What Is Nutrient Density?

Nutrient-dense foods are those that contain a high amount of nutrients. We all need an adequate amount of macro- and micronutrients everyday to be healthy. Our bodies rely on these nutrients to perform hundreds of different biochemical reactions every day to keep us alive.

Nutrient density refers to the number of nutrients in the food in relation to the number of calories in the food. A food that is very nutrient-dense is one that has a high number of nutrients but fewer calories, compared to other foods.  Nutrient dense foods are also lower in saturated fat and sodium.

Food scientists can determine the nutrient density of different foods and provide objective measurements that can be used to compare multiple foods. This is known as nutrient profiling and enables food manufacturers to label their products accurately for consumers.

We should all aim to consume foods that contain lots of micronutrients, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids. Examples of nutrient-dense foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, and poultry.