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]

---

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

This sounds like sugar's keeping us fed, but added sugars are actually empty calories – they are bereft of any nutrients like vitamins or fibers.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2024

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

But when empty calories or devitalized foods or misdigestion cuts our nutrient intake we begin experiencing tooth decay, gum disease and bone loss in the jaw.

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