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Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL PRODUCT INFORMATION

Where can I find Del Real Foods’ nutritional information?

You can find our product’s nutritional information directly on the product’s outer packaging or by visiting our webpage at delrealfoods.com. Click on the image of the product and then scroll to the bottom of the page for Heating & Nutritional Instructions or click on the Downloadable PDF.

What type of beef do you use in your Shredded Beef and Beef Barbacoa?

We use 100% USDA Choice Cuts for our Beef Barbacoa and Shredded Beef products.

Where does your pork come from?

Our pork comes from the USA and Canada.

Where does your beef come from?

Our beef comes from the USA.

Why is the sodium so low on your Salsa?

Del Real Foods strives to keep the sodium level of our products as low as possible while delivering great flavor. In addition, we avoid preservatives without compromising the flavor and quality of the products. Please note the amount of sodium is per serving, the nutritional information is based on a 2 tsp serving size.

If the pouch is not airtight, is the product safe to consume?

Yes, if pouch seals are closed and there are no pinholes or tears in the pouch itself. Some of our items contain sauce (i.e., Chile Verde, Barbacoa) and the pouches will not have a tight vacuum because the seal integrity would otherwise be compromised.

STORAGE

Can you freeze the Del Real Foods tamales without losing any of the quality? How long do they last?

Yes, you may freeze the tamales (or any Del Real product) to extend the shelf life; it is important to freeze them before the sell-by date printed on the package. They will last up to 6 months frozen without serious quality degradation.

I threw away the container for two packages of Carnitas. How can I locate the “sell-by” date?

The sell-by date is located on the outer package. Another way to determine the sell-by date is by locating the lot number on the pouch and calling our Customer Service Department to provide you with the sell-by date.

Call: +1 (877) 545-7325

I have left over Del Real Foods tamales in the refrigerator. Is it okay to eat them even though the package has been opened for a few days and it is before the sell-by date?

We don’t recommend using the product after the pouch has been open for more than 3-5 days.

How long do the Tamales last if they are only refrigerated?

Our Tamales may be refrigerated up to the sell-by date. However, we don’t recommend using the product after the pouch has been open for more than 3-5 days.Variation in temperature and storage containers may lead to a shorter or longer holding time.

I froze the Del Real Foods product two days after the sell-by date. Is it still edible?

No, the product must be frozen BEFORE the sell-by date.

Can you freeze the Salsa?

Salsas are the only products we don’t recommend freezing for the reason that they get watery and lose flavor. However, they can be frozen prior to the “use by” date and not pose a food safety issue if thawed and consumed later.

Can the Tamales be frozen in the same package in which I purchased them?

Yes, you can freeze the tamales in the bag in which they were purchased.

Can I reheat the Del Real Foods products in the black containers after the product was previously heated in the same container?

Yes, our black containers are re-usable in a microwave oven.

INGREDIENTS

What type of Cheese is used in your Tamales?

Our Cheese Tamales are made with Monterey Jack cheese.

Is the corn used in the Tamales genetically modified?

Yes, the corn used in the tamales is genetically modified. There are no products GMO-free due to a natural phenomenon in corn called cross-pollination. There are many types of GMO modifications in the United States and all of them are allowed except for Starlink. Del Real Foods corn products are Starlink free.

Is the Masa from the Tamales uncooked when first taken out of the package? And if so, how long should it be heated in order to be fully cooked?

Our Tamales, including the masa, are fully cooked. Just heat and serve!

HEATING

What is the fastest way to thaw out a frozen Del Real Foods product?

The fastest way to thaw any of our products is using the Thaw or Defrost feature available on most microwave ovens. Once the product is somewhat thawed, follow the directions on the packages to properly heat the product (Microwaves vary in strength and the product should be monitored as heated).

Can you refreeze a Del Real Foods product once it has been thawed out?

No, it is not recommended to refreeze any of the products.

Can you heat up the Tamales in a crock pot on low heat for a couple of hours?

It’s not recommended to heat up the Tamales in a crock pot. However, this method may be used to keep the Tamales warm. Do not steam for more than 4 hours.

Can you heat up the Pollo Asado and Carnitas in the oven?

Yes, preheat oven to 350˚F. Remove product from sleeve and pouch. Place in an oven safe pan, place about ¼ cup of water in pan with the product and cover with foil or oven safe lid. Reheat for 45-60 minutes or until product reaches 165˚F internal temperature. If frozen, thaw product first then follow same procedure.

Can I heat up the Tamales in the oven?

Del Real Foods doesn’t recommend heating up the Tamales in the oven since they lose moisture and dry out. The preferred method is microwaving or steaming.

ALLERGENS

I am gluten intolerant and recently purchased some of your Tamales which said that they were wheat gluten free. Is your machinery sanitized to prevent cross contamination with ingredients that may include wheat?

Yes, we wash and sanitize our production lines before production.

Your Chicken Tamales contain food starch. What type of starch is used?

The Chicken Tamales contain corn starch. Del Real Foods tries to avoid any wheat or any other allergen ingredient in our products.

Are all your products gluten-free including the cheese?

All of our tamales are wheat gluten free.

Do the Carnitas from Del Real Foods contain any soy lecithin, egg and/or nut products?

No, our Carnitas do not have any lecithin, wheat, egg, and or nut products. Del Real Foods strives to keep our products free of preservatives and/or allergens.

Is there any testing done in the Tamales which can assure the consumers the products are gluten free?

We do not test our products for gluten; however, we use gluten free ingredients.

Do your Tamales contain any MSG?

No, At Del Real Foods we take pride in developing authentic products which are both delicious and free from MSG.

What type of Lard is used in the meat Tamales?

Refined pork lard is used in all our meat Tamales.

What type of Enzymes do the Cheese and Green Chile Tamales contain?

Our Cheese and Green Chile tamales contain Microbial enzymes.

What products are Keto Friendly?

The products that are Keto Friendly are our Carnitas, Beef Barbacoa, Shredded Beef, Chicken Al Pastor, Pollo Asado, Shredded Chicken, Salsa de Molcajete Roja, Salsa de Molcajete Verde, and Restaurant Style Salsa.

What products are Vegetarian Friendly?

The products that are Vegetarian are our Plant Based Tamales in Red Sauce, Cheese and Green Chili Tamales, Arroz con Vegetales, Salsa de Molcajete Roja, Salsa de Molcajete Verde, and Restaurant Style Salsa.

PURCHASE DEL REAL FOODS PRODUCTS

I would like to purchase your products; can you please help me locate a store in my area which carries your products?

Yes, you can give us a call toll-free 1-877-545-7325 or go to our webpage (delrealfoods.com), click on “Where to Buy” found on the top selection bar, and use your zip code to find a local retailer carrying the Del Real Foods product you are looking for. If we currently do not carry a particular product in your area, you can purchase most of our products directly from us. Go to the “Products” tab and click on “Buy Online”. There you can shop for our proteins, tamales, sides, salsas, and exclusive new products.

https://delrealfoods.com/pages/buyonline

Can I purchase your products online?

Yes, you can purchase our products at: https://delrealfoods.com/pages/buyonline

SUSTAINABLE TAMALES

Why did we make the switch a sustainable tamale wrap?

Because delivering high quality, authentic Mexican food products shouldn’t come at the expense of our planet. Making this switch enables us to prevent massive deforestation, and conserve more than 10K gallons of water each week at our facilities.

 

Will the change affect the quality of our tamales?

Not at all as only the wrap they come in has changed. So you can expect the same great taste, texture and quality from all of our products.

STILL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Call: +1 (877) 545-7325

Email: customerservice@delrealfoods.com