Rank the following three 30 g snacks from highest to lowest expected energy density (kcal/g): roasted almonds (30 g ≈ 175 kcal), banana chips (30 g ≈ 160 kcal), and carrot sticks (30 g ≈ 12 kcal). Which ranking is correct and explain briefly why.

• A. 1) Roasted almonds (175 kcal), 2) Banana chips (160 kcal), 3) Carrot sticks (12 kcal); nuts and dehydrated fruits are energy-dense due to concentrated fats and sugars, whereas raw vegetables are low in energy density because of high water content.
• B. All three have essentially identical energy density per gram and can be interchanged freely without affecting total calorie intake when consumed as 30 g portions.
• C. 1) Banana chips, 2) Carrot sticks, 3) Roasted almonds because dried fruit is lower in energy density than nuts and raw vegetables are intermediate.
• D. 1) Carrot sticks, 2) Banana chips, 3) Roasted almonds because vegetables always taste more caloric and have higher nutrient absorption rates than processed snacks.

Answer: (A)