Kamil Perry
Cheese is a staple in Western cultures, with 68% of adults consuming it on any given day. The Netherlands is the top cheese-loving country, with 96% of Americans also eating cheese, specifically cheddar. Consumption is up 5.7% compared to five years ago, with global cheese consumption projected to reach a record high of 21.6 million metric tons in 2024. However, for some, cheese sparks disgust, with 6% of people in one study finding it so repulsive that they were disgusted by it.
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What You'll Learn
Global cheese consumption is projected to reach 21.6 million metric tons in 2024
Cheese is a beloved food product across the globe, with global cheese consumption projected to reach 21.6 million metric tons in 2024. This trend is driven by a variety of factors, including the increasing popularity of cheese in traditionally low-consumption regions like China, and the growing preference for imported varieties in some countries.
According to the USDA, global cheese consumption is on the rise, with a projected record high of 21.6 million metric tons expected to be reached in 2024. This represents a significant increase in cheese consumption compared to previous years, with a 5.7% rise observed over the last five years. The United States is a significant contributor to this surge, with Americans consuming an average of 37 pounds of cheese per person annually, a notable increase from the previous average of 16 pounds.
The growing demand for cheese is not limited to the United States. Countries like Japan and South Korea are projected to import more cheese in 2024 than they did in 2023, although their import volumes may not reach the levels seen in 2020-2022. On the other hand, Mexico and China are expected to set new records for cheese imports, with Russia also making substantial purchases, solidifying its position as the world's second-largest importer of cheese.
The rising global demand for cheese has led to a corresponding increase in cheese production. According to Sarina Sharp, an analyst at Daily Dairy Report, cheese production is growing even faster than demand. This trend is particularly evident in the United States, which is a major contributor to the global cheese surplus. The availability of a diverse range of cheeses, including specialty and artisanal varieties, has contributed to the increasing consumption of cheese worldwide.
The popularity of cheese varies across different regions, with some countries exhibiting a stronger preference for cheese than others. The Netherlands, for example, has been dubbed the top cheese-loving country by Mintel, a market research firm. The Dutch import more than $14 worth of cheese per person annually, and their cultural affinity for cheese dates back centuries. Similarly, in the United States, 96% of Americans consume cheddar cheese, showcasing a strong preference for this variety.
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Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the US
Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the US, with 96% of Americans consuming it. It is also the second most consumed cheese family in the country, after Italian cheeses. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be mild or strong, depending on its maturity, and has a good texture when melted. Its popularity may be partly due to its relatively low cost compared to other cheeses.
Cheddar's history in the US goes back to the country's early days when English settlers brought their cheese-making traditions with them. It was the first factory-manufactured cheese in the US, produced in a factory founded in Rome, New York, in 1851 by Jesse Williams. This led to a shift in cheese culture, with associative dairy groups pooling their milk in large factories, and mechanical milking methods being invented.
Cheddar cheese is made from pasteurized or unpasteurized cow's milk. It gets its name from the process of cheddaring, where the milk is heated to about 86°F, and a starter culture of bacteria is added to convert lactose into lactic acid, lowering the milk's pH and making it more acidic. The natural color of cheddar is off-white, but some cheddars are dyed with natural or artificial colorings to give them an orange hue.
Cheddar cheese is a staple in many US dishes, including quesadillas, tapas platters, sauces, and savory pies. Its popularity spans regional and class differences, with Americans consuming it in various forms, from traditional handmade cheese to processed cheese slices.
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Mozzarella is the most consumed cheese globally
While there are no exact statistics on the percentage of people who like cheese, it is safe to say that a significant portion of the global population does. Cheese consumption has been steadily increasing worldwide, with Americans going from consuming 16 lbs of cheese per person per year to 37 lbs in recent years. This trend is also observed in other countries like China, which traditionally had low cheese consumption.
Among the various types of cheese, mozzarella stands out as the most consumed cheese globally. Its popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its versatility and integration into various dishes, particularly pizza and pasta. Pizza's widespread consumption has significantly contributed to mozzarella's popularity, as it is a key ingredient that adds a stringy, cheesy texture and flavour.
