Kalorisisalduse

Kalorisisalduse, or caloric content, is the amount of energy provided by a food or drink when it is metabolized by the human body. It is usually expressed in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ) per unit of weight, such as per 100 grams or per serving, and is a primary component of nutrition labeling and diet planning.

Caloric content is commonly estimated from the macronutrient content using Atwater factors: fat 9 kcal/g, carbohydrate 4 kcal/g, protein 4 kcal/g, and alcohol 7 kcal/g. By multiplying the grams of each nutrient by its factor and summing, you obtain the estimated energy value. For some foods, this estimate is refined to reflect digestibility and energy losses during metabolism.

Direct measurement of a food's energy uses bomb calorimetry to determine gross energy, but the energy available to humans can be less due to incomplete digestion and absorption. Consequently, metabolizable energy or net energy values are used in specialized contexts, particularly in animal science; for humans, the Atwater-based estimates are the practical standard.

Caloric content influences dietary choices, energy balance, and nutritional labeling. Foods with high energy density provide more calories per gram, which can affect portion control and weight management when considered with overall diet. However, individual factors such as fiber content, moisture, and cooking methods can alter actual energy availability.