Defining Nutrient-Dense Foods

Nutrient-dense foods provide substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, and relatively few calories. Low nutrient-dense foods supply calories but relatively small amounts of micronutrients, sometimes none at all.¹

The nutrient-dense — or "nutritionally rich" — food categories used in this site are aligned with the Dietary Guideline's definition of a "healthy diet" and MyPyramid's five food groups, and include:

• Brightly colored fruits and 100% fruit juices
• Vibrant colored vegetables and potatoes
• Whole, fortified and fiber-rich grain foods
• Low-fat and fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt
• Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts

References:

1. Department of Health and Human Services/US Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Accessed December 1, 2005.