Nutrient Dense

Term	Definition
Nutrient Dense	A characteristic of foods and beverages that provide vitamins, minerals, and other substances that contribute to adequate nutrient intakes or may have positive health effects, with little or no solid fats and added sugars, refined starches, and sodium. Ideally, these foods and beverages also are in forms that retain naturally occurring components, such as dietary fiber. All vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans and peas, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry?when prepared with little or no added solid fats, sugars, refined starches, and sodium?are nutrient-dense foods. These foods contribute to meeting food group recommendations within calorie and sodium limits. The term ?nutrient dense? indicates the nutrients and other beneficial substances in a food have not been ?diluted? by the addition of calories from added solid fats, sugars, or refined starches, or by the solid fats naturally present in the food.

Term

Definition

A characteristic of foods and beverages that provide vitamins, minerals, and other substances that contribute to adequate nutrient intakes or may have positive health effects, with little or no solid fats and added sugars, refined starches, and sodium. Ideally, these foods and beverages also are in forms that retain naturally occurring components, such as dietary fiber. All vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans and peas, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry?when prepared with little or no added solid fats, sugars, refined starches, and sodium?are nutrient-dense foods. These foods contribute to meeting food group recommendations within calorie and sodium limits. The term ?nutrient dense? indicates the nutrients and other beneficial substances in a food have not been ?diluted? by the addition of calories from added solid fats, sugars, or refined starches, or by the solid fats naturally present in the food.