Snacking patterns of 95 non-institutionalized, elderly females were investigated. Forty-two of them snacked, and the average number of snack items consumed was two. More snacks were consumed in the evening or afternoon than in the morning. Snacks furnished a range of 5.3% to 30.8% of the mean-percent intake of energy and 12 selected nutrients. Over half of the snacks consumed were nutrient dense; one-third were high in carbohydrates, especially sucrose. The nutrients supplied by snacks were not affected by age, race, or income. Place of residence, education, and frequency of grocery shopping significantly affected the intake of five nutrients. Snacking was apparently a matter of personal choice based on established food habits.