United States Cheese Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The United States cheese market, valued at US$ 39.51 billion in 2024, is projected to rise above US$ 53.66 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 3.46% from 2025 to 2033, according to Renub Research. As America’s consumption habits continue to evolve, the cheese category stands at the center of a fascinating transformation—blending tradition, innovation, and lifestyle-driven demand.

From the surge of premium, artisanal, and organic cheeses to the explosive use of cheese across fast food, quick-service restaurants, and packaged convenience foods, U.S. consumers are reshaping this market in real time. Meanwhile, plant-based alternatives, sustainability pressures, and health considerations are influencing how producers adapt to the changing landscape.

Below is an engaging, editorial-style deep dive into the forces shaping America’s cheese future.

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United States Cheese Market Overview

Cheese has long been one of America’s favorite foods. Today, it is more than just a dairy staple—it’s a cultural icon, a comfort ingredient, and a premium indulgence all at once. Produced by curdling milk to separate curds from whey, cheese varieties vary by processing, aging duration, flavor intensity, and moisture level.

From cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta to gourmet varieties like brie and blue cheese, the U.S. market offers a vast array of options catering to every palate, culinary style, and price point.

A Culinary Cornerstone Across American Food Culture

Cheese appears everywhere across U.S. dining culture:

Fast foods: cheeseburgers, tacos, pizzas, grilled melts

Comfort foods: macaroni and cheese, casseroles, baked dishes

Premium dining: charcuterie spreads, artisanal cheese boards, gourmet appetizers

Snacking: cheese slices, cubes, spreads, dips

Home cooking: salads, pastas, sandwiches, baked items

This versatility—paired with Americans’ love for rich flavors—continues to make cheese a powerhouse category.

Rise of Modern Eating Habits

Cheese consumption in the U.S. is also fueled by:

Growth in quick-service restaurants (QSRs)

Expanding demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) foods

Increasing popularity of organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised cheeses

Rising interest in international cuisines that incorporate cheese

At the same time, shifting consumer values around sustainability, wellness, and ethical sourcing are opening the door for innovative plant-based cheeses and environmentally responsible practices.

Obstacles for the U.S. Cheese Market

Despite its strong outlook, the U.S. cheese market faces a number of structural and demand-related challenges. Two major obstacles stand out:

1. Rising Health Concerns and Lifestyle-Driven Diet Shifts

American consumers are increasingly prioritizing health, wellness, and nutritional transparency. Traditional cheese—often high in fat, sodium, and calories—faces scrutiny linked to:

Heart disease

Obesity

High cholesterol

Hypertension

Millions of Americans are also reducing dairy intake due to:

Lactose intolerance

Allergies

Vegan or flexitarian diets

Preference for plant-based alternatives

This has boosted the rise of nut-based cheese, soy cheeses, and other dairy-free innovations.

The Challenge for Cheese Makers

For manufacturers, this means:

High R&D costs to innovate healthier cheese

Need for low-fat, reduced-sodium, and organic options

Intense marketing to appeal to wellness-focused consumers

Competition from fast-growing plant-based brands

The industry increasingly needs to prove that cheese can be both delicious and aligned with modern nutrition goals.

2. Environmental & Sustainability Issues

Cheese production is resource-intense, and dairy farming faces growing criticism for:

Greenhouse gas emissions

High water and land use

Methane output from cattle

Animal welfare concerns

Regulators, consumers, and advocacy groups are pushing for greater accountability.

Sustainability Expectations Include:

Lower-emission dairy operations

Eco-friendly feed sourcing

Humane livestock practices

Biodegradable and recyclable packaging

Transparent reporting to prevent “greenwashing”

For producers—especially smaller farms—meeting these demands requires significant investment and careful long-term planning. Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s becoming essential for maintaining consumer trust.

Mozzarella Cheese Market: The Rising Star of Health-Conscious Consumers

Mozzarella holds a unique position in the U.S. cheese landscape. Not only is it one of the most widely consumed cheeses—especially due to pizza’s nationwide popularity—but it is also often perceived as healthier.

Why Mozzarella Is Thriving

Lower fat content compared to cheddar and other cheeses

Appealing to weight-conscious and cardiovascular-aware consumers

Increasing availability of low-fat, part-skim, and reduced-sodium mozzarella

Key ingredient for sandwiches, salads, dips, snacks, and pizzas

Strong expansion in ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meals

As fast food chains innovate healthier menu options, mozzarella continues to gain traction for its mild flavor and versatility.

U.S. Industry Momentum

The U.S. market has seen:

Significant investments to expand mozzarella production

Availability of abundant domestic raw materials

Growth of convenience-oriented packaged mozzarella products

A notable recent development includes Lifeway’s Farmer Cheese winning Good Housekeeping’s Best Snack Award in April 2024—highlighting consumer appetite for novel, healthy, cheese-based snacking products.

Overall, mozzarella is emerging as a growth engine within the larger U.S. cheese market.

United States Cheese Market Segmentation

To understand the market structure, the cheese industry can be segmented by type, product category, and distribution channels.

By Type – Market Breakup from 2 Viewpoints

Animal-Based Cheese

Dominates the market

Includes traditional dairy cheeses made from cow, goat, or sheep milk

Plant-Based Cheese

Rapidly growing due to veganism and lactose intolerance

Made from nuts, tofu, oats, rice, and other plant substrates

Increasingly available in mainstream retailers

The plant-based cheese segment, though smaller, is projected to expand quickly as brands replicate the texture, meltability, and taste of dairy cheese.

By Products – Market Breakup from 6 Viewpoints

Mozzarella

Cheddar

Parmesan

Ricotta

Cream Cheese

Others (Brie, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Colby, Processed Cheese)

Market Notes:

Mozzarella & Cheddar remain the top two categories in terms of consumption.

Parmesan demand is increasing among premium shoppers and home chefs.

Cream cheese benefits from bakery and dessert trends.

Artisanal and specialty cheeses dominate the “Others” category, appealing to gourmet consumers.

By Distribution Channel – Market Breakup from 4 Viewpoints

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

Largest distribution channel

Major chains like Walmart, Kroger, Amazon Fresh, and Costco dominate retail sales

Convenience Stores

Growth driven by grab-and-go snacking trends

Online Retail

Fastest growing channel

E-commerce demand surged post-pandemic

Subscription cheese boxes and artisanal direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands rising

Others

Specialty cheese shops

Gourmet retailers

Foodservice supply chains

Competitive Landscape: Major Companies Covered

Renub Research covers all leading companies from three viewpoints—Overview, Recent Developments, Revenue.

Key players include:

Land O’Lakes

Saputo Inc.

Arla Foods amba

The Kraft Heinz Company

Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

Glanbia Plc

Savencia Fromage & Dairy

These companies continue to expand their product portfolios, invest in plant-based innovations, and build sustainable value chains to respond to evolving consumer expectations.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. cheese market is entering a dynamic new era—one shaped by premiumization, health trends, sustainability pressures, and increased consumption in fast food and convenience foods. With the market projected to reach US$ 53.66 billion by 2033, brands that innovate sustainably, adapt to dietary shifts, and capture the growing demand for both traditional and plant-based cheeses will lead the next decade of growth.

As American palates continue to diversify, cheese—both dairy and plant-based—remains a beloved culinary staple. The coming years will see smarter production methods, cleaner ingredients, and a rise in artisanal and functional cheese products that cater to every lifestyle.