Energitæt

Energitæt is a Danish term used to describe foods or diets with a high energy content relative to their weight or volume. In nutrition, energy density is the amount of energy per gram of food, commonly expressed in kilojoules per gram (kJ/g) or kilocalories per gram (kcal/g). Energitæt foods deliver many calories in a small amount of food.

Calculation and factors: energy density = total energy (kJ or kcal) divided by mass (g). The energy density of a food is influenced by fat content, water, fiber, and air; fats provide about 9 kcal/g, while proteins and carbohydrates provide about 4 kcal/g, and water contributes no energy. Foods with higher fat content tend to be more energy dense.

Examples and dietary context: High-energy-density foods include oils, butter, nuts, seeds, fatty meats, cheese, and many processed snacks. Low-energy-density foods include most fruits and vegetables with high water content, soups, and foods high in fiber. Dietary guidance often suggests choosing lower energy-density options to improve satiety with fewer calories, though energy-dense foods can be appropriate for people with higher energy needs or reduced appetite when portions are controlled.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from Danish energi- (energy) and tæ(t) (dense). It is used in nutrition labeling and public health discussions to describe how caloric content relates to portion size and weight. There is no universal legal threshold for what counts as "energitæt," but it is a common descriptive term in dietary discussions.