So how are the mini guys able to process human foods? Must be like really low grade energon for them? Is it more for the flavor and textures than refuel value?
I will field this one, starscream, you might be a scientist but your medical knowledge is lacking.
You are partially correct, earthing, we can process simple sugars like glucose and sucrose as fuel even in either form but It can give a sugar-in-the-gas-tank effect at larger doses. It's not as low grade as you might think, its just the residue that can cause us issues.
In our full-size forms, it is essentially the same as humans taking some of those quick sugar dextrose tablets for energy. It's not real fuel for either of us but it will do in a pinch.
In our plush forms, our bodies have been simplified, it is a reasonable substitute as our fuel requirements are much much lower now.
As for processing, we do have to eat things but the manner of consumption is up to the individual. Some of us chew our food, try many different things and will eat regular small meals with the Human. Some of us prefer to just drink liquid sugar like honey or glucose syrup and top up with enegon when its avaliable. It's a bit like insects consuming nectar...
You must remember, we aren't machines in the traditional sense. We're organic, like you, just a bit different. We grow, we respire, we feel and exist just the same as you even if the mechanism is different.
We did have normal food on cybetron once. It might help to think of pure energon as war rations. The most simple and effective way to fuel our bodies, like for example if you only ate plain chicken and rice. It does the job but it can get a bit dull. We like human food not just because its avaliable but because its a bit different. New tastes, new textures and smells etc.
If we eat too much or the wrong thing it might make us a little sick or upset our tanks, but most of us are willing to take the risk. The human looks after us well enough if we do feel ill.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to finish these gummies before starscream asks for share.