The food we eat affects our health. This premise is at the very core of nutrition science and dietetic practice. To advance science and practice in nutrition and dietetics, it is imperative to explore and understand what people eat. Finding out what people eat is fundamental to the everyday practice of dietitians and nutritionists. However, as scientists, it is important to understand the assumptions and methods that underlie practice. This issue of Nutrition and Dietetics, a journal with the stated aim “to advance the science of human nutrition and the professional practice of nutrition and dietetics”1 provides us with the opportunity to reflect on current dietary assessment methods and consider how technical advances in those techniques can inform our research and practice.