Tamales

Why Does This Score Highly Processed?

In our analysis, Tamales scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Industrial Enzymes (Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Color))): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Other Additives (Green Chiles (Green Chiles, Water, Salt, Citric Acid And Trace Calcium Chloride)): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.

Within Sandwiches & Wraps, this is among the less processed of the 1,978 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Tamales' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Olive Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Sea Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Powder.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.