Empty Calories are defined as

Empty Calories are defined as

• A. Rich in vitamins.
• B. From whole grains.
• C. From solid fats and added sugars with little nutrients.
• D. Only found in beverages.

Answer: (C)

Empty calories come from foods and drinks that supply energy largely from added sugars and solid fats but provide little to no vitamins, minerals, fiber, or other beneficial nutrients. This means you’re getting a lot of calories without meaningful nutrition, which can crowd out healthier, nutrient-dense choices. Examples include many sugary beverages, candies, pastries, and fast foods made with added fats and sugars. In contrast, foods rich in vitamins and minerals or made from whole grains deliver calories along with essential nutrients, so they’re not considered empty calories. The idea that empty calories are only found in beverages is incorrect because many solid foods also contain high amounts of added sugars and fats with little nutritional value.

Empty calories come from foods and drinks that supply energy largely from added sugars and solid fats but provide little to no vitamins, minerals, fiber, or other beneficial nutrients. This means you’re getting a lot of calories without meaningful nutrition, which can crowd out healthier, nutrient-dense choices. Examples include many sugary beverages, candies, pastries, and fast foods made with added fats and sugars. In contrast, foods rich in vitamins and minerals or made from whole grains deliver calories along with essential nutrients, so they’re not considered empty calories. The idea that empty calories are only found in beverages is incorrect because many solid foods also contain high amounts of added sugars and fats with little nutritional value.