Aaaah, cheese! That bitter-sour-sweet-salty fat-rich deliciousness. It is a cuisine especially by itself, but it also makes small pleasures taste big, and other foods and drinks more enjoyable.
The stack of cheese statistics before you reveal unimaginable facts about how cheese is consumed around the world.
Here, you will find some interesting “cheesy” information, trivia, and a rundown of all the varieties of cheese.
Then, you will find intriguing statistics on the dairy industry, as well as the consumption and production of cheese around the world as well as in the United States.
So take a moment to relax and read through these statistics and facts that will make you want to snack on a delicious piece of cheese.
The Top 10 Cheese Statistics and Facts
- There are over 2000 cheese varieties in the world.
- The second most expensive cheese in the world is White Stilton Gold, which will cost you $400 for a single pound.
- Cheese has been in existence for over 7000 years.
- In 2019, global cheese statistics showed that the cheese market saw an increase in cheese market value by 2.3%, moving to $114.1 billion.
- Cheese production by state shows that Wisconsin produces the most cheese in the US.
- Mozzarella cheese contains probiotics.
- The nine healthiest varieties of cheese include mozzarella and blue cheese.
- In 2019, over nine million tons of cheese were consumed by Europeans.
- Consuming cheese daily reduces the risk of having Type 2 diabetes mellitus by 8%.
- Cheese boosts the efficiency of the immune system.
General Cheese Facts
Statistics reveal that cheese is one of the most used food products in the world. The production rates continue to be on the increase and are expected to skyrocket in subsequent years.
This doesn’t come as a surprise because people eat cheese as a single-serving delight and it can have numerous applications, such as in the production of other food products, including bread, pizza, cheeseburgers, and others.
The following facts about cheese will give you a general insight into what you need to know about cheese.
1. The most famous and popular recipe that includes cheese is macaroni and cheese.
(The United States Census Bureau)
This recipe is extremely popular in the United States, with many variations of the recipe and even instant box recipes.
2. As a wedding gift, Queen Victoria was given a wheel of cheddar cheese that weighed more than 1,000 pounds.
(The United States Census Bureau)
Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901. The average weight for a wheel of cheddar cheese weighs in at around 60 to 75 pounds.
3. There are seven different types of cheese.
(Juliet Harbutt)
These include fresh cheese with no rind, aged fresh cheese, semi-soft cheese, soft white rind, hard cheese, cheese with added flavor, and blue cheese.
4. On New Year’s Day 1836, President Andrew Jackson received a big block of cheese weighing 1,400 pounds from Col. Thomas Meacham.
(ThoughtCo.)
This big block of cheese was eventually served to people visiting the White House. This incident later made its way into pop culture when it was used as the basis for an episode of Aaron Sorkin’s TV show “The West Wing.”
5. Cheese statistics show that cheese is the number one stolen food item in the world.
(Time)
Around 4% of cheese that is produced ends up stolen from grocery stores. This was discovered by the Center for Retail Research in the United Kingdom.
6. Scientists have proven that you can create cheeses from human beings.
(CBS News)
The cheeses are made from bacteria from human toes, belly buttons, armpits, and mouths. This was displayed at Science Gallery Dublin in Trinity College Dublin. The cheese was not made to be consumed or marketed as a food product, and this is just one of many fun facts about cheese.
7. Gouda is the most popular cheese in the world.
(Cheese.com)
Out of all the different varieties of cheese, Gouda accounts for 50–60% of cheese consumption. The Dutch cheese is named after the city Gouda and has a delicious and smokey flavor that makes it so popular around the world.
8. The top six global vendors in the cheese market are Arla Foods, Fonterra, FrieslandCampina, Savencia, The Lactalis Group, and The Kraft Heinz Company.
(businesswire)
These six popular cheese brands were named the most important vendors in the global cheese market between 2016 and 2020.
9. The most expensive cheese in the world is Pule, priced at $600 for a single pound.
(Forbes)
Pule is a crumbly white cheese made from a Balkan donkey’s milk, which you can’t even purchase on the commercial market.
