Nutrition Facts on Atole

Although atole is not a well-known drink in some parts of the world, it is popular in Central America and Mexico. In those regions, you may find this hot beverage -- made from corn flour, water, sugar and vanilla -- served during the winter holidays or as a year-round breakfast treat. Atole's rich flavor does come with a downside, as it is high in calories.

Calories

Atole is a calorie-dense beverage, as one cup contains 238 calories. That amount is about 12 percent of the daily recommended intake of 2,000 and is nearly three times the amount in a cup of skim milk. If you're dieting, the high calorie-density of atole can make it a poor choice.

Fat

One reason that atole is calorie-dense is because it's high in fat. Each cup of this drink contains 8.3 g of fat. Fat makes foods high in calories because it's the most calorie-dense nutrient, containing nine calories per gram. By comparison, protein and carbohydrates contain just four calories per gram.

Carbohydrates

Atole is also high in carbohydrates. Each cup of the drink contains 32.5 g of carbohydrates, which is more than twice the amount in a slice of bread. In terms of weight management, you may be better off eating the bread, as research published in the July 2011 edition of "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care" indicates that carbohydrates in the form of liquid are less filling than those in solid form, and can thus lead to a higher overall calorie intake.

Protein

One benefit of atole is that it provides protein. Each cup contains 8 g of protein, which is the same amount in a cup of skim milk. However, skim milk is much lower in overall calories -- a cup contains just 80 -- making it a better source of protein, if consuming this nutrient is your primary concern.

Sodium

Atole is moderately low in sodium, with 200 mg in each cup. That amount of sodium is equal to about 9 percent of the daily recommended intake of 2,300 mg. Sodium is essential for optimal health, but a diet consistently high in sodium can promote an increased risk of high blood pressure.