A food sample is weighed and its weight is recorded. The food ple is spiked to one end of a needle while the other end is inserted into a cork. 20 mL of water is poured into a metal can and the set-up is placed in a shield made from a coffee can. With a thermometer measure the temperature of the water. The food sample is ignited by holding it to the flame of a Bunsen burner. The burning food sample is quickly placed underneath the metal can for it to heat the water. The water is stirred gently with the thermometer and the highest temperature is recorded as soon as the sample has stopped burning. The energy value of the food sample can be calculated using the formula below: