The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the dietary score as a valid and rapid alternative procedure for the processing and analysis of food consumption data in Guatemala. The dietary score consists in assigning points to a diet based upon the number of servings the diet provides of each one of the eight groups in which food has been classified. The size of the serving for each food receiving points was estimated based on available data describing the food pattern of Guatemala. The caloric contribution of each of the eight groups to the total caloric intake was also calculated, and information on the caloric and nutrient needs of the Guatemalan population is discussed. In this communication, the dietary score was compared to the percentage of adequacy for energy and nutrients in 392 diets of women, and children between the ages of 24 and 60 months. Half of the dietaries were collected using the 24-hour recall method, while in the other half, the direct weighing method was used. Nutritional adequacy was estimated from food composition tables and based on the recommended energy and nutrient intake figures. In addition, by utilizing the adequacy indices for energy and nutrients, a binary variable was developed to describe the overall adequacy of the diet. This variable describes the probability a diet has of being adequate, given the dietary score obtained. In conclusion, the dietary score was found to be a valid, rapid and efficient alternative for the processing and evaluation of food consumption information, collected by means of either the direct weighing of foods or the 24-hour recall methods.