From Fox News · Peter Burke · · 1m
Mexican Tamales Vanishing from US Menus
Tamales face disappearing from American restaurant menus due to high labor costs and low demand.
In brief
Tamales face disappearing from American restaurant menus due to high labor costs and low demand. Tamales have dropped 7.8% on US menus over five years as labor-intensive preparation and low demand make them economically challenging to serve. Originally reported by Fox News.
Tamales Disappearing from Menus
Tamales have dropped 7.8% from menus over five years according to Technomic's Ignite Menu data comparing 2021 and 2026.
Labor-Intensive Preparation
Tamales require three days of labor including corn processing, masa mixing, and careful wrapping to avoid drying.
Chef Training Time
A chef spent months training an employee to handle the complex tamale preparation process without drying.
Low Demand for Tamales
Tamales generate less demand than tacos and are not expected as a staple by customers.
Price and Economics
Tamales cost $6 but some customers remember cheaper versions from the past.
What Happens Next
Tamales remain a special food for holidays and family gatherings rather than everyday meals.
“You feel like you're getting a hug when you're eating a tamale.”
The essence
Tamales have dropped 7.8% on US menus over five years as labor-intensive preparation and low demand make them economically challenging to serve.
