Ideas in this flowchart

• Food quality
• Nutrient content relative to energy is one measure of food quality.
• Nutrient-dense foods contain substantial essential nutrients relative to their calorie content.
• Nutrient density links significant amounts of one or more essential nutrients to the calories provided.
• Empty-calorie foods provide many calories and few or no other nutrients.
• Carbonated sugary soft drinks are an example of empty-calorie foods.
• Food quality is also associated with several sensory, safety, and consumer-related characteristics.
• Taste contributes to food quality.
• Texture contributes to food quality.
• Appearance contributes to food quality.
• Microbial content contributes to food quality.
• Consumer liking contributes to food quality.