Abstract: Food consumption surveys are fundamental to the analysis of food security,the characteristics of diet and nutrient intake,and developing nutrition interventions. Based on household survey data,four typical areas （Lhasa,Xigaze,Shannan and Nagqu）were chosen to analyze food consumption characteristics and the nutritional status of rural residents in Tibet,China. The results showed that the dietary structure remains irrational. Barley （Zanba）,rice and wheat flour comprised major food consumption in all four areas,and meat and milk consumption is higher than the national level. Foods such as eggs,pork,poultry,soy products and fruits remain insufficient and unbalanced and may be related to local food culture. Vegetable consumption is higher in agricultural areas than pastoral areas. Energy and protein intake in the four study areas basically meets the dietary reference intakes of the DRI standard,but for fat intake,Lhasa and Shannan do not （related to a deficiency in meat intake）. In conclusion,although Tibetan rural residents have improved their dietary structure,the dietary structure remains irrational and local foods still dominate the diet. There is an urgent need to strengthen the nutritional intervention of rural Tibetan residents,and increasing the supply of meat,eggs and milk. By expanding food accessibility in rural areas in Tibet,especially in pasture areas,we can excavate the role of markets in the improvement of the dietary structure of rural residents in Tibet.

Key words: diet nutrition, food, food consumption, food consumption structure, rural Tibet