Objective To make retrospective assessment of the quality of diet in the urban and rural residents of Jiangsu province, China, during the 1990′s and a prospective study of the dietary pattern in the year of 2010 with desirable dietary pattern (DDP). Methods The calorie intake was calculated according to the method of balanced diet and the dietary pattern was assessed in terms of DDP score. Results Retrospective study revealed that the DDP score of cereals was decreased and that of animal foods increased remarkably in both the urban and rural residents during the decade. Prospective study showed that the readjustment of dietary structure for the urban residents should be focused on preventing the drop of cereal consumption and further lowering the intake of pork. Promotion of soybean and milk consumption to great extents will be needed to improve the quality of diet for both urban and rural residents of Jiangsu in the future. Conclusion It was illustrated that DDP is feasible for retrospective and prospective studies on dietary pattern as it is simple in calculation, its results are easy to understand and of practical significance to the masses and health workers. Objective To make retrospective assessment of the quality of diet in the urban and rural residents of Jiangsu province, China, during the 1990’s and a prospective study of the dietary pattern in the year of 2010 with desirable dietary pattern (DDP). Methods The Results Retrospective study revealed that the DDP score of cereals was decreased and that of animal food increased remarkably in both the urban and rural residents during the decade. Prospective study showed that the readjustment of dietary structure for the urban residents should be focused on preventing the drop of cereal consumption and further lowering the intake of pork. Promotion of soybean and milk consumption to great extents will be needed to improve the quality of diet for both urban and rural residents of Jiangsu in the future. Conclusion It was illustrated that DDP is feasible for retrospective and prospective studies on dietary pattern as it is simple in calculation, its results are easy to understand and of practical significance to the masses and health workers.