Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)

Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram, protein provides 4 calories per gram, and fat provides 9 calories per gram. This information is also included at the end of the Nutrition Facts label on food packages. For more information about these nutrients, view FNIC resources about Macronutrients. 

USDA’s FoodData Central is a nutrient database for researchers and professionals that shares what nutrients and compounds are in foods. It also addresses factors that influence variability in nutrient content, like genetics and environment. Search a food to see its nutrition content, including calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, and more. The Agricultural Research Service also has databases for iodine, flavonoids, and isoflavones.  For more information about nutrients in food, visit FNIC’s Nutrient Lists from Standard Reference Legacy (2018) pages.

The DRIs are recommended daily nutrient allowances for healthy individuals based on scientific evidence about relationships between nutrient intakes, health, and disease prevention. The DRIs are a set of values released by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) that include the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs).

Learn more about the DRIs and how they are calculated by viewing FNIC’s Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) page, or use the DRI Calculator for Healthcare Professionals to determine nutrient needs for patients or clients. Please note that individualized nutrient requirements may be higher or lower than the DRIs depending on medical or health needs.

FNIC is unable to provide staff for community events or conduct informational interviews for student assignments. We recommend contacting a local registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or nutrition expert for assistance. Below are suggestions for locating a nutrition professional for presentations or interviews:

• Use the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) College Partners Directory to find a local Cooperative Extension Service office. Extension staff provide education on nutrition, food safety, and other agricultural topics.
• Search for RDNs and other nutrition professionals by zip code in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ (AND) Find a Nutrition Expert database.
• Contact community organizations or schools. Local colleges or universities with nutrition programs may have professors, students or interns who are willing to participate in events. Local hospitals or health systems with RDNs may also be able to assist.

Permission was obtained from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to use DRI data in FNIC’s DRI Calculator for Healthcare Professionals. Since the DRI data is copyrighted, permission from the National Academies is needed if you want to use the database for any reason other than personal use. See their Legal Information and Request Rights and Permissions pages for more information.