U.S. Natural Cheese Consumption Dropped in 2024
Per capita cheese intake dipped slightly last year as shifts in consumer dining habits changed grocery trends.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Are you choosing to buy fewer food items in favor of higher quality products?
In 2024, U.S. per capita natural cheese consumption fell to 39.9 pounds, marking a slight decrease from the record high of 40.2 pounds reached in 2023. This change follows years of rising consumption, with intake sitting at 39.6 pounds in 2021 and 29.8 pounds in 2000.
Why it matters
The recent decline reflects broader shifts in how individuals manage food budgets, specifically a reduction in out-of-home eating caused by inflation. Despite the dip, the market for premium and global-inspired cheese products continues to grow.
National consumption reports show per capita natural cheese intake at 39.9 pounds in 2024, a slight decline from the 40.2 pounds recorded in 2023. While long-term trends show a significant increase from the 29.8 pounds consumed in 2000, 2024 figures represent a shift in the recent upward trajectory.
The players
Organic Valley
A cooperative based in LaFarge, Wis., focused on organic dairy products and recently released single-serve organic cheese snacks.
Sargento
A food manufacturer based in Plymouth, Wis., known for developing pre-sliced cheese products and new spicy flavor varieties.
Dairy Farmers of America
A national dairy cooperative headquartered in Kansas City, Kan., that recently expanded its offerings to include various refrigerated dips.
The details
Manufacturers are adapting to changing consumer preferences by introducing bold, spicy flavor profiles and convenient on-the-go snack formats. Companies like Organic Valley are emphasizing protein content, offering sticks with 5 grams per serving, while others are shifting products into refrigerated cases to maintain shelf-stable quality. These innovations aim to meet consumer interest in premium and authentic global cuisines.
Timeline
In 2000, annual per capita natural cheese consumption reached 29.8 lbs.
By 2021, average consumption per person rose to 39.6 lbs.
Consumption hit a record high of 40.2 lbs per person in 2023.
In 2024, annual per capita consumption decreased to 39.9 lbs.
Health Landscape
The 2024 consumption data marks a shift following the sustained growth seen during the 2021-2023 period. This decline highlights how broader economic factors and changing dietary habits are currently interacting with the long-term upward trend in dairy interest.
As manufacturers prioritize snack-sized, high-protein options, consider checking labels to identify products that align with your specific nutritional needs. It is worth discussing with your doctor how your preferred dairy choices fit into your overall balanced diet plan.
The takeaway
While natural cheese consumption has seen a slight dip, the rise of protein-rich, portion-controlled snacks remains a steady industry focus. When selecting cheese products, prioritize options that fit your personal health goals and consult a physician about your overall intake of saturated fats.
Further reading
For more information on current dietary trends, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supermarket Perimeter.
Live Poll
Are you choosing to buy fewer food items in favor of higher quality products?
