US Cheese Market Report 2024

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Cheese remains a staple in US households, experiencing slow but steady growth, and is expected to reach $36bn in sales by 2029. Younger consumers are keen to explore alternative cheese varieties beyond the classic options, as they are more open to trying new foods in general. This group tends to consume cheese more frequently, viewing it as an affordable everyday treat with health benefits like protein. In contrast, older consumers are generally more conservative, often reserving cheese for specific occasions. Emphasizing cheese’s health benefits, flavor and ability to enhance meals can encourage more frequent consumption across generations and other demographics.

Interest in cheese innovation reflects modern eating habits, particularly through alternative formats like snackable sizes and variety packs. This indicates that while consumers are satisfied with current offerings, they are also open to trying cheese in new ways and on different occasions. Over 30% of cheese consumers seek new ways to use cheese. Providing guidance through the cheese-buying process, along with education and expanding retail options to alternative settings, can make premium and unique cheese varieties more accessible.

This report looks at the following areas:

Cheese is a staple in US households, but there’s room for growth by encouraging consumers to explore alternative flavors, textures and formats across occasions.

Julia Mills, Food & Drink Analyst

Market Definitions

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:

• natural cheese: includes all forms (slices, blocks, chunks, cubes, crumbles, shredded), string cheese and ricotta cheese. Cheeses in this segment are produced directly from milk or whey that has been coagulated, heated, drained and pressed. It can include the addition of salt and/or flavorings
• processed cheese: includes cheese spreads in aerosol cans, squeezable tubes, cheese balls, cheese loafs and other forms, and imitation cheese. Cheeses in this segment are typically a blend of cheeses that have been mixed and cooked and include additional ingredients such as cream, milk, water or cheese whey
• cream cheese/cream cheese spreads: includes brick, soft, whipped, balls and other forms; may be plain or flavored
• cottage cheese

While most cheese is made from cow’s milk, cheeses made from goat’s milk and other dairy products, as well as non-dairy sources such as soy milk, also are included. Excluded from this Report are yogurt cheese, cheese sauces and cheese dips.