The aim of this inquiry is to provide a comprehensive theoretical framework, which describes the demand for dietary quality. In our dietary health investment model, we consider the health investment character of dietary choices as well as the intertemporal health-taste trade-off. Additionally, a simulation model is presented to illustrate the model's empirical application as well as its capability to replicate the patterns of dietary quality found in other empirical studies. As a result, our model setting can aid food and nutrition policy through an increased understanding of the responsible causal pathways behind the increasing prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases.