ObjectiveEditorial content in mainstream (Glamour) and ethnic minority (Essence) women's magazines was examined to identify trends and compare nutrition and health‐related messages to dietary recommendations.MethodsFour years in each decade (1980s, 1990s, 2000s) and three issues in each year were examined for both magazines. Editorial content focusing on food, nutrition, and physical activity was included. Messages were tallied for each theme for each decade. A percentage was calculated for each theme to compare the two magazines. Inter‐rater reliability index of 0.96 was obtained using the coefficient of agreement.ResultsGlamour was more likely to advise about caloric counting and restriction than Essence across all decades (18.1 vs.12.5%, 21.1 vs. 2.3%, 27.8% vs. 4.2%). In the first two decades, Essence was more likely to write about dietary fiber and whole grains than Glamour (18.8 vs. 11.1%, 13.9 vs. 7.9%). During the 2000s, Glamour covered the topic more often (14.8%) than Essence (4.2%). Both magazines emphasized proper nutrition messages, such as consuming adequate fiber and fruit and vegetable intake, moderating fat intake and limiting saturated fat consumption.ConclusionsDespite slight differences in theme emphasis, the magazines appear to be an acceptable source of nutrition information that is in line with dietary recommendations. No funding to disclose.