What is energy density and how do added sugars affect it?
Energy density refers to the number of calories (or amount of energy) per serving of a food. Because sugars contain calories (one teaspoon of white sugar has about 16 calories), the more sugar in a food, the more calories, or energy, that food will have. A similar-sounding term, nutrient density, refers to the amount of nutrients per serving of a food (nutrients are materials a body needs to function healthfully—for example, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals). Foods that are highly nutrient-dense are good for your body. Ideal foods are low in energy density (calories) but highly nutrient-dense. Foods that are lacking in nutrients are often referred to as “empty calories.” Because added sugars contain calories but no nutrients, they are energy-dense and nutrient-poor. To improve the overall quality of Americans’ diets, the American Heart Association recommends people consume foods with more nutrients and less calories.
