empty calories

Idioms  

1. Food that has little or no nutritional value. For example, Snacking on beer and potato chips makes for a lot of empty calories. [1960s]

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Example Sentences

While they are often described as providing "empty calories," the study found they can meet micronutrient needs, largely because of vitamin fortification.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2026

“They were really worried and felt like this was going to denigrate them and be sort of empty calories for their brain,” Dr. Lakhani said.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2023

But sometimes, his numbers get looked at as empty calories.

From Washington Times • Dec. 26, 2023

Yet as a strategy for collective liberation, Black capitalism was filled with empty calories.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2023

Except for domesticated house pets, animals are sensible enough to prefer the most nutritional fare available and tend to shun empty calories unless they are starving.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve