The Aztec's main food source was a type of corn called maize. The also ate tomatoes, avocados, tortillas made from maize and atole which was a form of porridge. Tamales that were prepared from steamed maize that was stuffed with vegetables or meat was also eaten.

In the Aztec culture chocolate was for warriors and the nobility. When cacao was combined with ground maize it made a drink that was said to help with strength and was used in religious ceremonies.

There were two meals a day with the main meal during the middle of the day when it was the hottest. Food such as fruit, vegetables, spices and edible flowers, dogs and birds could be bought in the Aztec markets.

Octli was an alcoholic drink that was used only by nobility, royalty and warriors. It was produced from the sap of the maguey plant. The sap was placed in a large jug and allowed to rot. A good maker of octli would boil it until it had the consistency of honey, while bad vendors would water the drink down. If a nobleman consumed too much of the drink and become intoxicated, he was put to death.

Fishermen made nets from fibers of the maguey cactus. These nets were used to catch fish, turtles, ducks, and frogs that were other sources of food for the Aztec civilization.