Survey finds Americans turning to cheese for taste, versatility and protein

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CHEESE HAS LONG BEEN A FAVORITE FOR TASTE AND COMFORT, BUT MANY AMERICANS ARE NOW SEEING IT AS SOMETHING MORE.

A NEW SURVEY OF 5,000 AMERICANS FROM UNDENIABLY DAIRY FINDS PEOPLE AREN’T JUST TURNING TO CHEESE FOR ITS VERSATILITY… MANY ALSO SEE IT AS A PRACTICAL SOURCE OF PROTEIN.

WHETHER IT’S MELTED ON A MEAL, EATEN AS A SNACK OR ADDED TO UNEXPECTED FOODS, MANY SAY CHEESE PLAYS A DAILY ROLE IN THEIR ROUTINE.

THE RESEARCH ALSO FOUND MORE THAN HALF OF CHEESE EATERS SPECIFICALLY SEEK IT OUT AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, HIGHLIGHTS HOW AMERICANS ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING FOR FOODS THAT FEEL BOTH SATISFYING AND PRACTICAL.

SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO EAT CHEESE? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

* In the study, respondents were asked what types of American-produced cheese they enjoy eating, as reported in the list above, and in the body copy.  

2026 Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans (100 from each state) who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Undeniably Dairy and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 27 and April 8, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.

2025 Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans state-by-state (100 from each state) who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Dairy Management Inc. and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 7 and Nov. 17, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.