Which term is used for the unit of energy found on nutrition labels?

The term commonly used for the unit of energy found on nutrition labels is calories. This unit is widely recognized and utilized in everyday dietary discussions, making it a familiar reference point for consumers when assessing the energy content of various foods and beverages. Calories indicate the amount of energy that food provides when consumed, which plays a crucial role in understanding dietary needs and managing energy balance.

While joules and kilojoules are scientific units of energy, they are not typically used on nutrition labels in many countries, particularly the United States, where calories are the standard. Watts, on the other hand, are a measure of power and are not relevant in the context of nutritional energy content. Thus, calories as a measurement are central to nutrition labeling and are essential for guiding individuals in making informed dietary choices based on energy intake.