Inadequate energy intake is common in older adults, especially in those living in institutions. Underweight in older people is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to compare energy and percentage of total energy from protein, fat, carbohydrate and alcohol between institutionalised (INS) and free-living (FL) older people. 16 INS volunteers (mean age 88 years, 20% male) and 23 FL volunteers (mean age 75 years, 48% male) were recruited. Food intake was measured using the 4-day weighed inventory method. Nutritional analysis was carried out using the computer program Dietplan5 for Windows. Energy intakes were significantly lower in the INS group compared with the FL group, due to the lower amount of food eaten. The energy intakes in the INS group were below the Estimated Average daily Requirement (1). The energy derived from fat was higher and the energy derived from carbohydrate lower than dietary recommendations in the INS group.