales have dairy in the filling
Allergen Breakdown
Dairy-Free
Check with staffMasa dough uses lard (not dairy) but cheese-filled tamales are unsafe. Rajas tamales may also add cheese.
Gluten-Free
Likely OKMasa harina is corn flour. Traditional tamales are gluten-free. Verify no wheat added to dough.
Peanut-Free
Likely OKNo peanuts in standard tamales.
Tree Nut-Free
Likely OKNo tree nuts in standard tamales.
Shellfish-Free
Likely OKNo shellfish in standard tamales.
Egg-Free
Likely OKNo eggs in standard tamale dough.
Fish-Free
Likely OKNo fish in standard tamales.
Soy-Free
Likely OKNo soy in traditional tamales.
Sesame-Free
Likely OKNo sesame in tamales.
Vegetarian
Likely contains restrictionTraditional tamale masa contains lard. Even vegetable-filled tamales use lard in the dough.
| Restriction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Check with staff | Masa dough uses lard (not dairy) but cheese-filled tamales are unsafe. Rajas tamales may also add cheese. |
| Gluten-Free | Likely OK | Masa harina is corn flour. Traditional tamales are gluten-free. Verify no wheat added to dough. |
| Peanut-Free | Likely OK | No peanuts in standard tamales. |
| Tree Nut-Free | Likely OK | No tree nuts in standard tamales. |
| Shellfish-Free | Likely OK | No shellfish in standard tamales. |
| Egg-Free | Likely OK | No eggs in standard tamale dough. |
| Fish-Free | Likely OK | No fish in standard tamales. |
| Soy-Free | Likely OK | No soy in traditional tamales. |
| Sesame-Free | Likely OK | No sesame in tamales. |
| Vegetarian | Likely contains restriction | Traditional tamale masa contains lard. Even vegetable-filled tamales use lard in the dough. |
Key risk: Tamales are the clearest example of the lard trap in Mexican cuisine. Even 'vegetarian' tamales filled with rajas (peppers) or black beans have lard beaten into the corn dough before steaming. The filling does not determine the safety. Only tamales specifically made with aceite (vegetable oil) instead of lard are vegetarian/vegan.
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Scan a menu nowImportant: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.