International system

• To work out how much energy is in different foods and drinks, we need to first look at a few core concepts.
• Firstly, you’ve probably heard of the units of measurement for energy – calories – as well as the metric equivalent, which is joules.
• When energy in food is estimated, it is the amount of energy food and drinks provide for these bodily processes.

How are calories estimated?

• This gold-standard method involves placing a small sample of food or drink inside a device known as a bomb calorimeter.
• The amount of heat released is directly related to the amount of energy in the food, allowing a calculation to be made.
• This method is most commonly used for foods rich in fats and is considered the most reliable (but expensive) method.
• Named after legendary food researcher Wilbur Altwater, this system uses a standard conversion factor for each macronutrient found in food and drinks.

Why do foods have calories written on them?

• However, homemade food items sold at places like a fresh market may not be required to provide a nutrition information panel.
• Fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables and meat also don’t require a nutrition information panel.

Different international standards

Both kJ and kcal refer to energy – they are just two different units of measurements (such as how inches and centimetres are two different units for measuring length). Kilojoules (kJ) is part of the International System of Units (SI). Australia, New Zealand and some parts of Europe use kJ. The United States and the United Kingdom use kcal. To convert between calories and kilojoules you use the conversion factors:
• As for how many calories are acceptable to eat, the Australian Guidelines for Healthy Eating estimate the average adult requires about 7,000kJ or 1,670Kcal every day.
• However, differences in age, gender, size, health and physical activity will influence how much energy a person needs.
• To estimate your personal energy requirements, you can use this nutrients and dietary energy calculator.

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• Scientific metrology is the science of measurement while industrial metrology is when measurements are applied to manufacturing, and legal metrology is any measurement activity aimed to ensure fair trade and protect the consumer.
• According to Metrology Parts, "Throughout history, measurement and science have worked together to produce technological advancements."
• To learn more about measurement standards, please visit Metrology Parts here .