Tamales are dairy-free mostly. Tamales which are made of cheese fillings might not be dairy free. There is not only a growing intolerance towards gluten intolerance but also lactose intolerance. People who have the problem of both need to be extra cautious whenever they want to have Tamales. The filling is your hands but the tamales, whether or not it is made up of pure corn flour, whether it is cross-contaminated, all are difficult to figure out.