Corn beverage
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Corn beverage, often called 'chicha' or 'atole' depending on the region, is a warm or chilled drink made from ground corn kernels, water, and sometimes milk or spices. It has a smooth, slightly gritty texture and a naturally sweet, earthy flavor. Nutritionally, it's a low-calorie source of carbohydrates and provides a small amount of fiber.
Calorie split: 8% protein · 88% carbs · 4% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love corn beverage for its comforting, nostalgic taste and its versatility—it can be sweet or savory, hot or cold, and fits seamlessly into breakfasts, desserts, or festive occasions across many cultures.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its high carbohydrate content can cause blood-sugar spikes, especially if sweetened. Those with corn allergies or sensitivities should avoid it. To counteract, pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like nuts or cheese) and practice portion control.
Key benefits
- Low in calories (44 kcal per 100g)
- Source of complex carbohydrates for energy
- Contains dietary fiber (0.5g per 100g)
- Naturally low in fat and sugar
- Can be a hydrating, nutrient-dense drink
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
In ancient Mesoamerica, a fermented version of corn beverage called 'pulque' was considered sacred and was often reserved for priests and nobility.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 89.1 g |
| Energy | 44.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.84 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.21 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 9.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.50 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.19 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 3.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.49 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 11.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 16.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 135 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.09 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 0.53 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.02 mg |
| Folate, total | 17.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 15.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 28.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 1.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 1.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 10.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 7.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 173 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.03 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is corn beverage gluten-free?
Yes, pure corn beverage is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, provided no gluten-containing additives are used.
Can I make corn beverage at home?
Absolutely. A basic version involves simmering cornmeal or ground corn with water, milk, and a sweetener like cinnamon or vanilla until thickened. Recipes vary widely by region.
Is it suitable for a vegan diet?
It can be. Traditional recipes often use only corn and water, but some modern or regional versions include dairy milk. Check the ingredients or make it with plant-based milk to ensure it's vegan.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.44 kcal/g · 8% calories from protein · 0.5 g fiber · 0.2 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 8.44 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.