What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's tamales?

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

According to official product listings and user reviews, the ingredients in Trader Joe's tamales vary significantly by flavor, but all share a base of corn masa flour and water. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the components found in the most popular varieties, from the classic Cheese & Green Chile to the savory Beef tamales.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific ingredients in various Trader Joe's tamale flavors, including Cheese & Green Chile, Beef, and Chicken, outlining their core components and fillings.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The masa for all Trader Joe's tamales is made from corn masa flour, water, oil, and salt.
Flavor Variations: Each tamale flavor, including Cheese & Green Chile, Beef, and Chicken, has a unique set of filling ingredients.
Vegetarian Options: While the Cheese & Green Chile tamale is vegetarian, none of the standard tamales are vegan as they contain milk or meat.
Gluten-Free Status: Made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, but cross-contamination is a concern for those with severe celiac disease.
Check Labels: For the most accurate ingredient information, always refer to the specific product packaging.
Common Additives: Expect to find ingredients like carrageenan, modified food starch, and seasoning blends in various tamale versions.

Core Components: The Masa Dough

The foundation of all Trader Joe's tamales is the masa dough, made primarily from water and corn masa flour (treated with lime for improved nutritional value and workability). Vegetable oil and salt are also included to achieve the desired texture and seasoning.

Cheese & Green Chile Tamale Ingredients

This popular vegetarian option features a filling of Monterey Jack cheese, green chiles, and red chile puree, within the standard masa dough. Carrageenan and paprika oleoresin are also listed. These tamales contain milk and are wrapped in corn husks.

Beef Tamale Ingredients

Trader Joe's Beef tamales include shredded beef in a filling with tomato paste, potatoes, carrots, and jalapenos. The masa dough contains corn oil, salt, carrageenan, modified food starch, and cilantro. Seasoning blends are also used.

Chicken & Cheese Tamale Ingredients

The Chicken & Cheese tamales combine white meat chicken and cheddar cheese with corn, bell pepper, and green chiles in the filling. The masa dough includes corn oil, salt, carrageenan, modified food starch, cilantro, and vinegar. Seasoning blends are also present.

Vegetarian Tamale Ingredients

Historically, Trader Joe's has offered vegetarian tamales centered on a corn and cheese base with various vegetables like zucchini and tomatillo. These typically use a corn masa base and a blend of vegetables and cheese.

Are Trader Joe's Tamales Gluten-Free and Vegan?

While corn masa flour is naturally gluten-free, most Trader Joe's tamales are not certified gluten-free, and some individuals with celiac disease have reported reactions, suggesting potential cross-contamination. None of the main flavors (Cheese & Green Chile, Beef, or Chicken & Cheese) are vegan as they contain milk or meat.

Ingredient Comparison: Different Tamale Varieties


Ingredient Category	Cheese & Green Chile	Beef	Chicken & Cheese
Masa Flour Base	Corn Masa Flour, Water, Oil	Corn Masa Flour, Water, Oil	Corn Masa Flour, Water, Oil
Primary Filling	Monterey Jack Cheese, Green Chiles	Beef, Potatoes, Carrots	White Meat Chicken, Cheddar Cheese
Secondary Fillings	Red Chile Puree	Tomato Paste, Jalapenos	Corn, Bell Pepper, Green Chiles
Seasoning Profile	Mildly spicy, cheesy	Savory, hearty, rich	Savory, cheesy, mild
Allergens	Milk	Beef	Milk
Dietary Notes	Vegetarian (not vegan)	Contains meat	Contains meat

Conclusion

The ingredients in Trader Joe's tamales are flavor-specific, built upon a consistent corn masa foundation. While naturally gluten-free ingredients are used, celiac sufferers should be aware of potential cross-contamination. All standard varieties contain animal products, making them unsuitable for vegan diets. Always consult the product label for the most current and accurate ingredient information.

For more specific product details, you can visit the official Trader Joe's website, such as the page for the Cheese & Green Chile Tamales.

Frequently Asked Questions

The masa dough is primarily made from corn masa flour, water, vegetable oil (like canola or soybean), and salt.

Most of Trader Joe's tamales are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, people with celiac disease should be cautious due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing.

No, the Cheese & Green Chile tamales are not vegan. They contain Monterey Jack cheese, which is a dairy product.

The beef tamales use beef, beef broth, and salt in the filling, along with vegetables like potatoes and carrots and seasonings.

As of recent product reviews, the most popular tamale options containing cheese or meat are not vegan. You would need to check the packaging of any specific vegetarian tamale for suitability.

Yes, the Chicken & Cheese tamales from Trader Joe's contain cheddar cheese and are therefore not dairy-free.

Carrageenan is an additive derived from seaweed that is often used as a thickening agent to improve the texture of foods.