Nyttekal

Nyttekal is a term that has appeared in online nutrition and dieting discussions but does not have an established meaning in formal nutrition literature or major dictionaries as of 2024–2025. It is not a widely recognized technical term in mainstream health sources.

Etymology and interpretation of the word are uncertain. It appears to be a compound that may draw on Nordic roots meaning “useful” or “practical” combined with a shorthand form related to calories. Because of its informal nature, the exact definition of nyttekal varies between users and online communities, with no single standardized sense.

Usage and context are informal. In forums, blogs, and social media, nyttekal is sometimes described as calories that deliver practical value beyond mere energy, such as calories from nutrient-dense foods that support satiety, micronutrient intake, or sustained energy. In other cases, the term is used to distinguish certain calories from others in a casual way, or as a marketing-like label with varying meanings. Because it is informal, nyttekal may be employed inconsistently and without rigorous criteria.

Relation to established concepts is peripheral rather than official. Nyttekal intersects with ideas such as calorie quality, nutrient density, and satiety, but it lacks a standardized definition or measurement method in scientific literature.

See also: Calorie, nutrient density, energy density, satiety, diet quality.