Costco Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales are popular among Costco shoppers, but are they worth buying?
Costco Texas Tamale Company Gourmet Chicken Tamales is okay but could be more exceptional.
These tamales come in a pack of 30 and are made with shredded chicken, corn masa, and various spices. They can be found in the frozen section of Costco and are sold for around $10.99.
One of the main attractions of these tamales is their convenience. They can be quickly heated up in the microwave or oven, making them a quick and easy meal option for busy weeknights.
However, when it comes to taste, reviews are mixed. They are bland and lacking in spice. This could be because these tamales are mass-produced and may have less depth of flavour than homemade tamales.
Why trust my review? I’ve explored culinary delights worldwide for over a decade. My Texan roots and upbringing in rich traditions and Tex-Mex cuisine shape my perspective. With a vast tamale-tasting background, I assess Costco’s Texas Tamale Chicken Tamales. My goal: unveil hidden food gems. As a tamale enthusiast, I assure you that this one is not a winner.
Costco Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales
Product Features
Despite the taste not hitting the mark for every palate, the Costco Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales does tout some notable features that still make them an attractive buy for many.
Smaller Individual Portion Size ensures that each serving is suitable for a single meal, minimizing waste and facilitating portion control.
The Heat it & Eat it convenience is undeniably a significant plus, ideally suited for those hectic days when time is of the essence. For those with dietary restrictions, these tamales are also Gluten-Free, broadening their appeal.
Additionally, they are made with Zero Trans Fats and are Lard-Free, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking options that are better for their heart health and overall wellness.
First Impression
Upon opening the package, I discovered that the tamales came neatly packed in a clear plastic bag, enclosing two plastic containers, holding eight tamales, totalling thirty.
Each tamale is indeed small in stature, and the uneven coating of masa on one side was immediately noticeable—a characteristic not typically found in traditional homemade tamales.
True to tradition, though, they are wrapped in corn husks, a nod to authentic tamale presentation.
Nonetheless, despite these attempts at authenticity and apparent convenience in packaging, my excitement waned as the taste and texture failed to meet expectations.
The lack of a generous masa envelope contributed to a less satisfying mouthfeel, leading to an overall impression of disappointment.
Taste Test
As I mentioned, the Costco Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales taste is okay but could be more exceptional. Upon further examination during the taste test, the tamales confirmed my initial impressions. The main shortcoming lies in their lack of juiciness and the overall flavour profile, which doesn’t quite stack up against other brands I’ve tried. This was particularly noticeable in the masa (corn dough) coating, which detracted from it instead of enhancing the tamale’s appeal due to its lacklustre taste.
Similarly, the chicken filling left much to be desired. It lacked the robust, distinct flavour one might expect, and its texture was oddly reminiscent of beef rather than chicken.
In sum, while the tamales are undoubtedly edible, they fall into the category of being just passable. This choice might do in a pinch but doesn’t inspire excitement or a memorable eating experience.
Ingredients Analysis
The ingredients list for the Costco Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales reads as follows: chicken, water, yellow corn processed with lime, chicken broth, soybean oil, chilli pepper, salt, modified corn starch, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin.
This composition follows traditional tamale recipes, known for their simple yet tasty ingredients. However, including modified corn starch and soybean oil instead of the more conventional lard may suggest compromises for mass production and cost-cutting.
These changes could impact the tamales’ flavour and texture, showcasing the difficulties of adapting homemade recipes for broad retail distribution while preserving their authentic taste.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 2.0 Each (85.0 Gram)
Servings Per Container: 6
Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrate:
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 52mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 100mg
The Costco Texas Tamale Company, Chicken Tamales, belongs to a category that is heavy in fat and high in calories 200 kcal, with total fat making up 19% of the daily value per serving. However, they are relatively low in cholesterol and have a moderate protein content. The absence of added sugars and a small amount of dietary fibre may also appeal to those monitoring their sugar intake or seeking to add a bit of fibre to their diet.
Convenience Analysis
The epitome of convenience is this Costco Texas Tamale Company Gourmet Chicken Tamales shin, which is easy to prepare. The notion of a “Heat it & Eat it” product aligns perfectly with the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s society, offering a quick meal solution without the fuss of extensive meal prep.
