the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Topping off a pizza, perfecting a grilled sandwich, or eyeing the next cracker-stacking combo—many of us have pondered one of life’s great culinary mysteries: what’s the perfect amount of cheese?
Turns out, the answer is simple: just a little more.
A recent report by Bloomberg’s Ilena Peng revealed that America’s dairy processors are planning to expand facilities to keep up with the country’s ever-growing love for cheese. It’s a trend that’s been steadily climbing for decades. According to data from the USDA, the average American consumed a record-breaking 42 pounds of cheese in 2022, more than double the amount consumed in 1975.
Cheese vs. Milk: A Surprising Dairy Divide
Interestingly, while cheese consumption continues to soar, Americans are drinking significantly less milk. Fluid milk consumption has seen a 47% decline over the same period. Once a staple of the American diet, milk has fallen out of favor as people turn to plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, and oat milk. These “alt-milks” have surged in popularity for ethical and dietary reasons, with brands like Oatly once valued at billions.
However, non-dairy cheeses haven’t experienced the same success. Attempts to replicate the texture and flavor of dairy cheese have left many unimpressed, with even VeganCheese.co admitting that some alternatives miss the mark. Unlike plant-based milks, cheese offers a unique, artisanal quality that’s hard to recreate and is appreciated by today’s more organic-conscious consumers.
Moreover, dairy cheese, with its high protein content, is gaining popularity among health-conscious individuals. Even cottage cheese, once considered divisive, has exploded on social media thanks to its protein-packed profile and viral TikTok recipes featuring cheese as a main ingredient.
The Cheesiest Generation
As Americans dine out more frequently, cheese has become a staple of their favorite dishes—think pizza, burgers, and pasta. The demand for cheese has never been higher, and it’s clear that cheese isn’t just food; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
In fact, mozzarella now reigns supreme as America’s most popular cheese, with the average person consuming 12.55 pounds of it in 2022. Cheddar, a close runner-up, still holds a firm place in American hearts, with over 11 pounds consumed per person each year. Processed cheese has also seen a revival since 2020, with demand increasing for its gooey, melty texture.
America’s Cheese Empire
While many of America’s favorite cheeses originated in other countries, the U.S. produces a large portion of its own cheese, making up about 29% of the world’s supply. Since 2010, the U.S. has become a net exporter of cheese, with sales peaking at 450,000 metric tons in 2022. Mexico, one of the largest markets, imports 87% of its cheese from the U.S.
Cheese exports are only expected to rise, with the USDA forecasting a 17% increase from 2023-24. The demand for American cheese abroad is booming, thanks to the country’s competitive pricing and the global recovery post-pandemic.
The Cheese Surplus: A Tale of Too Much of a Good Thing
America’s love for cheese isn’t without its quirks. In the 1980s, the government started stockpiling cheese in response to a milk surplus. By 1981, the U.S. had accumulated around 560 million pounds of cheese, stored in underground facilities. Even today, America still grapples with a cheese surplus, with 1.4 billion pounds sitting in cold storage as of August 2024.
While exports and domestic consumption help manage the surplus, America’s insatiable appetite for cheese ensures that this dairy delight isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. So, the next time you’re pondering how much cheese is enough, the answer remains the same: just a little more.
Make America grate again, indeed!
HAWAIIAN PIZZA? FUHGETTABOUTIT!
https://theridgewoodblog.net/hawaiian-pizza-fuhgettaboutit/
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