Calorie dosage (calculation)

Calculating energy value, expressed in kilocalories (kcal) and kilojoules (kJ), is an essential step in the formulation and marketing of food, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition products. This process does not involve directly measuring energy but rather estimating it based on the product's nutritional composition: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, and alcohol. The calculation is performed using recognized and standardized energy coefficients, allowing for a reliable and reproducible estimate of the caloric value.

Standardized calculation method and regulations

The determination of calories is based on Atwater factors defined by European regulations (FOOD INCO Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers). Energy values ​​are calculated from macronutrient content, determined by physicochemical analyses:

• Protein: 4 kcal/g
• Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g
• Fat: 9 kcal/g
• Dietary fiber: 2 kcal/g
• Alcohol: 7 kcal/g

These coefficients are applied to the analytical results obtained on the product to provide a total energy value, essential for nutritional labeling. This approach complements the protein , lipid, and carbohydrate already available in the YesWeLab catalog.

Industrial applications and compliance issues

Calorie counting is crucial in various sectors:

• Agri-food : to meet nutritional labeling requirements, ensure regulatory compliance and inform the consumer.
• Nutraceuticals : to standardize food supplements and guarantee transparency on their energy value.
• Animal nutrition : to adapt formulations to the energy needs of different species and physiological stages.
• Research and development : to compare different recipes or optimize low-calorie formulations.

This calculation is an essential step in bringing a product to market, just like other regulatory parameters such as dietary fiber profile or sodium .

Matrices involved in calorie calculation

Energy calculations can be performed on a wide range of matrices: finished food products (biscuits, beverages, prepared meals, dairy products, confectionery), ingredients (flours, powders, protein concentrates), food supplements, animal feed, and plant extracts used as nutritional bases. Each type of matrix requires prior analytical characterization to obtain the data necessary for the calculation (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, alcohol).

Importance of traceability and nutritional transparency

Nutritional communication has become a major issue for manufacturers. Accurate calorie calculations allow them to: ensure labeling complies with INCO regulations, provide transparent and reliable information to consumers, strengthen product credibility on the market, compare formulations, and optimize nutritional positioning. This approach also contributes to the implementation of tools such as Nutri-Score, based on calorie density and nutritional composition.

YesWeLab's expertise in calorie calculation

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, accredited to ISO 17025 and, in some cases, COFRAC. Our experts handle the entire process, from conducting the necessary nutritional analyses (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, alcohol) to the standardized calculation of energy value. Our digital platform simplifies your procedures: request a quote online, track your results in real time, and receive them within optimized timeframes. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and research firms have entrusted us with the management of their nutritional analyses to ensure the compliance and reliability of their products.

Take action

Do you need to create nutritional labels for your food or nutraceutical products? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for accurate and compliant calculation of their energy value. Request a quote online now for your calorie analysis.