What does energy density measure?

• A. Grams of protein per serving
• B. Sugar content per serving
• C. Sodium content per serving
• D. Calories per gram of food

Answer: (D)

Energy density is about how much energy, in calories, is packed into a given weight of food. It’s expressed as calories per gram, which lets you compare how calorically rich foods are for the same portion size. Foods with high energy density deliver many calories in a small amount (think nuts or fried items), while foods with low energy density provide fewer calories for the same weight (like most vegetables and fruits) because they have more water and fiber. The essential idea is calories per unit weight, not the amount of any single nutrient. Grams of protein per serving, sugar per serving, and sodium per serving describe specific nutrients, not the overall energy available per gram of food.