ELi5: How do they measure calories etc for nutritional labels?

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I always wonder how “they” can know the exact amount of fiber, protein, carbs and sugars, etc when I’m reading ingredient labels.

PS: couldn’t decide between biology or chemistry flair since I guess my question relates to biochemistry! Haha

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Bomb calorimetry. A known amount of explosive is placed with a sample of the food. When it explodes, the difference in heat evolved when the food is not present is due to the food. Explosives are used to ensure quick and complete combustion.

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