Question

According to MyPlate, which of these foods is a major source of empty calories in Americans' diets?

1) Peanut butter on whole grain crackers
2) Greek yogurt
3) Sugar sweetened soft drink
4) Hard-cooked egg

Answer 1

The major source of empty calories in Americans' diets according to MyPlate is a sugar-sweetened soft drink, as they typically provide no nutrients other than calories. So, the correct answer is option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to MyPlate, a major source of empty calories in Americans' diets is a sugar-sweetened soft drink. These beverages include not only traditional sodas but also fruit drinks, sweetened iced tea and coffee, and energy and vitamin water drinks.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intake of added sugars and choosing beverages that also provide nutrients, not just calories. Therefore, out of the given options, the sugar-sweetened soft drink is the item that likely contributes the most empty calories to American diets.

• Peanut butter on whole-grain crackers is a source of protein and whole grains.
• Greek yogurt provides protein and may also be a source of dairy (particularly if low-fat or non-fat).
• Hard-cooked egg is a source of protein without added sugars.
• Sugar-sweetened soft drinks typically provide no other nutrients except energy, making them a source of empty calories.