lowenergydensity

Low energy density is a term used to describe substances or systems that deliver relatively little energy per unit weight or volume. The phrase appears most often in nutrition and in energy storage disciplines, where it helps compare foods or devices on efficiency, portability, or sustainability.

In nutrition, energy density refers to calories per gram of food or beverage. Foods with low energy density typically contain 1.5 kcal or fewer per gram and are often high in water and fiber. Common examples include most fruits and vegetables, soups, and other foods with high water content. Diets emphasizing low energy density can promote fullness with fewer calories, which can support weight management. However, energy density is only one aspect of nutritional quality; nutrient density, portion size, and overall balance are also important.

In energy storage and materials science, energy density describes how much energy a material or device can store per unit mass (gravimetric energy density) or per unit volume (volumetric energy density). Low energy density devices store less energy for the same size or weight, which can be a drawback for portable electronics and electric vehicles, but may offer advantages in safety, cost, or thermal management. Conversely, high energy density is sought to maximize range and runtime, while balancing durability and cost.

Overall, low energy density conveys the idea of energy delivery on a per-mass or per-volume basis and is used across disciplines to assess suitability for dietary goals or technological applications.