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Calories

Macronutrient Unit: kcal

Energy content of food, measured in kilocalories (kcal). The body uses calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates to fuel all activities.

No established daily requirement for this nutrient.

Top Foods Highest in Calories

Amount per 100g serving. Values in kcal per 100g.

Foods Highest in Calories (Table)

#FoodPer 100gGroup
1Fat, beef tallow902 kcalFats and Oils
2Fish oil, cod liver902 kcalFats and Oils
3Fish oil, menhaden, fully hydrogenated902 kcalFats and Oils
4Fish oil, herring902 kcalFats and Oils
5Fish oil, sardine902 kcalFats and Oils
6Fish oil, menhaden902 kcalFats and Oils
7Lard902 kcalFats and Oils
8Fish oil, salmon902 kcalFats and Oils
9Fat, goose900 kcalFats and Oils
10Oil, corn, industrial and retail, all purpose salad or cooki900 kcalFats and Oils
11Oil, beluga, whale (Alaska Native)900 kcalAmerican Indian/Alaska Native Foods
12Oil, walrus (Alaska Native)900 kcalAmerican Indian/Alaska Native Foods
13Shortening frying (heavy duty), beef tallow and cottonseed900 kcalFats and Oils
14Fat, turkey900 kcalFats and Oils
15Oil, whale, bowhead (Alaska Native)900 kcalAmerican Indian/Alaska Native Foods
16Shortening industrial, lard and vegetable oil900 kcalFats and Oils
17Shortening, household, lard and vegetable oil900 kcalFats and Oils
18Oil, industrial, soy, low linolenic900 kcalFats and Oils
19Oil, industrial, canola, high oleic900 kcalFats and Oils
20Butter, Clarified butter (ghee)900 kcalDairy and Egg Products

Health Effects of Calories

Function

Calories represent the energy content of food, measured in kilocalories. The body uses this energy for basal metabolism, physical activity, and the thermic effect of food.

Deficiency Signs

Chronic caloric deficit leads to weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, weakened immunity, and in severe cases, marasmus. Prolonged restriction impairs cognitive function and hormonal balance.

Excess / Toxicity

Sustained caloric surplus leads to weight gain and obesity, which increases risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and metabolic syndrome.

Absorption & Interactions

How It’s Absorbed

Energy is released through digestion of macronutrients: protein and carbohydrates yield ~4 kcal/g, fat yields ~9 kcal/g, and alcohol yields ~7 kcal/g. Fiber provides ~2 kcal/g.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Calories do I need per day?

There is no established daily requirement for Calories.

Which food has the most Calories?

The food highest in Calories is Fat, beef tallow with 902 kcal per 100g.

What does Calories do in the body?

Energy content of food, measured in kilocalories (kcal). The body uses calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates to fuel all activities.