Which of the following best describes the term nutrient density?

Nutrient density refers to the amount of essential nutrients a food provides in relation to its calorie content. A food that is considered nutrient-dense is one that packs a high level of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds with relatively few calories. This concept is essential in nutrition because it helps individuals make food choices that contribute to overall health and well-being.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the meaning of nutrient density. For example, high sugar content does not necessarily equate to a more nutrient-dense food, as it may impart more calories than nutrients. Similarly, while the thickness of a food item may relate to its volume or texture, it doesn’t provide information about the nutritional value or nutrient-to-calorie ratio. Lastly, focusing solely on the calorie levels in processed foods does not address the relationship between calories and nutrient content, which is central to understanding nutrient density. Therefore, the definition based on nutrient content per calorie captures the essence of nutrient density effectively.