How much do Tamales cost?

Last Updated on March 11, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Tamales are a popular food in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. These savory corn dough delicacies wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves have been part of festive meals and celebrations for centuries.

But with so many varieties of tamales and places to buy them, how much do tamales cost?

This article provides an in-depth look at the costs associated with different types of tamales from various sources. We’ll break down the expenses that go into homemade tamales, compare prices from vendors and restaurants, and explore why some specialty tamales command higher prices.

You’ll also find useful tips for saving money on your tamale purchases and making tamales affordably at home.

How Much Do Tamales Cost?

Tamales cost anywhere between $1.50 and $15 depending on several factors, out of which, one of the most important is the ingredients used. Homemade or restaurant, the fillings, and components usually influence the price of tamales to quite a big degree. Here’s a look at cost ranges for different kinds.

Traditional pork, chicken, or beef tamales: The most common. From $1.50 for homemade up to $3 from vendors.

Gourmet tamales: Specialty meats, cheese, sauces, and ingredients push cost to $4 – $8.

Vegetarian tamales: No meat keeps ingredient costs down, but smaller demand means still $3 – $5.

Sweet fruit tamales: Made with sweet corn masa, fruits, and sometimes chocolate or cream. A special treat at $4 – $6.

Vegan tamales: Dairy-free masa and plant-based fillings mean costs of $4 – $7 per tamal.

Large event or wedding tamales: Bigger size, fancy presentation, and custom ingredients can be $8 – $15 per tamal.

You might also like our articles about the cost of cheesecake, crepes, or Baklava.

Frozen tamales: Save on labor by buying frozen. The cost is $35 – $60 per dozen.

So traditional, meat-filled tamales tend to be cheaper, while specialty diets, ingredients, sizes, and decoration add to the price.

Everyday Fun Finds notes that Costco Del Real Foods Pork Tamales are priced at $18.79 USD for a bag containing 15 tamales​.

Shopping with Dave mentions the Homestyle Pork Tamales from Padrino Foods at Costco, with a package of 12 tamales priced at $13.99, equating to a cost per meal of about $2.33 when serving two tamales per person.

The Cost of Homemade vs. Restaurant Tamales

Making tamales at home allows you control over the ingredients, preparation, and of course – the cost. But what exactly goes into the price of homemade tamales?

Ingredients: For a batch of about 36 tamales, you may need:

• 2 cups of masa harina ($3-$4)
• 1⁄2 cup of lard or vegetable shortening ($0.50)
• 1 Tbsp of baking powder ($0.30)
• 2-3 cups of broth ($0.50)
• Corn husks ($2-$3)
• 1-2 lbs of meat or other fillings ($3-$6)
• Seasonings and spices (cumin, garlic, chili powder, etc.) ($2)

Total ingredient cost: About $12-$18, or $0.30-$0.50 per tamal.

Time and labor: Preparing the masa, fillings, and assembling tamales takes 5-8 hours. For ease, value your time at $15/hour.

Total labor cost: $75-$120, or $2-$3 per tamal.

Total cost of homemade tamales: About $3-$4 per tamal.

Now let’s look at the costs of purchasing tamales from a restaurant, food truck, or local vendor:

Ingredients: Higher quality than homemade, often with specialty fillings.

Time and labor: Professional tamale makers are skilled and efficient. Makes up the bulk of costs.

Overhead: Rent, utilities, insurance, marketing. A factor in prices.

Profit margin: Restaurants need to make a profit from tamale sales.

Typical restaurant tamale prices: $1.50 – $5 per tamal; often $2.50 – $3 on average.

As you can see, homemade tamales can be made for under $1 in ingredients. But once you account for labor time, costs are closer to restaurant prices. The convenience of buying tamales versus making them accounts for the extra dollar or two in cost.

What Goes Into Tamale Pricing?

To understand what impacts the cost of tamales, it helps to know what traditional tamales contain and how they are made.

Authentic tamales start with a dough called masa which is made from specially treated cornmeal or corn flour called masa harina. This masa dough is combined with salt, baking powder, lard or vegetable shortening, and broth or water. The masa is then spread onto a corn husk or banana leaf and filled with savory fillings. Common fillings are shredded pork, chicken, beef, beans, cheese, chilies, and vegetables.

The tamales are then folded into little packages and steamed until the masa is firm and the fillings are hot and delicious. Making tamales is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It can take hours to make the masa, prepare the fillings, and assemble and tie each tamal. Then they need to be steamed for at least an hour.

From the ingredients to the cooking process, making tamales requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money. That’s why genuine, hand-crafted tamales are more expensive than mass-produced versions.

How Tamale Prices Vary By Region

The costs we looked at use average U.S. ingredient prices. But tamale prices around different parts of Mexico, Latin America, and the US can vary widely.

Mexico: $1 – $2 per tamal is common. Street food vendors sell them cheaply (around $1.25) using local ingredients. High volume keeps prices low.

California: Gourmet tamales at restaurants – $3.50 – $5. Mexican deli takeout – $2 – $3 per tamal.

Texas: The popularity of tamales means fierce competition. Prices range from $8 – $15 per dozen, or around $1 per tamal.

Midwest: Less competition means slightly higher prices. Tamales at restaurants average $3 – $4 each.

New York: Being so far from the border and Mexico means ingredients are marked up. Tamales average over $5 per piece.

Worldwide: Outside the Americas, tamales are a specialty import. Prices in Europe or Asia start at $5 per tamal.

As you can see, proximity to Mexico and tamales’ popularity in the local cuisine influence prices greatly. Where they are a beloved staple, competition keeps tamale prices low. But where tamales are hard to come by, you’ll pay a premium.

Bulk Buying and Catering Tamale Product Prices

Looking to serve tamales at a party, or event, or as a holiday gift? Buying tamales in bulk or catered can lower the per-unit cost.

For homemade tamales, making a double batch saves on labor time and ingredient costs. Catered tamales allow you to purchase from a professional kitchen without the effort. Here are some average bulk and catered tamale prices:

• Homemade bulk batch for party or gifts – $1.50 – $2.50 per tamal
• Restaurant take-out of 1-2 dozen – $18 – $30 per dozen
• Catered appetizer tamales – $3 – $4 per piece
• Catered meal tamales with sides – $6 – $10 per person
• Delivery fees – $20 – $50

Ordering a large quantity can get your per-tamal cost down as low as $2 for homemade or $3 for catered. Share the love and savings of tamales!

Tips for Saving Money on Tamales

Here are some great ways to get delicious tamales on a budget:

• Make them yourself following an easy recipe during a tamalada with friends
• Go for simpler fillings like shredded chicken, salsa, or beans
• Buy Masa harina in bulk; the most expensive ingredient
• Use a veggie or avocado oil instead of costly lard
• Substitute water for chicken or beef broth
• Buy corn husks in bulk online or at Latin markets
• Shop local Latino markets and carnicerias for deals
• Check the frozen section for value 5 dozen bags
• Time your purchase around the holidays for sales
• Join rewards programs at grocery stores for discounts
• Use coupons, promo codes, and apps for restaurant deals
• Purchase and freeze extra around the holidays when prices drop

With some planning and clever substitutions, you can make delicious tamales easily and affordably at home.

Seasonality and Festivals Impact on Tamale Prices

Tamales are a traditional holiday and celebration food in Mexico and Latin America.