Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

empty calorie

American  

noun

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

    Junk food has only empty calories.


Etymology

Origin of empty calorie

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

"Fill your meals with these foods, limit empty calorie foods to special occasions and you'll be well on your way," Begun says.

From US News

In addition, there was a significant link between higher amounts of sedentary time and a lower intake of low-nutrient, "empty calorie" foods, Shuval's team reported online recently in the journal Preventive Medicine.

From US News