empty calorie

noun

1. a calorie whose source has little or no nutritional value:

   Junk food has only empty calories.

Word History and Origins

Origin of empty calorie¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

“Editorial standards for newsworthiness have loosed significantly, saturating audiences with empty calorie news - stories that have emotional appeal but are not particularly informative,” the authors wrote.

From Washington Times

Both have been accused of putting up empty calorie stats for losing teams.

From New York Times

Thus as TV takes on a more central role in many of our lives of many, unscripted shows that once served as empty calorie sugar rushes may have taken on a distinctly different vibe.

From Salon

And at a certain point in this climate, a cliffhanger simply becomes an empty calorie.

From The Guardian

By all means stay away from those empty calorie over processed cereals, but feel free to enjoy the whole grain alternatives.

From New York Times