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This paper outlines the beginning of a movement that seeks to explore new ways of framing how we educate, practice and research in dietetics ie the professional discipline of nutrition. The ‘critical’in Critical Dietetics refers to critical social theory, a paradigm adopted by many disciplines in order to expand traditional theoretical frameworks beyond conventional ways of thought and practice. Beginning with the historical context of dietetics, this paper explicates the relevance of critical theory to our work in dietetics. Next, we provide examples of other health-related disciplines (ie gerontology, psychology, nursing, psychiatry) that have adopted a critical perspective. Finally, we discuss what we see as the key areas of this theoretical framework and what implications the framework would have for dietetic education, practice and research. We expect this discussion paper to outline a movement that will spark novel ways of approaching the complex social, political, and cultural issues encountered in dietetics.