When measuring the calories of something packed in a cup, how much is really a CUP?

Question

For example, there's about 200 calories in a cup of cooked rice, but how densely do you pack the rice when measuring a cup? Do you just loosely spoon it in the measuring cup, or do you cap it in so there isn't any empty space?

This same question applies to pasta, cooked veggies, fruits, and especially butter. Is there the same amount of calories per tablespoon of butter, when the butter is melted, as when it isn't melted? or is it different?

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

It's always considered what is lightly shaken & settled in the 8 ounce measuring cup - unless stated otherwise.

Be careful counting calories on things like cereal though, because they count SERVINGS as 1/2 cup.

As for the melted butter, you measure before melting so the calories remain the same.

Answer 2

If you want an exact measurement you should measure you items by weight.