Cottage cheese is believed to been around for thousands of years, although it wasn’t specifically documented until 1831. In the U.S., the cottage cheese market peaked at the start of the 70s, with Americans consuming approximately 5 pounds the food each year. The food is forever tied to President Nixon’s fall from grace, as he ate a meal of cottage cheese and pineapple when he announced his resignation in 1974.
The cottage cheese trend started in America in the 50s as part of most Americans’ diet and health regimen. Since the 70s, Americans have cut down on cottage cheese and diary consumption in general. This has been replaced by yogurt in the breakfast bowls of many consumers.
There was no known explanation for this paradox, as yogurt has eclipsed cottage consumption in the past 40 or more years. However, we cannot disregard the health benefits of this once beloved thriving industry.
Let us now take a look at some of the cottage cheese’s statistics and why it was so popular some decades ago. At the end of the article, we share our data-backed predictions for this industry.
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Cottage Cheese Stats and Facts
Unflavored cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese has proteins that make up more than 70% of its calorie content. (Healthline)
Cottage cheese contains 28 grams of protein or equivalent to 56% of the Daily Value (DV) for a 2,000 calorie diet. (MSU Extension)
Whole-fat cottage cheese and low-fat cottage cheese are cottage cheese variants that are available in the market today. Despite being both healthy dairy products, whole-fat cottage cheese is healthier of the two in terms of safety and nutrient content. (Food Facts)
Despite the current pandemic, cottage cheese revenues were up by 29% as demand grows for healthy food providing immunity benefits against diseases. (Dairy Foods)
Cottage cheese contains a significant amount of calcium, a mineral that promotes healthy bones and teeth, as well as a proponent in osteoporosis prevention. (MedicalNewsToday)
Key players in the packaged cottage cheese market include, and in no particular order: Dean Foods, Saputo, HP Hood, Daisy Brand, and The Kraft Heinz Company. (Weny News)
From 1993 to 2010, dairy farms in Michigan state have decreased from 5,000 to 2,230. (MSU Extension)
Cottage cheese contains about 3% of carbohydrates. It has milk sugar and lactose with which some people are known to have an intolerance. (Healthline)
Industry Numbers
A cottage cheese spread can be enjoyed on toast like this.
According to a 2019 statistic, 161.28 million Americans utilized cottage cheese for various purposes. (Statista)
The previous figure was expected to hit 162.92 million by 2023 (Pre-pandemic figures). (Statista)
The packaged cottage cheese was worth $1.6 billion, with a 9.73% CAGR for the forecast period of 2019 to 2023 (pre-pandemic figures).
In a pre-pandemic statistic, Americans’ use of cottage cheese was supposed to dip to 159.56 million this year compared to the previous year. (Statista)
About 56% of the expected growth of cottage cheese would come from the Americas (pre-pandemic figures). (Weny News)
Cottage Cheese Health Facts
Cottage cheese is a high-protein snack.
Consuming dairy products can help lower insulin resistance risk by 21% according to studies. (Healthline)
Cottage cheese contains good amounts of calcium which is good for the teeth and bones. However, cottage cheese also contains high amounts of sodium or salt at 696 mg/cup – which can counteract the benefits of calcium on blood pressure. (MedicalNewsToday)
The study finds that consuming 2 tablespoons of cheese 30 minutes before bedtime can be beneficial to the body. It can take the place of health drinks or powders. (Metro.co.uk)
In a 2014 study, dairy products such as cottage cheese may help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. (Food Facts)
Market Update: 57 Beverage Industry Statistics and Growth Trends
Cottage cheese can help prevent the probability of metabolic syndrome among men, with or without diabetes. (MedicalNewsToday)
A recent study by the British Journal of Nutrition found that consuming cottage cheese right before going to bed can help an individual lose weight. It increases metabolism and promotes overall health even while you doze off. (Metro.co.uk)
Consumption of dairy products such as milk and cheese through childhood and adolescence can aid in women’s bone mineral density during adulthood. (Food Facts)
Final Thoughts and Industry Predictions
Cottage cheese can be paired with fruit similar to yogurt.
The cottage cheese industry despite lagging behind its dairy products counterparts is still popular among consumers of dairy products. It is still known for the health benefits it provides the body rather than its adverse side effects.
Billions of pounds of cottage cheese are still consumed in the U.S., mainly due to its high-protein, low-fat content. Even though cottage cheese had its heyday in the U.S. from the 50s through the 70s, it remains to be one of the healthy food alternatives available in the market which can help prevent disease.
Related Reading: 27 Critical Goat Milk Industry Market Share Statistics
Do you think cottage cheese has a chance to bounce back in the coming years? Offering non-diary cottage cheese options could be a strategic path that sparks the interest of U.S. consumers. Â Similar to the have been made by the meat and diary industry in recent years.
Another idea that industry professionals hope will kick off a renaissance in the category is introducing exciting new flavors. In the yogurt isle, you can find just about any fruit flavor combination possible from strawberry to blueberry to lemon. There are even dessert flavors that include chocolate cookies or pie with yogurt. This is something you don’t see in the cottage cheese space, but is an approach that could revitalize sales according to DiaryReporter.com.
Another idea being used to spark consumer interest in cottage cheese is to view the product as a health and convenient anytime snack instead of breakfast. Cottage cheese can be conveniently stored in a refrigerator and enjoyed with minimal preparation aside from adding toppings. This aligns well with other popular food products like trail mixes or beef jerky.
