They hold the corn husk to the masa and meat of the popular Hispanic treasure the tamale. Because there are so many varieties of tamales colored plastic strings can also be used to identify certain ingredients or spices. They're used by commercial tamale manufacturers food services retail stores and even at-home tamale makers. Tamale Tuckers is a smaller-sized version of the chicken tucker. Color plastic strings can also be used as a method for identifying certain ingredients or spices. Used by commercial tamale manufacturers food services retail stores and even at-home tamale makers. Assorted Colors