Energy density
What it is
Energy density is the amount of food energy per unit weight, often kilocalories per gram.
What it does
It distinguishes how concentrated a food's energy is from how large a portion is.
Research context and ingredient forms
Energy density and nutrient density answer different questions.
Using this information
For an illustrative food with 200 kcal in 100 g, energy density is 2 kcal/g. That arithmetic does not by itself determine an appropriate portion.
Scientific Research & References
- Portion Size, Energy Density are Key Components in Kids' Caloric Intake
USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Supports the bounded definition or statement mapped to it. This source alone does not establish a food- or product-specific clinical benefit.
Source assessment recorded.
Related dictionary entries
Products containing it
No label-specific product relationship has been reviewed for this entry.