Mozzarella's versatility extends beyond pizza, as it is also commonly shredded and used in pasta dishes, providing a creamy and tasty addition. This has led to companies investing in shredded mozzarella, recognising the convenience and functionality it offers to consumers. The demand for mozzarella has resulted in companies like Ornua committing more resources and technology to increasing its production and improving the customer experience.
The rise in popularity of Italian-style cheeses, including mozzarella, reflects a shift in consumer tastes towards more sophisticated and diverse options. While processed cheese and "cheese products" were once prevalent, consumers now seek out real cheeses with distinct flavours and textures. This trend aligns with the rich history and traditions of Italian cheesemaking, which offers a wide range of options like Parmigiano-Reggiano, burrata, and aged Pecorino Romano.
In conclusion, mozzarella's status as the most consumed cheese globally can be attributed to its integral role in popular dishes like pizza and pasta, as well as its versatility, convenience, and the increasing demand for Italian-style cheeses. Its popularity indicates a broader trend of consumers embracing new varieties and unique flavours in their culinary experiences.
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Cheese consumption in China is increasing
Although China has traditionally not consumed much cheese, consumption is on the rise. In 2021, the country's cheese market size was just over $1 billion, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 10% up to 2026. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including globalization, tourism, and the increasing number of expatriates, which have led to the spread of Western culture and cuisine throughout China.
Cheese is now part of popular dishes in China, such as pizzas, burgers, and fast-food items. It is also viewed as a nutritious food, with 32% of the Chinese population trying to increase their consumption of dairy products for health, weight, and muscle growth, especially for children. Cheese lollipops, a lollipop-shaped processed cheese snack targeting kids, have become an overnight success and have propelled cheese sales in China.
Chinese consumers typically prefer milder, fresher cheeses with a hard or semi-hard rind, such as mozzarella. They generally do not favour aged, strong-flavoured cheeses like blue cheese. Cheese is also consumed in China as part of meals such as pasta and sandwiches, or as a snack, rather than as a platter with wine as commonly done in Western cultures.
The rise in cheese consumption in China has presented opportunities for foreign cheese brands to enter the market. In 2021, China imported 176,000 tonnes of cheese from foreign countries, with New Zealand, Australia, and Denmark being the top three exporters. Cheese companies are responding to the growing demand, with Chinese companies producing about 373,000 tonnes of cheese in 2021, a 1.3% increase from 2020.
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68% of US adults consume cheese on any given day
Cheese is a staple in Western cultures, and its consumption is on the rise globally. In the US, 68% of adults consume cheese on any given day, with no statistical difference between men and women. This means that roughly seven out of ten adults in the US eat cheese daily.
The US is a cheese-loving nation, with 96% of Americans saying they eat cheddar cheese. Cheddar was the most popular cheese for decades, but mozzarella has claimed the top spot since 2010, perhaps due to its key role in string cheese and pizza. Americans also consume Swiss, Gouda, Asiago, and Jarlsberg cheese, as well as processed cheese products like Cheez Whiz and Kraft slices.
The average American now consumes 37 lbs of cheese each year, up from 16 lbs in the past. Cheese is a versatile ingredient used in sandwiches, pizzas, soups, chicken sandwiches, and more. It is a rich source of energy and nutrients, contributing significantly to daily intakes of protein, fat, saturated fat, and calcium.
While cheese is widely loved in the US, it is not universally adored. Some people find the smell of cheese disgusting, associating it with the odour of decay. Negative experiences, such as lactose intolerance, can also contribute to cheese aversion. However, for most US adults, cheese is a beloved and integral part of their diet.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2017-2018 survey, 68% of US adults consume cheese on any given day, with no statistical difference between genders.
The Netherlands is the top cheese-loving country, with 96% of Americans eating cheddar cheese.
Cheese consumption varies across countries. For instance, Americans consume 37 lbs of cheese each per year, while a single French citizen ate about 25.9 kg of cheese per year in 2013.
