What is the standard measurement of energy in food?

The measurement of energy in food is commonly expressed in calories. This unit quantifies the amount of energy that food provides to the body when consumed, making it a fundamental concept in nutrition. When we consume food, our bodies metabolize it to release energy, which is crucial for all bodily functions, from basic physiological processes to physical activity.

While joules are also a standard unit of energy (and are part of the metric system), calories are more widely used in dietary contexts, especially within the realm of nutritional information. Grams measure mass, not energy, and watts are a unit of power, which represents the rate of energy transfer rather than energy itself. Hence, for the purpose of measuring the energy provided by food, calories are the most appropriate and standard measurement.