Effects of Energy Content and Energy Density of Pre-Portioned Entrees on Energy Intake

Pre-portioned entrees are commonly consumed to help control portion size and limit energy intake. The influence of entree characteristics on energy intake, however, has not been well studied. We determined how the effects of energy content and energy density (ED, kcal/g) of pre-portioned entrees combine to influence daily energy intake. In a crossover design, 68 non-dieting adults (28 men and 40 women) were provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner on 1 day a week for 4 weeks. Each meal included a compulsory, manipulated pre-portioned entree followed by a variety of unmanipulated discretionary foods that were consumed ad libitum. Across conditions, the entrees were varied in both energy content and ED between a standard level (100%) and a reduced level (64%). Results showed that in men, decreases in the energy content and ED of pre-portioned entrees acted independently and added together to reduce daily energy intake (both P < 0.01). Simultaneously decreasing the energy content and ED reduced total energy intake in men by 16% (445 +/- 47 kcal/day; P < 0.0001). In women, the entree factors also had independent effects on energy intake at breakfast and lunch, but at dinner and for the entire day the effects depended on the interaction of the two factors (P < 0.01). Simultaneously decreasing the energy content and ED reduced daily energy intake in women by 14% (289 +/- 35 kcal/day; P < 0.0001). Both the energy content and ED of pre-portioned entrees affect daily energy intake and could influence the effectiveness of such foods for weight management.