The energy contained in food is measured in:

• A. Calories
• B. Degrees
• C. Fat Content
• D. Protein Content

Answer: (A)

Energy in food is measured in calories. In nutrition, this usually means kilocalories, and food labels show Calories (with a capital C), where 1 Calorie equals 1,000 small calories. This unit quantifies the amount of energy your body can obtain from the food when it’s metabolized. The energy provided comes from the macronutrients—carbohydrates and proteins give about 4 kcal per gram, fats about 9 kcal per gram—so foods with more of these calories supply more usable energy. Degrees measure temperature, not energy. Fat content and protein content describe composition, not the energy unit, though they influence the total calories by contributing different amounts of energy per gram.