Americans’ love of cheese is showing up not just on the plate, but in the grocery aisle.
A new survey of 5,000 consumers recently found that 73% say they always or often always buy cheese when they shop, showing just how much of a regular staple it has become in everyday grocery carts. The research also suggests cheese has increasingly become viewed as both a comfort food and a practical way to add nutrition, especially protein, to everyday meals and snacks.
The survey was conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Undeniably Dairy in honor of National Dairy Month, which begins with National Cheese Day on June 4. It explored how Americans consume cheese, which varieties they prefer and why it continues to play a central role in modern diets.
Cheese a Daily Staple for Most Americans
Overall, 52% of respondents self-identify as “cheese-obsessed,” highlighting just how popular cheese remains across the country. While taste is still the main reason people eat cheese, the survey shows many consumers are also considering its nutritional benefits.
For many Americans, cheese is part of their daily routine. The survey found 16% say they are “constantly” eating cheese, while 61% consume it often or sometimes. Only 3% report never eating cheese.
Cheese also stands out for its versatility. About 82% of respondents say it is one of their favorite foods overall, 91% say it is a preferred topping or meal ingredient, and 77% call it a snack-time favorite. Consumers reported adding cheese to a wide range of foods, from ramen and apple pie to oatmeal, yogurt, curry and cereal.
Beyond flavor and convenience, more than half of cheese eaters (54%) say they seek cheese out as a source of protein. These results come as more consumers are paying attention to protein and looking for foods that can help support energy, strength and weight management.
“This research suggests that while taste remains a key driver, many Americans also lean into cheese because it’s a good source of nutrients like protein, which helps provide that sense of feeling fuller longer,” says Katie Brown, EdD, RDN, CPT, FASN, FAND, president of National Dairy Council. “That combination of enjoyment and lasting nutrition is part of what makes cheese a versatile option across meals and snacks.”
America’s Favorite Cheeses
When it comes to favorite varieties, Americans tend to agree on a handful of classic cheeses. Cheddar tops the list, with 77% of respondents saying they enjoy it, followed closely by mozzarella and Parmesan. The survey’s full ranking of favorite cheeses includes:
- Cheddar — 77%
- Mozzarella — 74%
- Parmesan — 64%
- American — 63%
- Cream cheese — 59%
- Provolone — 54%
- Monterey Jack — 53%
- Colby — 52%
- Pepper Jack — 52%
- Swiss — 51%
Cheese enthusiasm runs high across the country, but some states stand out more than others. Wyoming leads the way, with 61% of residents identifying as cheese enthusiasts, followed closely by Illinois at 59%. Alaska, Louisiana and Oregon are next, each at 58%, showing similarly strong interest.
Most cheese-enthusiastic states:
- Wyoming — 61%
- Illinois — 59%
- Alaska — 58%
- Louisiana — 58%
- Oregon — 58%
- Mississippi — 57%
- Nebraska — 57%
- Connecticut — 56%
- Idaho — 56%
- Maine — 56%
- New Mexico — 56%
Younger consumers appear to be driving much of that enthusiasm. More than six in 10 Gen Z respondents (61%) identify as cheese enthusiasts, compared to 57% of millennials and 54% of Gen X consumers. Baby boomers were less likely to describe themselves that way, though 44% still said they consider themselves cheese enthusiasts.
These cheesy results suggest the dairy product continues to resonate across all age groups, but younger consumers may be especially eager to incorporate it into meals, snacks and everyday eating occasions.
