What defines a nutrient-dense food?

A nutrient-dense food is defined as one that provides a high amount of essential nutrients—such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein—in relation to its calorie content. This means that foods labeled as nutrient-dense deliver substantial health benefits without a large number of calories, making them beneficial for maintaining a healthy diet and supporting overall health.

For example, foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, or legumes are often considered nutrient-dense because they contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, while having relatively few calories. This quality makes them especially valuable in dietary choices aimed at weight management or improving nutritional status.

The other options refer to characteristics that do not align with the concept of nutrient density. High-calorie foods that are low in nutrients do not support health in the same way and could contribute to obesity and related health problems. Foods high in sugar are typically not nutrient-dense, as they often provide empty calories without significant nutritional value. Finally, the inclusion of only organic ingredients does not inherently make a food nutrient-dense; a food can be organic yet still lack nutrients or be high in calories.