What does the term 'nutrient density' refer to?

Nutrient density refers to the ratio of nutrients to calories in a food item. This concept is essential in evaluating the healthfulness of different foods; a nutrient-dense food provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients relative to its caloric content. For instance, foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains can be considered nutrient-dense because they offer a wealth of essential nutrients without contributing excessive calories.

Other options do not capture the essence of nutrient density. For example, focusing solely on the total weight of a food item or its calorie content alone overlooks the critical aspect of nutrients available in that food. Meanwhile, the amount of fiber specifically pertains to just one type of nutrient rather than a broad assessment of all nutrients in relation to calories. Thus, the definition that highlights the balance between nutrients and calories is what accurately characterizes nutrient density.