Energy in Food
Science: KS3, topic 3.1.12
Energy in Food
The energy stored in food is measured in calories. We eat or drink more than we should. If so, the body stores these extra calories as fat.
Units for energy
- Energy commonly has the units Joules (J).
Food nutrition labels
- Food nutrition labels tell us vital information about the ingredients our food contains.
- So we can make a choice about whether or not we should eat the food.
Calories on labels
- Labels tell us calories, sugars, fats, saturated fats and salts.
- Labels state how many calories are per serving, portion, or 100g of food.
- The calories are not for the whole product.
Colour coding & Reference Intake
- Food nutrition labels are often colour coded.
- Red means high.
- Amber means medium.
- Green means low.
Reference Intake
- The Reference Intake is the guidance for a healthy, balanced diet.
- The % Reference Intake kcal (calories) is on the nutrient labels.
Test yourself on Energy in Food
What are the common units for energy?
Which of these is NOT a unit of energy found on food labels?
Which of these are found on food labels?
A bag of crisps shows 50% Reference Intake for calories on its label. How much of the recommended daily calorie intake would eating the whole bag give you?
One snack's label shows red for saturated fat. Another snack's label shows green for saturated fat. Which snack has the lower saturated fat content?