caloriedense

Caloriedense is a term used in nutrition to describe foods that contain a high number of calories relative to their weight. Energy density is the amount of energy per unit weight of edible portion and is usually expressed in kilocalories per gram (kcal/g) or per 100 grams. In general, fats provide the most energy per gram (about 9 kcal/g), while carbohydrates and proteins provide about 4 kcal/g, and alcohol provides about 7 kcal/g. Water-rich foods have low energy density.

Common caloriedense foods include oils and fats (such as olive oil, butter, and lard), nuts and seeds, cheese and fatty dairy products, fatty meats, chocolate, and many processed snacks. Some dried fruits and certain baked goods can also be relatively caloriedense. Because of their high energy content, these foods can help individuals increase energy intake without large changes in volume, which is useful for underweight people or those with high energy demands. Conversely, they are often consumed in moderation in weight-management diets due to the larger calorie load per gram.

Energy density is calculated by dividing the total calories of the edible portion by its weight. Nutrition labeling and databases can provide this metric, but individuals should consider cooking losses and edible portions. Importantly, caloriedense does not imply a food is purely unhealthy; many caloriedense foods are also nutrient-dense, such as nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, though portion control is important.