10. The second most expensive cheese in the world is White Stilton Gold, which will cost you $400 for a single pound.
(Forbes)
If you’re wondering why this particular cheese is so much more expensive than other types of white cheese, it’s because White Stilton Gold is made using actual gold.
11. The third most expensive cheese in the world is Wyke Farms Cheddar, and it costs around $200 for a single pound.
(Forbes)
Despite carrying an incredible cost, this cheddar, which takes 12 months to age, is the brand’s most popular cheese. It just shows how much people are willing to pay for a block of quality cheese.
12. Cheese has been in existence for over 7000 years.
(Oldest)
The exact date to the existence of cheese cannot be accurately pointed out. However, the most ancient cheese, according to cousine history reports, is the ancient Mediterranean cheese which originated from Croatia.
One of the most interesting cheese stats reports that these cheeses are found on ancient pottery shards.
13. Edam Cheese may develop a mold when it is going bad.
(Stilltasty)
Originating in the Northern Netherlands, this Dutch cheese will only go hard and change to a darkened color with a strong smell once it is going bad.
The hardness of this cheese is as a result of the decrease in water content which makes it last longer. This single attribute made it one of the best types of cheese in the 14th and 18th centuries.
14. The holes in Swiss Cheese are due to the fermentation process.
(HuffPost)
Remember the famous Tom and Jerry cartoon and how Jerry always ate all those cheeses with holes? Even mothers scare their children by telling them that mouse bites cause cavities.
However, stats show that the holes in a Swiss cheese are due to fermentation during cheese production, where bacteria consume lactic acid and give off carbon dioxide, forming bubbles and appearing as holes in the cheese.
15. Cheese is one of the most challenging habits to regulate daily.
(Forbes)
Cheese consumption statistics in 2021 show that cheese contains addictive substances which can leave its consumers attached to it.
Cheese has a substance called casein. These casein molecules can trigger opioid receptors in the brain.
These receptors are the same ones implicated in the addiction seen in people who take narcotics such as morphine.
16. Cheese improves your sleep.
(Livestrong)
A study done in 2005 showed that you sleep better when you eat cheese 30 minutes before your sleep.
Cheese nutrition facts show that cheese, especially low-fat cheese contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that can be converted to serotonin, and serotonin promotes sleep.
17. There are over 2000 cheese varieties in the world.
(IDFA)
You might know the famous Gouda cheese, Swiss cheese, and Pule cheese. But do you know that there are over 2000 varieties of cheese?
Well, now you know. According to statistics, if you are an avid cheese lover and you decide to take your time to eat one variety of cheese per day, you’ll end up spending over five years on a cheese diet.
Cheese Production and Consumption Statistics
Cheese is one of the most consumed dairy products in the world. Though not so popular in the underdeveloped and developing nations, cheese consumption statistics reveal that these amazing dairy products continue to top the chart amongst dairy product consumption. Also, cheese production has been tipped to increase in the next few years.
The following statistics about cheese will reveal what you need to know about cheese production and consumption.
18. According to global cheese production statistics, the United States is the second major cheese producing area, right after the European Union.
(Statista)
In 2015, the United States produced around 5.3 million metric tons of cheese.
19. The total amount of cheese produced by the United States in 2017 was around 12.7 billion pounds.
(Agricultural Marketing Resource Center)
This amount of cheese produced by the country was 1.5% more than was produced in 2016, showing an increase in the production of cheese.
20. In the United States, cheese production by state shows that Wisconsin produces the most cheese.
(Statista)
In 2014, Wisconsin produced around 2.91 billion pounds of cheese. Following Wisconsin are California and Idaho as the top three cheese producing states.
21. The amount of cheese consumed per capita in the United States in 2017 was 39 pounds.
(Agricultural Marketing Resource Center)
The most commonly consumed cheeses in the United States are cheddar cheese and mozzarella.
22. Out of all the countries, Denmark consumes the most cheese per capita.
(Statista)
Cheese consumption by country shows that, in 2016, the Danish people consumed an average of around 28.1 kilograms of cheese.
23. Iceland consumed the second-highest amount of cheese per capita out of all countries.
(Statista)
In 2016, the people of Iceland consumed around 27.7 kilograms of cheese.
