Frederic Melton
Cheese is a beloved food product around the world, with a long history of human consumption. The top cheese-eating countries in the world vary across sources, with France, Italy, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States all featuring in the top ten of various lists. The UK is also a notable mention, with a high number of Google searches for cheese per capita and a population that largely prefers to eat UK-produced cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the most Google searches for 'cheese' in native languages per capita | Netherlands |
| Country with the highest cheese trade value | France |
| Country with the highest per capita consumption of cheese | Denmark |
| Country with the second-highest per capita consumption of cheese | Iceland |
| Country with the third-highest per capita consumption of cheese | Finland |
| Country with the highest average per capita consumption of cheese in the EU | Germany |
| Country with the second-highest average per capita consumption of cheese in the EU | Switzerland |
| Country with the third-highest average per capita consumption of cheese in the EU | Netherlands |
| Country with the most cheese consumption in a year per capita | France |
| Country with the second-highest cheese consumption in a year per capita | Italy |
| Country with the most cheese consumption in the US | Wisconsin |
| Country with the second-highest cheese consumption in the US | California |
| Country with the third-highest cheese consumption in the US | Idaho |
| Country with the most cheese varieties | UK |
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What You'll Learn
- France: the second-highest cheese consumer, with 246 varieties of cheese
- Denmark: the top cheese consumer, eating 28.1 kg per capita
- The Netherlands: the biggest cheese importer, with 38 varieties of cheese
- The UK: famous for Cheddar and Stilton, with 700+ types of cheese
- The US: the third-largest population, with 500+ American cheese varieties
France: the second-highest cheese consumer, with 246 varieties of cheese
France is a country synonymous with cheese. With 246 varieties of cheese, including staples like brie, roquefort, and camembert, France is a major player in cheese production globally. The French also search for 'fromage' over 90,000 times a month, and the country has a staggering trade value of almost US$375 million. This indicates a strong love for cheese in France, which is further supported by per capita consumption values. According to the International Dairy Federation, France holds the title for the most cheese consumed in a year per capita, but Italy is a close second.
France's love for cheese is also evident in its history and culture. Cheesemaking in the country dates back centuries, with rich climates providing the perfect conditions for crafting cheese. French cheeses have become renowned worldwide, with varieties like brie, roquefort, and camembert gaining popularity beyond France's borders.
In addition to its impressive variety and consumption rates, France also influences global cheese trends. French cheeses have inspired the creation of new varieties and flavours in other countries, spreading its cheese culture far and wide. This influence is particularly noticeable in countries with strong historical ties to France, where French cheeses have become a staple in local cuisine.
While France may be the second-highest cheese consumer, it is worth noting that the Netherlands has been named the number one nation of cheese lovers by some sources. This ranking is based on the Netherlands having the most Google searches for 'cheese' in native languages per capita and importing the most cheese per person. However, France's cultural significance, variety of cheeses, and high consumption rates still firmly establish its position as one of the top cheese-loving nations.
In summary, France's passion for cheese is undeniable, with its diverse cheese culture, high consumption and production rates, and global influence on cheese trends. The country's rich history of cheesemaking and the prominence of cheese in French cuisine solidify its reputation as one of the foremost cheese-loving nations in the world.
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Denmark: the top cheese consumer, eating 28.1 kg per capita
Denmark is the top consumer of cheese, with a per capita consumption of 28.1 kg. This is significantly higher than the average per capita consumption of other countries. For example, Germany consumes 24.7 kg per capita, while Switzerland and the Netherlands consume 22.2 kg and 21.6 kg per capita, respectively.
Denmark's high per capita consumption of cheese may be due to a variety of factors, including cultural preferences, availability, and preservation techniques. Cheese is a staple food in many parts of the world, and its consumption varies across different regions. In Denmark, cheese is likely considered a valuable source of protein and nutrients, especially in colder regions where it can be easily preserved.
Additionally, Denmark's love for cheese could be influenced by its culinary traditions and history. Cheese has a long history in Europe, with evidence of cheese-making dating back thousands of years. The country's proximity to other cheese-loving nations, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and France, may also contribute to its high consumption rates.
It's worth noting that while Denmark leads in per capita consumption, other countries, such as the United States, contribute significantly to cheese production and trade. The US has a vast array of cheese varieties, with Wisconsin being the leading state in cheese production. However, the US falls behind smaller nations in terms of trade value per capita, indicating a preference for local cheese varieties over imports.
