Recent data on American dairy consumption highlights five strong trends: while consumption of butter, cheese, and whey protein concentrate (WPC) is rising, consumption of milk and ice cream is declining.
Dairy Reporter has summarized these trends based on the latest data from the USDA Economic Research Service (2023):
- Decline in milk consumption
Liquid milk consumption dropped to 58 kg per person in 2023, the lowest level ever recorded. This marks the 14th consecutive year of decline, with milk consumption now below the levels seen in 1985.
- Record-high cheese consumption
Cheese consumption reached an all-time high of 19.2 kg per person in 2023, driven by increased demand for both American cheese and cottage cheese. Notably, cottage cheese saw remarkable growth, hitting its highest level in four years.
- Butter’s best year on record
Butter consumption climbed to its highest level since records began in 1975, with 3 kg consumed per person in 2023. This surpasses even the high demand seen during the pandemic, showcasing butter’s enduring popularity.
- Ice Cream hits a low point
Consumption of regular ice cream fell to a record low of 5.3 kg per person in 2023. This decline aligns with broader trends of reduced consumption of frozen dairy desserts and calorie-dense sweeteners.
- Rising demand for whey protein (WPC)
Demand for protein-rich whey products increased in 2023, driven by domestic trends and growing interest from international markets like China. High demand and limited supplies pushed prices upward, reflecting a broader interest in functional dairy products.
Read the full article on Dairy Reporter
Photo: Colourbox
