Are Tamales from Costco Gluten Free?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to product details on Costco's website and manufacturer information, certain tamale brands sold at Costco are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. Shoppers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities need to check specific brands, as not all tamales are automatically guaranteed to be gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination or added ingredients in sauces.

Quick Summary

Several tamale brands available at Costco, such as varieties from Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company, are labeled as gluten-free. It is crucial to verify the specific product's packaging for a gluten-free claim, as ingredients in sauces or cross-contamination can introduce gluten. The main dough, or masa, is corn-based and naturally gluten-free.

Key Points

Check Brands at Costco: Both Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company offer tamales that are clearly labeled as gluten-free on the packaging and on Costco's website.
Masa is Not Always Enough: While the corn-based masa dough is naturally gluten-free, the fillings, spices, and sauces of pre-made tamales can contain hidden gluten or be a source of cross-contamination.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: Individuals with celiac disease should be vigilant about potential cross-contamination, especially if the product is made in a facility that also processes wheat.
Read the Label Closely: Always verify the ingredient list and look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal for the highest level of assurance.
Understand Ingredient Sourcing: Some producers might use broth or spices containing gluten, so checking the specific ingredients is vital.

Navigating Costco's Aisle for Gluten-Free Tamales

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the search for safe, pre-made food can be challenging. Costco, a popular bulk retailer, carries several frozen tamale options from different brands, but a blanket statement that all are gluten-free is inaccurate. The key lies in understanding the ingredients of individual brands and recognizing that while the traditional tamale dough (masa) is corn-based, and thus naturally gluten-free, other elements might not be.

Gluten-Free Tamale Brands at Costco

Costco regularly stocks tamales from specific brands that label their products as gluten-free. The two most commonly cited are Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company.

Del Real Foods Tamales

Del Real Foods is a brand well-known for its authentic Mexican-style prepared meals, and many of their tamale offerings are designated as gluten-free. According to both Costco and the Del Real Foods websites, products like their Chicken Tamales in Red Sauce and Pork Tamales in Red Sauce are explicitly labeled as gluten-free and made with stone ground corn. Del Real Foods states that it takes precautions to avoid allergens and washes and sanitizes its production lines. For those concerned about celiac disease, verifying the ingredients and any manufacturing disclaimers is a best practice.

Texas Tamale Company Tamales

Texas Tamale Company also produces tamales specifically labeled as gluten-free that are sold at Costco. These are made with a corn-based dough and are marketed as lard-free and trans-fat-free. Their pork, chicken, and hatch chile tamales all carry this certification on Costco's product pages. The company's own FAQ section confirms that all of their tamale flavors are gluten-free.

The Gluten-Free Tamale Comparison

To help shoppers decide, here is a comparison of two representative gluten-free options from Costco, highlighting their features from available product information. Prices and availability can vary by location.


Feature	Del Real Foods Pork Tamales	Texas Tamale Co. Pork Tamales
Key Ingredient	Stone ground corn masa	Yellow corn processed with lime
Fillings	Pork in red chili sauce	Ground pork simmered with fresh spices
Fat Content	Lard-free, contains vegetable oils	Lard-free
Preservatives	No preservatives	Not specified, check packaging
Specialty	Convenient heat-and-eat meal	Authentic Tex-Mex flavor

Potential Risks and Cross-Contamination

While the main masa dough of traditional tamales is naturally corn-based and gluten-free, the potential for gluten can arise from several sources, especially for pre-made or restaurant versions.

Fillings and Sauces: Some commercial tamale fillings or sauces may use a wheat-based roux as a thickener. Pre-made chili powders or chicken broths could also contain hidden gluten. For instance, a Reddit user noted that certain brands of powdered bouillon can contain wheat.
Shared Equipment: For individuals with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a significant risk. Even if a product is made with gluten-free ingredients, if it's processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing items, it is not safe. Del Real Foods addresses this, stating they sanitize production lines, but for the most sensitive individuals, dedicated facilities are the only way to ensure zero risk.
Product Labeling: Always read the fine print on the package. The gluten-free label is the most reliable indicator for a safe product, but ingredients can change. Checking for a Certified Gluten-Free symbol provides the highest level of assurance.

What to Look for on the Label

When purchasing tamales, especially if gluten is a serious concern, scrutinize the packaging carefully. Look for these key indicators:

“Gluten-Free” Claim: This is the most important sign. Both Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company products at Costco explicitly display this.
Certified Gluten-Free: If a product has a certification mark, it has been tested and verified to meet specific gluten-free standards, offering extra assurance.
Ingredient List: Read the full list to ensure no hidden gluten sources are present. Look for ingredients like wheat flour or other potential allergens. Note that even some starches can be derived from wheat.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Check for advisories stating the product was manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat. This indicates a risk of cross-contamination for those with high sensitivity, including celiac disease.

Conclusion: Your Safest Bet

Yes, certain tamales from Costco are gluten-free, specifically those from brands like Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company. Their products are clearly labeled on the packaging and website with this dietary feature. However, relying solely on the natural corn-based dough is not enough. The fillings, sauces, and potential for cross-contamination in the manufacturing process can introduce gluten. For the highest level of safety, especially for those with celiac disease, always read the product label thoroughly, check for certified gluten-free claims, and be aware of any cross-contamination warnings. Ultimately, Costco does offer compliant options, but a mindful shopping approach is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Costco, you can find gluten-free tamales from brands such as Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company. Their product descriptions explicitly state they are gluten-free.

Yes, masa harina is traditionally made from corn and is naturally gluten-free. However, cross-contamination is a risk if it's processed on the same equipment as wheat products, so look for certified gluten-free brands.

Both brands offer gluten-free, lard-free options. Del Real tamales come in a larger pack and are refrigerated, while Texas Tamale Co. tamales are available in larger quantities online and are known for their Tex-Mex flavor.

For the highest level of certainty regarding celiac disease, look for products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label. Del Real Foods states they sanitize their lines, but it is always best to read the fine print.

Hidden gluten can be found in some sauces or spices, such as those that use a wheat-based thickener, or in some types of pre-packaged broths.

Stock and availability of specific tamale brands can vary by location and time of year. It is best to check your local store or the Costco website for current offerings.

While the gluten-free label is reliable, it is still a good practice to read the full ingredient list, especially if you have a high sensitivity. This ensures no unexpected ingredients have been used.