Food consumption was studied (repeated 24-hour recalls) during five days (four different work shifts and days off) in 16 healthy Swedish male papermill workers (rotating 3-shift). A comparison (energy, fourteen nutrients) between 24-hr periods showed a higher intake of energy and five nutrients during the 12 h work shift day compared to days off. The mean 24-hr energy-intake varied between 16,7 MJ (12 h work shift) and 13,3 MJ (days off). When only work hours were considered, the intake of energy and six nutrients were significantly higher during the morning-shift compared to the night-shift. There were no differences in the quality of the diet or the coffee consumption between 24-hr days or between 8-hr shifts. It was concluded that shift work affects 24 h nutrient intake to a very limited extent, although the distribution within 24 hours may vary.