English: Averages (%) of foods containing appropriate energy levels (to limit energy intake) based on the proposed method in food groups. All low energy and energy free foods, excluding low energy and energy free baby foods, are based on the reference energy intake of 2,000 kcal for adults and children aged 4 years and older. Low energy and energy free baby foods are based on the reference energy intake of 1,000 kcal for children 1 through 3 years of age.

On the basis of the proposed method, the averages (%) of energy free and low energy foods in food groups were 1.76% and 22.54%, respectively. Vegetables and vegetable products (4.13% and 81.65%), spices and herbs (10.77% and 81.54%), soups, sauces, and gravies (4.6% and 60.61%), fruits and fruit juices (1.95% and 51.25%), and beverages (19.73% and 45.68%) had the highest averages (%) of energy free and low energy foods. In general, the energy free and low energy claims were not met in foods containing large amounts of carbohydrate, protein, fat or oil, or alcohol. Foods containing appropriate energy levels were not found or were very few in 11 food groups (meals, entrees, and side dishes; breakfast cereals; poultry products; beef products; restaurant foods; baked products; lamb, veal, and game products; snacks; fast foods; pork products; cereal grains and pasta).

Suggested citation: Forouzesh, Abed; Forouzesh, Fatemeh; Samadi Foroushani, Sadegh; Forouzesh, Abolfazl. A new method for calculating energy content and determining appropriate energy levels in foods. SSRN 2022. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4132581