24. Finland is the country that consumes the third-highest amount of cheese per capita.
(Statista)
The people of Finland consumed around 27.3 kilograms of cheese per capita in 2016.
25. In 2016, the global cheese industry was worth $95.2 billion.
(Statista)
In addition to this, it is also estimated that the industry will be worth $124.2 billion by the year 2022.
26. The cheese market in the United States in 2017 was worth $32,291 million.
(Allied Market Research)
By 2025, it is estimated that the national cheese market will amount to $40,467 million. This includes a CAGR growth of 2.4% between the years 2018 and 2025.
27. In 2019, over nine million tons of cheese were consumed by Europeans.
(Statista)
You can’t take the cheese out of the European. Reports show that Europeans eat around 15 kilos of cheese per capita, which is expected to increase in coming years. Researchers have tipped the figure to rise to 16 kilos per capita in the next four years.
Cheese statistics in 2018 showed that residents of Sweden and Norway consumed about 19 kilos of cheese per capita per year.
Italians seemed to have topped the chart in 2018 with over 24 kilos of cheese per capita, and the Spaniards were on the lower side with a consumption rate of about eight kilos per capita.
28. In 2019, global cheese statistics showed an increase in cheese market value by 2.3%, moving to $114.1 billion.
(Dairy Industries)
After a surprising two years of decline, the market value of cheese has now risen for the third year in a row. 2017 was notable for the year with the most significant increase, with the value increasing by over 7.1%.
However, cheese statistics in 2020 reveal that 2020 experienced a relatively stagnant consumption rate because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hotels were shut, restaurant and recreation centers were sent into lockdown, which led to the relative stagnancy in consumption. Nevertheless, with the outset of the COVID-19 vaccine and the slow return of livelihood to normalcy, cheese consumption in 2021 will rise with a subsequent increase in the market value of cheese.
29. Countries with cold climates eat more cheese.
(World Atlas)
Cheese production statistics have highlighted that because cheese can be preserved for future use by chilling, it is more produced and more consumed in countries with cold climates.
This way not much has to be invested into getting the best industrial refrigerators for the chilling process, as the climate already gives the preservation process a plus.
Some of these cold countries include Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. Denmark currently tops the list with about 28.1 kilograms of cheese consumption per capita.
Iceland is second on the list with about 27.7 kilograms of cheese per capita, and Finland comes third with about 27.3 kilograms of cheese per capita.
Cheese Nutrition Facts
Containing various nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants, cheese is undoubtedly one of the most nourishing food products out there.
The following facts will give a detailed insight into what you should know about cheese nutrition.
30. The nine healthiest varieties of cheese include mozzarella and blue cheese.
(Healthline)
The other seven healthiest types of cheese are swiss cheese, parmesan, ricotta, cottage cheese, and feta. So if you’re looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, these are the cheeses you should be choosing.
31. American cheese cannot be technically called cheese, but rather “processed cheese” or “cheese product.”
(Cheese.com)
This is because it no longer contains blended cheese and instead is highly processed. You will see that if you look at the label, nowhere is it simply referred to as cheese. In most cases, it is referred to as “American slices” or something similar.
32. One of the important cheese facts reveals that cheese contains both fat and protein.
(Very Well Fit)
This is why you feel full, and like you’ve had enough to eat after eating a meal containing cheese.
33. If you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle, you will want to stay away from cheese singles, cheese spray, and cheese dips.
(Very Well Fit)
These fast-food type cheeses are less healthy cheese options and contain other ingredients and processes which aren’t necessarily good for your health.
34. A thin slice or two small blocks of cheese is enough to be considered a single serving.
(Very Well Fit)
So if you’re looking to lose weight, you might want to watch how much cheese you consume.
35. Mozzarella cheese contains probiotics.
(Healthline)
This is one of the top Mozzarella cheese nutrition facts you’d like to have at your fingertips. Mozzarella cheese contains strains of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum, which act as probiotics and boost the immune system.
A study revealed that in 1072 adults who drank 200mls of fermented dairy products containing the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum daily for 90 days, there was a considerable reduction in respiratory tract infections compared to not taking the dairy product.
