Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
nutrient-dense
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "nutrient-dense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe foods that are high in nutrients relative to their calorie content, often in discussions about health and nutrition. Example: "Kale is considered a nutrient-dense food because it is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals."
✓ Grammatically correct
Health and Nutrition
Diet and Wellness
Food and Recipes
Alternative expressions(14)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
48 human-written examples
"Eat a nutrient-dense breakfast," it said.
News & Media
Either way, tahini is nutrient-dense.
News & Media
Two nutrient-dense vegetables combine forces in this delicious filling.
News & Media
Our cellular environment and our genes evolved in a milieu of nutrient-dense foods.
News & Media
One of the most nutrient-dense, versatile and delicious foods we have was needlessly stigmatised.
News & Media
Red meat This protein-rich and nutrient-dense food is ideal for someone as physically active as Freddie.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
10 human-written examples
The most nutrient dense tea leaves are picked and ground down to produce matcha powder.
News & Media
And they also are nutrient dense (link nutrient dense).
News & Media
Dark, leafy green vegetables are nutrient dense and alkaline forming.
News & Media
Superfoods are packed with antioxidants and are nutrient dense.
News & Media
People must eat healthy, nutrient dense foods and exercise.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the health benefits of food, use "nutrient-dense" to emphasize that it provides a high amount of nutrients per calorie, which can be helpful for weight management and overall health.
Common error
Avoid using "nutrient-dense" when you actually mean "calorie-dense". The former describes foods high in nutrients relative to calories, while the latter describes foods high in calories, which may or may not be nutritious.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "nutrient-dense" functions as a descriptive adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a high concentration of nutrients relative to caloric content. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to characterize foods or diets that offer significant nutritional value.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Wiki
17%
Science
11%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Encyclopedias
7%
Reference
7%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "nutrient-dense" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes foods high in nutrients relative to their calorie content. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples demonstrates its use across various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. When writing about health and nutrition, using "nutrient-dense" can effectively communicate the benefits of choosing foods that provide significant nutritional value without excess calories. Remember to distinguish it from "calorie-dense" and consider using synonyms like "nutrient-rich" or "packed with nutrients" to add variety to your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
nutritionally dense
A more formal and slightly less common variation of "nutrient-dense".
nutrient-rich
Focuses on the abundance of nutrients, similar to "nutrient-dense" but may not explicitly imply a high concentration relative to calories.
packed with nutrients
Similar to "high in nutrients", but with a stronger emphasis on abundance.
high in nutrients
A more general way of saying that something contains a lot of nutrients, without implying density.
concentrated source of nutrients
Highlights that a food or substance contains a large amount of nutrients in a small volume.
vitamin-packed
Emphasizes the presence of vitamins, a specific type of nutrient.
mineral-rich
Emphasizes the presence of minerals, another specific type of nutrient.
nourishing
Focuses on the ability of something to provide the substances needed for growth and health.
wholesome
Implies that something is good for your health and contains beneficial nutrients.
superfood
Refers to a food that is considered exceptionally beneficial for health due to its high nutrient content.
FAQs
How can I use "nutrient-dense" in a sentence?
You can use "nutrient-dense" to describe foods or meals that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds relative to their calorie content. For example, "Leafy green vegetables are a great example of "nutrient-dense" foods."
What is an example of a "nutrient-dense" food?
Examples of "nutrient-dense" foods include spinach, kale, eggs, and salmon. These foods provide a high amount of essential nutrients per serving.
What can I say instead of "nutrient-dense"?
You can use alternatives like "nutrient-rich", "packed with nutrients", or "nutritionally dense", depending on the context.
What is the difference between "nutrient-dense" and "calorie-dense"?
"Nutrient-dense" refers to foods that are high in nutrients relative to their calorie content, whereas "calorie-dense" refers to foods that are high in calories, regardless of their nutrient content. It's important to distinguish between the two when discussing healthy eating.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested