Randy Chandler
Cheese is an international favorite, and Americans are no exception. In recent years, cheese consumption has been on the rise in the United States, with Americans consuming an average of 37 lbs of cheese per person per year. A survey found that 63% of Americans like cheese, and many would go to great lengths to keep it in their diet. Some would even give up coffee for a year or go without their cell phones for a week! With cheese playing such a prominent role in American cuisine, from burgers to tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches, it's no wonder that Americans have a strong affinity for this dairy product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Americans who eat cheese | 96% |
| Number of Americans who consumed American cheese in 2020 | 230.23 million |
| Percentage of Americans who like cheese | 63% |
| Average amount of cheese consumed per person per year in the US | 37 lbs |
| Average amount of cheese consumed per person per year in the US (previous) | 16 lbs |
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What You'll Learn
Americans' favourite cheeses
According to a survey, 96% of Americans are cheese eaters, and most of them would go to great lengths to keep cheese in their diet. They eat over 40 lbs of cheese per person each year, and this number is rising.
Cheddar is America's favourite cheese, with 19% of adults naming it their go-to. It is a versatile cheese, great on its own or as a key ingredient in many recipes, and pairs well with wine. It is also the most popular type of cheese in the United Kingdom.
American cheese is the second most popular, with 13% of the vote. It is a classic choice for sandwiches, especially grilled cheese. It is also great on burgers.
Mozzarella comes in third place with 9% of the vote. This Italian-born cheese is very versatile, melting well and complementing any dish, from appetisers to pizza. If you love pizza, you love mozzarella!
Swiss cheese is next, with 8% of adults choosing it as their favourite. This holey cheese was created in America to replicate a European variety.
The next three cheeses on the list are tied at 7% each: Pepper Jack, Colby Jack/Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. Pepper Jack is a spicier variation of Monterey Jack, and both cheeses melt very easily and go well with dishes like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos. Parmesan is a specialty cheese that is great on grilled burgers and sandwiches.
The remaining three cheeses on the list of America's top ten favourite cheeses are: provolone (5%), blue cheese (4%), and gouda (4%).
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How much cheese Americans consume
According to a survey, 63% of Americans like cheese, while 76% like apples. However, another survey reports that 96% of Americans are cheese eaters, and most would rather give up coffee or their cell phones than have cheese removed from their diet. This love for cheese is reflected in the consumption trends over the years.
Americans have steadily increased their cheese consumption per person over the years. Between 1977 and 2017, the per-person cheese consumption in the US increased from 16 pounds to 37 pounds per year. In 2022, the average American consumed about 41.8 pounds of cheese, with Wisconsin and California being the leading cheese-producing states. Wisconsin produced over three and a half billion pounds, while California accounted for an estimated two and a half billion.
The USDA's Economic Research Service reported that per-capita cheese consumption in the US reached an all-time high in 2022, with Americans consuming nearly 42 pounds of cheese per person. This was a half-pound increase from the previous year. The increase in cheese consumption can be attributed to various factors, such as the growing popularity of eating out and ordering in, which has increased the consumption of pizza and, consequently, mozzarella cheese.
Additionally, the convenience of pre-shredded or individually wrapped cheese products has made it a go-to snack or meal addition. Another factor is the shift from fat-free/low-fat diets to diets that embrace "good" fats, including whole milk products. As a result, Americans are consuming more fatty dairy products, including cheese. Mozzarella has been the most consumed cheese since 2010, overtaking cheddar, likely due to its key role in popular dishes like pizza and string cheese.
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Cheese in American cooking
Cheese is a staple in American cooking, with 96% of Americans identifying as cheese eaters. The country's affinity for cheese is evident in its versatile usage across various dishes, from sandwiches to burgers and even as a topping on pizzas.
One of the most iconic uses of cheese in American cooking is in the classic grilled cheese sandwich. American cheese, with its smooth, meltable texture, is the most popular choice for this comfort food. The same quality makes it a preferred topping for cheeseburgers, where it not only adds flavour but also acts as an adhesive layer to hold the burger together.
Breakfast foods also benefit from the inclusion of cheese. American cheese is commonly used in omelettes, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, and bread. It is also a key ingredient in the ever-popular macaroni and cheese.
Cheese is not just a supporting player in American cuisine; it can also take centre stage. A classic example is the Philly cheesesteak, which originated in Philadelphia. This sandwich combines thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese, with the original cheese being provolone. However, white American cheese slices are now commonly used, showcasing their adaptability and widespread appeal.
In terms of numbers, an impressive 230.23 million Americans consumed American cheese in 2020. This love for cheese runs deep, with many willing to make sacrifices to keep it in their diets. Some surveys suggest that 57% of Americans would go to some length to retain their cheese consumption, even giving up coffee for a year (39%) or their cell phones for a week (36%).
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Cheese consumption in other countries
While the United States is a top cheese producer, it does not make the list of top ten countries for cheese consumption. In 2023, the European Union consumed about 9.2 million metric tons of cheese, far exceeding consumption numbers in other parts of the world. The per capita consumption of cheese in the European Union was 20.5 kilograms in 2023 and 20.9 kilograms between 2018 and 2020. The United States and Canada, which ranked second and third in 2023, consumed 17.96 and 14.59 kilograms of cheese per capita, respectively. Germany and the Netherlands were the top exporters of cheese worldwide in 2021.
In 2019, China, with a population three times that of the EU, consumed only an estimated 409,000 metric tons of cheese. Canada also produced a significant amount of cheese in 2021, with an estimated production of 540 million kilograms.
Despite not being in the top ten for consumption, a 2013 survey revealed that 96% of Americans are cheese eaters, with 57% willing to go to some length to keep cheese in their diet. Another survey in 2022 found that 63% of Americans like cheese.
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Americans' willingness to give up other foods for cheese
America's love for cheese is well-documented, with various sources citing the extent to which Americans are willing to go to keep cheese in their diet. According to a survey, 96% of Americans consume cheese, and most of them value it more than connectivity or coffee. In fact, 57% of Americans would make sacrifices to continue eating cheese, with 39% willing to give up coffee for a year and 36% prepared to do without their cell phones for a week.
This passion for cheese is reflected in American cuisine, with many iconic dishes featuring cheese as a key ingredient. From burgers and tacos to pizzas and quesadillas, cheese is a staple in American food culture. The popularity of cheese in the US has also been influenced by historical factors. During World War I, the American government sent large quantities of powdered and canned milk to soldiers overseas, leading to increased dairy production by American farmers.
The post-World War II era saw the emergence of "government cheese," which was provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly. This cheese was often a byproduct of surplus milk production, which the government purchased to support farmers and cheese companies. By the 1980s, the government was spending $2 billion annually on unwanted milk, leading to the infamous distribution of 30 million pounds of salty, slowly decaying "government cheese" during the Reagan administration.
Today, cheese remains a beloved part of the American diet, with companies like Kraft celebrating this love through initiatives like the Fresh Take Fresh Possibilities Tour. This tour aims to bring mealtime inspiration and flavorful cheese blends to Americans across the country, showcasing the continued importance of cheese in American cuisine.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a survey, 63% of Americans like cheese. Another survey found that 96% of Americans are cheese eaters.
Americans consume 37 lbs of cheese each per year.
Americans' five favorite cheeses are Cheddar, Mozzarella, American, Pepper Jack, and Provolone.