In conclusion, Denmark's high per capita consumption of 28.1 kg solidifies its position as the top cheese consumer. This can be attributed to a combination of cultural, geographical, and historical factors, making cheese a beloved and essential part of the Danish diet.
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The Netherlands: the biggest cheese importer, with 38 varieties of cheese
The Dutch have a well-known love for cheese, and this is reflected in the fact that the Netherlands is the biggest importer of cheese in the world. Each person in the country buys an average of 3.1kg of cheese per year, and the country has the most Google searches for 'cheese' in native languages per capita.
The Netherlands is also home to a wide variety of cheeses, with 38 varieties produced in the country. Dutch cheese is often characterised by its strong flavour and smell, with one variety from Holland described as smelling like "stinky feet". The country's most famous cheese is Gouda, a mild and creamy cheese with a hint of sweetness that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is named after the city of Gouda in South Holland.
Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to soups and sauces. It is also delicious when eaten on its own, paired with a glass of wine or beer. While young Gouda has a mild flavour, the older varieties have a more pronounced, nutty taste.
In addition to Gouda, other Dutch cheeses include Edam, Leerdammer, and Beemster. Edam is a mild, semi-soft cheese that is often eaten as a snack or used in cooking. Leerdammer is a Swiss-style cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, while Beemster is a hard, cow's milk cheese with a rich and buttery flavour.
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The UK: famous for Cheddar and Stilton, with 700+ types of cheese
The UK is famous for its cheese, with 700+ types of cheese produced in the country. Two of the most well-known varieties are Cheddar and Stilton. Cheddar, in particular, is popular worldwide and is the second most consumed cheese family in the United States, after Italian cheeses. Stilton is also beloved, with Colston Basset being a sensational example.
The UK's cheese-making scene has evolved beyond traditional hard cows' milk cheeses, like Cheddar and Red Leicester, to include a diverse range of native British cheeses. This recent boom in artisan cheese-making has contributed to the country's impressive cheese variety.
While the UK is known for its cheese, other countries also have a strong cheese culture. France, for example, has a rich history of cheesemaking and boasts 246 to over 400 varieties, including iconic cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort. The French have a deep passion for cheese, as evidenced by their high trade value of almost 375 million USD in the cheese industry.
Another country with a notable cheese culture is Italy, which has over 2,500 traditional cheese varieties. Italian cheeses like Mozzarella and Parmesan are among the most unique and well-known in the world. The United States also has a surprising diversity of cheeses, with over 500 to 600 varieties, and Wisconsin leading the nation in cheese production.
Each country has its unique contribution to the world of cheese, but the UK stands out with its 700+ types of cheese, including the beloved Cheddar and Stilton varieties.
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The US: the third-largest population, with 500+ American cheese varieties
The United States, with a population of 333 million people, is the third-largest country in the world in terms of population size. Interestingly, despite its extremely large population, the USA is not the world's biggest importer of cheese. In fact, it falls behind 29 other countries, including smaller nations like Austria, Lebanon, and Norway, whose trade values are greater than that of the USA.
One reason for this relatively low trade value could be that Americans tend to prefer local cheese varieties to imported ones. Indeed, the USA boasts over 500 varieties of American cheese, including well-known types such as American generic parmesan, Maytag Blue cheese, and American cheese—a variety of processed cheese usually created from a combination of Colby and cheddar cheeses. Other varieties include Government cheese, a type of processed cheese food, and Pepper Jack, a semi-soft cheese with a kick of spice.
Cheddar is the second most consumed cheese family in the United States, second only to Italian cheeses. In fact, 96% of Americans eat cheddar, while many have not heard of cheeses like paneer and halloumi. This preference for local varieties could be why the USA, despite its large population, is not the top importer of cheese.
The state of Wisconsin is the leading state in the USA for cheese production. If Wisconsin were a country, it would rank fourth in the world in total cheese production, behind only the remaining USA, Germany, and France, and just ahead of Italy.
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Frequently asked questions
The top cheese consumer is Denmark, with 28.1 kilograms of cheese consumption per capita.
The United States is the top cheese producer, with Wisconsin being the leading state.
The United Kingdom produces the most varieties of cheese, with over 700 types.
The Netherlands has the most interest in cheese, with the highest number of Google searches for 'cheese' in native languages per capita.
