Cottage cheese is back: the American dairy industry is booming again

The American cottage cheese market is making a spectacular rebound after a long decline. Although per capita consumption is still only half of the 1975 level, sales have shown an annual growth of around 20 percent in the past three years – according to data from market researcher Circana.

The trend reversal is not due to new product developments, but to social media content. Creative recipes spread on TikTok – such as strawberry cheesecake made from cottage cheese, banana cream pie or frozen snacks – have rediscovered the product. The emphasis is on health awareness: high protein content, low sugar, easy preparation.

Good Culture explodes with cottage cheese

One winner of the surge is a brand called Good Culture, which is now almost impossible to get in stores. “Consumers are calling, writing, posting about where to buy our products. We can’t meet the crazy demand,” said founder and CEO Jesse Merrill.

Big chains are reporting similar experiences: Susan Morris, CEO of the Albertsons chain, says cottage cheese has become one of their fastest-growing product categories. Organic Valley reported a 30 percent increase in the first half and is struggling with capacity issues: “It’s selling out so fast we can’t make it,” said the company’s marketing manager.