empty-calorie
|emp-ty-cal-o-rie|
/ˈɛmpti ˈkæləri/
calories with little or no nutrition
Etymology
'empty-calorie' is a compound word formed in English from 'empty' and 'calorie', where 'empty' means 'lacking content or value' and 'calorie' refers to a unit of energy in food.
The term 'empty-calorie' emerged in the mid-20th century as nutrition science advanced and the concept of food quality became more important, combining the words 'empty' and 'calorie' to describe foods high in energy but low in nutrients.
Initially, it simply described calories with no nutritional value, and it continues to be used in this way today.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a calorie from food or drink that contains little or no nutritional value other than energy.
Most candies are full of empty-calories.
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Adjective 1
describing food or drink that provides energy mainly in the form of added sugar or unhealthy fat, with few or no other nutrients such as vitamins or minerals.
Soda is considered an empty-calorie beverage.
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Last updated: 2025/07/28 23:00