36. Goat cheese causes less digestive disturbances than cow-milk cheese types.
(Healthline)
Made from goat milk, this cheese is highly nutritious and can be served in different ways, such as in crumbles, spreadable logs, and Brie.
According to goat cheese production statistics, goat cheese is easier digested by some people, especially those with lactose intolerance, because goat milk contains less lactose than cow milk.
Additionally, goat cheese has a class of casein called A2 casein. This casein causes less gastric upset compared to the A1 casein seen in cow milk.
37. Cheddar is highly fortified with vitamin K2, a micronutrient that reduces calcium deposition on the walls of arteries and veins.
(Healthline)
Calcium is one of the most essential minerals required for optimal body function. However, when it begins to accumulate in the walls of blood vessels, it can harden these vessels, leading to increased peripheral resistance and increased blood pressure.
Cheddar cheese nutrition facts show that Vitamin K2 helps prevent this by mopping off calcium deposits in the walls of blood vessels.
38. Cottage cheese contains a higher concentration of proteins compared to other varieties of cheese.
(Healthline)
Cottage cheese, unlike goat cheese, is made from cow milk. Historians have tied the origin of this cheese to the United States.
There are other cottage cheese nutrition facts, but its high protein content makes it outstanding from other cheese varieties.
Additionally, it is relatively low in calories and is often recommended as part of the diet plan for individuals who want to lose weight.
Cheese Health Benefits
Apart from the crunchy texture that has made it one of the most consumed dairy products globally, cheese offers a host of health benefits.
The following facts about cheese will keep you abreast of what you need to know about the health benefits of cheese.
39. Cheese is good for normal dental structure and function.
(Health Benefits Times)
One of the many exciting health benefits is that cheese contains high calcium content and is thus extremely useful for maintaining normal dentition.
The enamel of a tooth is made up chiefly of calcium, and the concentration of calcium getting to the enamel of a tooth goes a long way to determine the tooth’s strength. Additionally, cheese helps to maintain dental hygiene.
40. Cheese aids the development of strong bones.
(Health Benefits Times)
Fun cheese statistics for 2018 show that cheese is essential for building up and maintaining strong bones. This health benefit is still a result of the high calcium content in cheese.
The inorganic part of the bone is made up of hydroxyapatite which comprises chiefly calcium.
Bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts includes mainly deposition of calcium in bones and mopping out of excess calcium from bones.
Thus, cheese is an excellent dietary option for postmenopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis.
41. It decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
(Health Benefits Times)
In 2013, a research on dairy products statistics on US cheese revealed that organic dairy products contain about 62% more omega-3 fatty acids than normal milk.
Omega-3 fatty acids belong to a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These excellent fatty acids are essential in the normal functioning of the heart. This is one of the most significant health importance of cheese. They help raise blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol) and decrease low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL or bad cholesterol).
The HDL is the good cholesterol and helps mop up excess fat from the coronary arteries. Doing this decreases the risk of coronary artery diseases and other cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart failure.
42. Cheese boosts the efficiency of the immune system.
(Health Benefits Times)
Cheese stats in 2020 have shown that certain cheeses such as blue and swiss cheese contain a mineral called selenium.
Selenium is a very potent antioxidant and helps the immune system to cure diseases. Additionally, cheese is fortified with various vitamins. These vitamins also help to boost the immune system.
43. Cheese contains conjugated linoleic acid, which has a host of benefits for health.
(Healthline)
Linoleic acid is one of the essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are so named because the body can’t produce them and thus have to be gotten from the diet.
Some cheese varieties, such as blue cheese and cheddar cheese, have some amounts of conjugated linoleic acid. Some facts about cheese have shown that conjugated linoleic acid reduces the incidence of coronary artery disease, helps obese patients lose weight, and performs a host of anti-inflammatory functions.
Research has shown that fermentation is better during the production process of cheese because it preserves these essential nutrients.
High heat pasteurization, on the other hand, eliminates most of these nutritional values.
