Which choice best describes why a sugar-sweetened soft drink is classified as low nutrient density (an 'empty-calorie' beverage)?

• A. It supplies substantial calories from added sugars but provides little to no vitamins, minerals, fiber, or healthy fats relative to those calories.
• B. It is considered nutrient-dense if consumed with meals because the presence of other foods fully converts its sugar into protein for nutrient synthesis.
• C. It is classified as nutrient-dense because the sugars are natural and therefore supply micronutrients that justify the calories consumed.
• D. It contains water and therefore has a low energy density even though it supplies many essential micronutrients that are lost during processing.

Answer: (A)