United States Cheese Market

United States Cheese Market Size:

The United States cheese market size reached 4.9 Million Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 6.4 Million Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 2.84% during 2025-2033. There are various factors that are driving the market, which include changing consumer tastes and preferences, rising demand for convenient food products, and the wide availability of products via various distribution channels like online and offline stores.

United States Cheese Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: One of the key market drivers is the thriving fast-food industry. In addition, the increasing health consciousness among individuals is acting as a growth-inducing factor.
• Key Market Trends: The market demand is impelled owing to numerous primary trends, which include changing consumer tastes and preferences and the wide availability of products via various distribution channels.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the United States cheese industry are provided in the report.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One of the key challenges hindering the market growth is price volatility of dairy inputs. On the other hand, innovations in cheese varieties and flavors represent some recent opportunities.

United States Cheese Market Trends:

Changing Consumer Tastes and Preferences

There is a rise in the adoption of cheese due to changing consumer tastes and preferences. People are preferring cheese in a wide variety of food products. In addition, food service establishments like cafes, hotels, and restaurants are incorporating cheese in their food items to grab the attention of a wide consumer base. Moreover, people are becoming more conscious of their well-being and the planet, prompting them to opt for plant-based cheese. Key players are offering these choices to stay relevant in the market and cater to vegan consumers. On 16 June 2022, Saputo Dairy USA launched 'Vitalite™', a new plant-based, dairy-free cheese brand approved as vegan, with improved taste, texture, look, and melting properties. It pairs perfectly with common dishes such as pizza, pasta, tacos, salads, dips, and sandwiches and is available in six unique flavors.

Rising Demand for Convenient Food Products

The growing demand for convenient food products is offering a positive market outlook. People are preferring convenient cheese food products that offer enhanced taste and provide portable packaging solutions due to their busy lifestyles and hectic working schedules. Moreover, industry players are introducing products with innovative packaging that benefits in maintaining product quality. For example, on 1 May 2024, Frigo® Cheese Heads® released a new whole milk string cheese item and updated its packaging with the distinctive cheese characters from the "We Are All Cheese Heads" promotional campaign. The snacking-inspired characters from the brand will be featured on the inner packaging of individual string cheese in 12-count packages among the variety of on-the-go snacks.

Wide Availability of Products Via Various Channels

The wide availability of cheese products via online and offline stores is bolstering the United States cheese market growth. People are purchasing products via online platforms due to their enhanced convenience and home delivery solutions. They can access a wide range of products in the comfort of their home while on the go with only a few steps on their smartphones. In addition, social media platforms are attracting a wider consumer base to purchase products from these channels on account of various discounts, schemes, and cashback offers. According to Forbes, around 106.8 Million people shopped on social media in 2023 in the US.

United States Cheese Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on source, type, product, distribution channel, and format.

Breakup by Source:

• Cow Milk
• Buffalo Milk
• Goat Milk
• Others

Cow milk accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, and others. According to the report, cow milk represented the largest segment.

CLAL.it. reported that there were about 102,7 Million Tons cow milk produced in the US in the year 2023. The increasing utilization of cow milk for making cheese is driving the expansion of the market. Cow milk is recognized for its strong taste, smooth consistency, and improved abilities for making cheese. It has increased fat and protein levels compared to milk from other animals, which makes it perfect for creating many different types of cheese with various textures and flavors.

Breakup by Type:

• Natural
• Processed

Natural holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type have also been provided in the report. This includes natural and processed. According to the report, natural accounted for the largest market United States cheese market share.

Consumers looking for high-quality and artisanal food experiences prefer natural cheese over processed cheese due to its perceived authenticity and traditional nature. The premium image and consumer appeal of the product are due to its natural ingredients and traditional production methods. It provides a diverse selection of tastes, consistencies, and types, making it perfect for different cooking purposes. Additionally, it is often perceived as a better choice due to its basic ingredients and limited processing compared to processed cheese, which may include added substances and chemicals.

Breakup by Product:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

Cheddar represents the leading market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes mozzarella, cheddar, feta, parmesan, roquefort, and others. According to the report, cheddar represented the largest segment.

Cheddar is a hard and somewhat sharp-tasting natural cow's milk cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. It is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It is loaded with calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining bone density and strength. It has essential vitamins like B12, which are crucial for nerve function and energy metabolism. Additionally, it contains vitamin A that plays a crucial role in supporting healthy vision and immune function. It also comprises healthy fats including omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their role in brain health and cognitive function. These health benefits are projected to influence the United States cheese market forecast.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

Supermarkets and hypermarkets exhibit a clear dominance in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online, and others. According to the report, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share.

As of 2023, IBIS World reported approximately 62,383 supermarkets and grocery stores in the US. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide a variety of cheese and cheese-related items under one roof, making it more convenient for customers. This convenience helps shoppers save time and effort, enabling them to efficiently meet their grocery needs. Bulk discounts, promotions, and loyalty programs are provided by them to incentivize consumers even more.

Breakup by Format:

• Slices
• Diced/Cubes
• Shredded
• Blocks
• Spreads
• Liquid
• Others

Slices is the largest segment in the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the format. This includes slices, diced/cubes, shredded, blocks, spreads, liquid, and others. According to the report, slices represented the largest segment.

Cheese slices are uniformly cut into thin slices of consistent thickness, ensuring uniform melting and portion control when used in recipes or sandwiches. They are quick and easy to use in various culinary applications, including sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and salads. They are formulated to melt smoothly and evenly. They are individually wrapped to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. Furthermore, key players are introducing portion-control packaging that prevents moisture loss and protects the cheese from contamination, thereby increasing United States cheese market demand.

Breakup by Region:

• Northeast
• Midwest
• South
• West

South leads the market, accounting for the largest market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major markets in the Unites Stated, which include Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. According to the report, South was the largest market for cheese in the United States.

The rising demand for cheese products due to changing lifestyles of individuals is propelling the market growth in South. In addition, South has strong distribution networks that ensure efficient supply chain management and product availability in the market. Apart from this, the tourism and hospitality industry creates additional demand for cheese products in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Competitive Landscape:

• The United States cheese market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
• Top industry players in the market are focusing on expanding their cheese production facilities to increase their output. They are launching numerous flavors that satisfy the needs of individual consumers. In line with this, they are engaging in collaborations and mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to increase their market presence. They are also catering to consumers seeking healthier cheese options, such as reduced-fat or organic varieties. Furthermore, they are introducing a wide variety of cheese products to grab the attention of a wide consumer base. This assists in increasing United States cheese market revenue. For instance, on 11 November 2021, Land O’Lakes introduced 12 new cheese products including shredded cheese, chunk cheese, and snack cheese in Cub.

United States Cheese Market News:

• 1 August 2021: The Dairy Farmers of America released a creative new cheddar cheese curd flavor ‘green onion’ in their retail cheese store in Beaver, Utah.
• 6 June 2022: Land O Lakes® Cheese can now be found in the dairy case section of the grocery store with seven new products in select retailers. This launch marks the first time Land O Lakes® Shredded Cheese was found in the dairy case cheese aisle in Wisconsin, and the farmstyle shredded cheese. It is just one of the varieties available in over 100 Metro Market and Pick 'n Save stores across the state.
• 4 October 2021: Agropur announced the expansion of its facility in Little Chute, Wisconsin. Agropur is building a new state-of-the-art facility to meet growing market demand and significantly increase its production of cheese and dairy ingredients.

United States Cheese Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and United States cheese market overview from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the United States cheese industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.