44. Consuming cheese daily reduces the risk of having Type 2 diabetes mellitus by 8%.
(EatingWell)
According to research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals who had 1 3/4 ounces of cheese consumed daily had a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The same publication, showing the cheese consumption statistics, went on to show that individuals who consumed 3/4 cup of yogurt per day had a lesser chance of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Cheese contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, and these fatty acids have been linked to reducing the risk of diabetes.
The high calcium content in cheese also contributes to its antidiabetic actions. Researchers have said that calcium increases the secretion of insulin from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
Research has also shown that the high protein content of cheese might increase insulin sensitivity and drive more glucose into cells.
45. According to a study, you live longer when you consume about 2 ounces of cheese daily.
(EatingWell)
This might be ridiculous, but eating cheese can increase the number of days you spend living. According to research on cheese, stats published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition describe the longevity factors for about 960 residents of France, which were studied for close to 15 years.
The study aimed to find out if the foods they ate had anything to do with their death. The study found that those who took 2 ounces of cheese daily had an associated 38 percent less likelihood of dying during the study.
The main reason for this is unknown, although researchers tie this interesting fact to the fantastic health benefits of cheese, including its ability to reduce cardiovascular diseases, which is amongst the leading cause of mortality worldwide.
FAQs
Who eats the most cheese in the world?
The country that consumes the most cheese in the world is Denmark. The people of Denmark eat the most cheese, with 28.1 kilograms of cheese consumption per capita. This is enough cheese to consider Denmark a cheese country. The country that consumes the second-highest amount of cheese is Iceland, which eats around 27.7 kilograms of cheese per capita.
The country that consumes the third-highest amount of cheese per capita is Finland. The people in this country eat around 27.3 kilograms per capita. That’s a lot of cheese consumed by these three countries alone.
How much cheese is eaten each year?
In 2014, each American consumed around 34 pounds of cheese. That’s a large amount of cheese. Whether it is types of blue cheese, types of swiss cheese, variations of cheddar, or Vermont cheese, 34 pounds of cheese is a large amount.
Looking at this dairy data, it must be said that Americans, on average, consume quite a bit of cheese within the space of a year. Is there a link between dairy statistics like this and milk consumption in the US?
What percent of cheese is made in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin makes around 26% of the cheese produced by the United States. This makes it the state that produces the most amount of cheese in the country. After Wisconsin, California produces the second-highest amount of cheese in the country. Idaho makes the third-largest amount of cheese in the US. 26% of all cheese made in the United States is a large amount, and it is no wonder then that Wisconsin is known around the country for its production of cheese.
How many types of cheese are there?
There are seven different cheese types. They are put into different categories based on certain components. First off, there is fresh cheese with no rind. Then there is aged fresh cheese. Following that, there are soft white rind cheeses, semi-soft cheeses, hard cheeses, blue cheese, and, lastly, cheeses that have flavors added to them.
With so many different choices, there really is something for everyone. Whether you prefer a strong-tasting, hard cheese, or a softer and milder cheese, there is something for your taste among these seven cheese types.
Who makes the most cheese?
Germany exports the most cheese out of all the countries in the world. In fact, Europe is responsible for most of the world’s production of cheese. Following Germany are the Netherlands, France, and Italy.
Aside from Europe, the highest amount of cheese is made in the United States. And from within the United States, Wisconsin makes the most cheese in the country, followed by California and Idaho.
Final Thoughts
Cheese is enjoyed all over the world by many people, especially in Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. The above list of cheese statistics and facts offer insight into the industry, production, and consumption of cheese. You have now read through some interesting trivia and cheese-related fun facts. Chances are, you’re already on your way to the fridge to grab a piece of cheese to snack on!
Sources:
- Agricultural Marketing Resource Center
- Allied Market Research
- businesswire
- CBS News
- Cheese.com
- Cheese.com
- Dairy Industries
- EatingWell
- Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet
- Forbes
- Forbes
- Fox News
- Health Benefit Times
- Healthline
- HuffPost
- IDFA
- Juliet Harbutt
- Livestrong
- Oldest
- Statista
- Statista
- Statista
- Statista
- Stilltasty
- The United States Census Bureau
- ThoughtCo.
- Time
- Very Well Fit
- WorldAtlas
- WorldAtlas