This convenience is further amplified by the packaging, which ensures the tamales remain moist and allows for easy storage in the freezer, thus extending their shelf life. While the culinary experience may not rival a homemade tamale, the balance between convenience and taste can appeal to those needing a straightforward, no-prep meal option.
Cost Analysis
At an attractive price point of $10.99 for a bag containing 30 tamales, the Costco Texas Tamale Company Gourmet Chicken Tamales may present a good value proposition. However, upon closer examination and personal experience, the tamales must meet expectations due to their mediocre taste and texture.
Despite the relatively low cost per unit, the product’s lacklustre quality leads me to conclude that they are not worth the investment. Given the quantity, there’s a high chance many of the tamales would end up languishing in the freezer and being ignored after an initial taste.
Consequently, while the price may appear appealing, the compromise in quality significantly diminishes the value, making it an investment I cannot recommend.
Review Score
- Taste: 5/10
- Despite being easy to prepare and sticking to traditional methods, the Costco Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales need more affluent, authentic flavours. They are less juicy than desired, and the masa’s taste could be better.
- Nutritional Value: 4.5/10
- These tamales are high in fats, with moderate protein and low added sugars. They may not suit those looking for a balanced meal. Using modified corn starch and soybean oil could raise concerns for health-conscious individuals.
- Convenience: 8/10
- The tamales score well in convenience. The “Heat it & Eat it” feature caters to busy individuals or those searching for quick meal options without sacrificing the traditional tamale experience.
- Cost: 7/10
- At $10.99 for 30 tamales, they are budget-friendly. Yet, considering the overall experience and the risk of tamales going unused in the freezer, their cost-effectiveness diminishes.
- Overall: 6/10
- The Costco Texas Tamale Company Chicken Tamales earn a decent overall score. While convenient and affordable, their nutritional aspects and mediocre taste suggest better options for those craving a truly satisfying tamale experience.
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Overall Thoughts
Convenient but not exceptional. I am seeking the perfect tamale.
In summary, the Costco Texas Tamale Company Gourmet Chicken Tamales are a convenient, affordable option for those seeking to satisfy a tamale craving without much effort. However, their mediocre taste and texture ultimately make them fail to deliver an exceptional culinary experience. While they may do in a pinch, better options provide both convenience and quality.
Therefore, I will not add the Costco tamales to my list of go-to tamale brands but will continue searching for the perfect store-bought option.
Don’t let my opinion sway you – try them and see for yourself! They might hit the spot for some people’s palates.
After all, taste is subjective, and these tamales may be the perfect fit for some.
What’s your go-to tamale brand, and what makes it stand out?
Please share your favourites and why they cut your taste buds!
FAQs
Where can I purchase Costco Texas Tamale Company Gourmet Chicken Tamales?
These tamales are available at Costco warehouses. Availability may vary by location, so it’s advisable to check with your local Costco or browse their online store for the product.
Are the Costco Texas Tamale Company Gourmet Chicken Tamales gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list provided, these tamales do not contain any ingredients that are known sources of gluten. However, those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should consult the packaging for any cross-contamination warnings.
Can the tamales be cooked from frozen, or do they need to be thawed first?
The packaging’s convenience focus suggests that these tamales are designed to be cooked from frozen, fitting into the “Heat it & Eat it” concept. For specific cooking instructions, always refer to the package.
Are these tamales suitable for those watching their sodium intake?
Each serving of the tamales contains 420mg of sodium. While not exceedingly high, individuals on sodium-restricted diets might need to consider this in the context of their total daily intake.
Can these tamales be considered a healthy meal option?
While the tamales offer moderate protein levels and are low in sugars, the relatively high fat content might necessitate moderation in consumption, especially for those monitoring fat intake for health reasons. Pairing the tamales with vegetables could create a more balanced meal.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Cosctcopickz solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Cosctcopickz and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Cosctcopickz ever receive compensation from a product manufacturer or any other third party, full disclosure will be provided, including instances where a product sample was provided for review purposes.
