United States Cheese Market by Types, Products, Distribution Channel, and Company Analysis from 2025-2033

United States Cheese is expected to reach US$ 53.66 billion by 2033 from US$ 39.51 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 3.46 % from 2025 to 2033. The market is being driven by a number of factors, such as shifting customer preferences and tastes, an increase in the need for convenient food products, and the widespread availability of products through a variety of distribution channels, such as physical and online retailers.

United States Cheese Industry Overview

With an annual production of approximately 13 billion pounds, the cheese business in the United States represents a significant portion of the country's agricultural economy. The United States is the world's greatest producer of cheese, and the most popular types are American, mozzarella, and cheddar. The two states that produce the most cheese are California and Wisconsin. Strong expansion in the business has been fueled by both foreign exports and home demand. A thriving dairy farming economy supports the manufacture of cheese in the United States, and advancements in cheese processing and packaging have helped the sector grow. Consumer interest in quality, sustainability, and dietary choices is reflected in the growing popularity of trends including artisanal, organic, and plant-based cheeses. Global competition, workforce shortages, and sustainability initiatives are obstacles facing the U.S. cheese industry.

Rapid changes are occurring in the eating patterns of developing economies. The population's disposable income has grown dramatically as a result of the fast industrialization and urbanization. As a result, a significant portion of customers spend money on easily accessible and handy food items. As a result, sales of cheese slices for making salads, sandwiches, and other simple food items have surged. The market for pizza and fast-food restaurants has expanded in China and India as a result of the growing adoption of western eating habits in these countries. Since cheese is used to make these goods, exports of cheese products from the United States rose dramatically in those areas. About 356,185 metric tons of cheese were shipped from the United States to other nations in 2020, according to data from the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Growth Drivers for the United States Cheese Market

Growing Consumer Interest in Convenient Food Items

A favorable market outlook is being provided by the rising demand for handy food items. Because of their demanding work schedules and busy lifestyles, people are choosing convenient cheese food products that offer improved flavor and portable packaging options. Additionally, companies in the business are launching goods with creative packaging that helps to preserve product quality. For instance, Frigo® Cheese Heads® redesigned its packaging to feature the recognizable cheese figures from the ""We Are All Cheese Heads"" marketing campaign and introduced a new whole milk string cheese product on May 1, 2024. Among the assortment of on-the-go snacks, the brand's snacking-inspired characters will be displayed on the inside packaging of each string cheese in 12-count packets.

Products Are Widely Available Through a Variety of Channels

The expansion of the cheese market in the United States is being supported by the widespread availability of dairy products through both online and physical retailers. Because online platforms offer home delivery options and increased convenience, more people are buying things through them. With only a few smartphone taps, they may access a vast array of products from the convenience of their homes while on the go. Additionally, a larger customer base is being drawn to buy things from social media platforms due to a variety of cashback offers, discounts, and programs. In 2023, approximately 106.8 million Americans made purchases on social media, according to Forbes.

Shifting Customer Preferences and Tastes

Cheese is becoming more popular as a result of shifting customer preferences and tastes. Cheese is preferred by consumers in a large range of culinary items. Additionally, in order to attract a broad range of customers, food service businesses such as cafes, hotels, and restaurants are including cheese in their dishes. Additionally, consumers are choosing plant-based cheese as a result of growing awareness of the environment and their own health. In order to remain competitive and satisfy vegan customers, major firms are providing these options. Saputo Dairy USA introduced """"VitaliteTM"""" on June 16, 2022. This plant-based, dairy-free cheese brand is approved as vegan and has better taste, texture, appearance, and melting qualities. It comes in six distinct tastes and goes well with everyday foods including pizza, pasta, tacos, salads, dips, and sandwiches.

Challenges in the United States Cheese Market

Growing Health Concerns

The Cheese consumption habits in the United States are being greatly impacted by health issues, including lactose intolerance and dietary health. Due to the prevalence of lactose sensitivity, many people look for dairy-free or lactose-free substitutes. Additionally, there is a greater desire for plant-based or lower-fat cheeses as a result of growing awareness of the health hazards associated with fat and cholesterol. Plant-based cheeses produced from nuts, soy, and other non-dairy components are becoming more and more popular as consumers adopt healthier lifestyles. These substitutes satisfy dietary requirements such veganism, dairy allergies, and cholesterol control while providing textures and flavors that are comparable to those of regular cheeses. In order to satisfy changing consumer demands for healthier options, the change is forcing conventional cheese makers to innovate and offer lactose-free and reduced-fat versions of their goods.

Changing Consumer Preferences

As the demand for plant-based and alternative dairy products rises, shifting consumer preferences are altering the cheese market in the United States. In order to satisfy dietary requirements, ethical considerations, and environmental objectives, many consumers are switching to vegan, lactose-free, or dairy-free cheese substitutes manufactured from almonds, soy, and coconut. People with lactose sensitivity, vegans, and health-conscious shoppers looking for lower-fat options are frequently drawn to these items. Traditional cheese manufacturers are challenged by this change and must adjust by introducing new products or repurposing old ones, such as organic, lower-fat, or lactose-free cheeses. Many dairy businesses are addressing customer concerns about sustainability, ingredient sourcing, and production process transparency while also investing in innovation and broadening their portfolios to remain competitive.

Animal products make up the majority of the cheese market in the United States

Animal-based cheese, deeply ingrained in the American lifestyle, enjoys a reputation with traditional kinds like cheddar and mozzarella. Renowned for versatility, it seamlessly suits various culinary applications. Offering varied flavors and textures, animal-based cheese caters to diverse palates and is recognized for dietary value, appealing to health-conscious consumers. The well-established infrastructure guarantees a regular cheese supply, capitalizing on consumer familiarity. In contrast while gaining traction, plant-based cheese faces demanding situations in taste and distribution focused on dairy-free choices with a less established infrastructure.

One of the most popular cheeses available in the US market right now is cream cheese

With its versatile nature, smooth texture, and impartial flavor, cream cheese stands as a kitchen staple, adapting seamlessly to various culinary programs. Its recognition in snacking rises, presenting comfort in pre-packaged portions and flavored spreads. Crucial to the enduring appeal of cheesecakes, cream cheese substantially contributes to the consumption boom. In the food service section, revolutionary culinary trends integrate cream cheese into trendy cuisine and innovative appetizers. Growing client possibilities for quality and artisanal products drive numerous alternatives in specialty shops. Globally, cream cheese experiences heightened demand, expanding export markets and fueling production and consumption dynamics in the thriving U.S. cheese enterprise.

In the US cheese business, online distribution channels are becoming more and more popular

Online cheese shopping transforms the experience, offering extraordinary convenience, mainly for busy individuals or those with restrained access to specialty shops. Online stores provide an in-depth cheese range, from artisanal to imported options, permitting personalized.

Type - Market breakup from 2 viewpoints:

1. Animal-Based
2. Plant-Based

Products - Market breakup from 6 viewpoints:

1. Mozzerella
2. Cheddar
3. Parmesan
4. Ricotta
5. Cream Cheese
6. Others

Distribution Channel - Market breakup from 4 viewpoints:

1. Hypermarket/Supermarket
2. Convenience Stores
3. Online
4. Others

All companies have been covered from 3 viewpoints:

• Overview
• Recent Development
• Revenue

Company Analysis:

1. Land O’ Lakes
2. Saputo Inc.
3. Arla Foods amba
4. The Kraft Heinz Company
5. Royal Friesland Campina N.V.
6. Glanbia Plc,
7. Savencia Fromage & Dairy