Background China’s diets transition might give references for the undeveloped countries on the way to prosperity. This report describes the trends and disparities in energy and macronutrient composition among Chinese adults and by subpopulations. Methods Data for the current study were obtained from the 1982, 1992, 2002, and 2010-12 CNNS rounds, which were nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. 24-h dietary recall and food weighing were applied to assess dietary intake. Results There were 204 877 participants aged 20 years or older included in the current analysis. From 1982 to 2012, the estimated energy intake declined from 2614.7 kcal to 2063.9 kcal. The trends of the estimated percentage of energy intake from fat showed a spike. It increased from 16.3–33.1% (1992 vs 1982 difference, 7.6%; 95% CI 7.4–7.7%; 2002 vs 1992 difference, 7.7%; 95% CI 7.6–7.9%; 2012 vs 2002 difference, 1.6%; 95% CI 1.4–1.7%; P < 0.01 for trend). The trends coincided in the subgroups (all P < 0.01 for trend) except the subgroup of those educated over 15 years whose percentage of energy intake from fat declined from 37.4–36.6% (2012 vs 2002 difference, -0.8%; 95% CI -1.6–0.0%). The estimated percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates declined from 74.0–55.0%. The ranges of the estimated percentage of energy intake from fat within population subgroups stratified by education level, area, and Gross national product (GNP) level were narrowed. Conclusions Quick improvements in society and economy effectively curbed undernutrition but easily triggered overnutrition. Disparities persistently existed in different subpopulations while the gaps would narrow if comprehensive efforts put on. Education might be a promising way to preventing overnutrition during the prosperous progress. Low social profile population required specific interventions to avoid further disease burden.

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