I prefer the looser definition of an empty calorie any calories that are not beneficial to your body. This could be because it has no fiber, vitamins or protein, but is high in saturated fats, sugars and salt. If you consume a lot of this food while blobbing in front of the TV I would consider it empty calories. Also in this category are foods like coke which you drink instead of eating some whole grains and veggies. There is a time post weights workout where sugar could be consider NOT empty, but otherwise they don't do a body good.