Calorie Dosage (Calculation)

Calculating the 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 operation does not consist of directly measuring the energy but of estimating it from the nutritional composition of the product: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, and alcohol. The calculation is carried out according to recognized and standardized energy coefficients, allowing a reliable and reproducible estimate of the caloric value to be obtained.

Standardized calculation method and regulations

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

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

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

Industrial applications and compliance issues

Calorie counting is crucial in different sectors:

• Food industry : to meet nutritional labeling requirements, ensure regulatory compliance and inform consumers.
• 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 marketing, just like other regulatory parameters such as the dietary fiber profile or sodium .

Matrices involved in calculating calories

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

Importance of traceability and nutritional transparency

Nutrition communication has become a major challenge for manufacturers. Accurately calculating calories helps: 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 more than 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, accredited to ISO 17025 and, for some, to COFRAC. Our experts handle the entire process, from performing the necessary nutritional analyses (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, alcohol) to the standardized calculation of energy value. Our digital platform simplifies your process: online quote requests, real-time tracking, and receiving results within optimized timeframes. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and design offices have entrusted us with the management of their nutritional analyses to ensure the compliance and reliability of their products.

Take action

Do you want to establish nutritional labeling for your food or nutraceutical products? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for an accurate and compliant calculation of their energy value. Request a quote online now for your calorie determination.