What is the term for the energy density of foods?

• A. Glycemic load
• B. Total calories per serving
• C. Calories per gram of food
• D. Basal metabolic rate

Answer: (C)

Energy density describes how many calories are packed into each gram of food. The term that matches this idea is calories per gram of food. This matters because it lets you compare foods by how much energy they provide per unit weight rather than by portion size alone. High energy density foods deliver many calories in a small amount (like fats and fried items), while low energy density foods provide fewer calories for the same weight (such as vegetables and many fruits), helping you feel fuller with fewer calories. Glycemic load relates to the impact on blood glucose, not the energy per weight. Total calories per serving tells energy per portion but doesn’t account for how heavy the food is. Basal metabolic rate is about the body's energy use at rest, not the energy content of foods per gram.