We surveyed 340 non-institutionalized elderly Asians and Caucasians to assess the extent of acculturation and its effect on the diet of elderly Asian-Americans. Findings of racial similarities included a high prevalence of social isolation, relatively low incomes, and dependence upon social services and public transportation. Racial differences were found in language and marital profiles (P < 0.001), and dietary habits, including frequency of meals and snacks (P < 0.01), variation of the diet (P < 0.01), use of vitamin supplements (P < 0.01), and avoidance of fatty foods (P < 0.05). Differences in dietary intake were demonstrated by analysis of twenty-four hour dietary recalls. Asians were significantly more likely than Caucasians to have diets that were deficient in vitamin A (P < 0.01), riboflavin (P < 0.01), zinc (P < 0.01), calcium (P < 0.02), and magnesium (P < 0.05). Also, elderly Asians were found to have higher sodium (P < 0.05) with lower potassium (P < 0.001) intakes and lower dietary fat (P < 0.01) intakes than Caucasians. The difference in dietary intake between Asians and Caucasians were not due to reduced caloric intake by Asians. Results of the study indicate that elderly Asian-Americans have different diets than Caucasians, despite some acculturation or assimilation of certain American life-styles.