US Dairy Consumption Hits Record Highs Despite Continued Decline in Fluid Milk
Source: DairyNews.today
U.S. per capita dairy consumption continues to rise, reaching record levels in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS). Increased demand for cheese, butter, and yogurt offset another decline in fluid milk consumption, pushing overall per capita dairy intake to 661 pounds on a milk-equivalent, milkfat basis, up 7 pounds from 2022.
The data, which tracks trends since 1975, shows dairy consumption has grown 16% over the past 30 years, 9% over 15 years, and 3% in the past five years. The 2023 total matches the all-time high set in 2021.
Cheese Consumption Sets New Record
Cheese consumption led the growth, hitting an unprecedented 40.2 pounds per capita in 2023, a 0.3-pound increase from the previous year. This marks a sharp rise from the 29.5 pounds consumed per person in 2000 and 17.5 pounds in 1980.
American-type cheeses, including cheddar, increased slightly to 16.81 pounds per capita, while Italian-type cheeses saw a small decline to 15.94 pounds. Other varieties, including Swiss and blue cheese, experienced declines, but Hispanic-style cheeses held steady or rose modestly. Processed cheese and spreads added 8.54 pounds per capita, marking their highest level since 1999.
Butter and Yogurt Consumption Climb
Butter consumption also hit a record, with per capita intake rising to 6.5 pounds in 2023, a 0.4-pound increase year-over-year and a 2-pound gain since 2000.
Yogurt consumption rebounded to 13.8 pounds per capita, up 0.3 pounds from 2022. While still below its peak from a decade ago, yogurt consumption has grown 60% over the past 20 years, reflecting its sustained popularity.
Mixed Trends in Other Dairy Products
Consumption of frozen dairy products, including ice cream and sherbet, remained largely unchanged. Dry dairy product usage, such as milk and whey powders, showed minimal movement compared to 2022.
Fluid Milk Decline Persists
Fluid milk consumption, however, continues its decades-long decline. Per capita intake fell to 128 pounds in 2023, down 2 pounds from the previous year and 68 pounds since 2000. Fluid milk now represents just 19.4% of total U.S. dairy consumption, compared to nearly 46% in 1975.
Despite overall declines, whole milk sales rose to 16.2 billion pounds, up 227 million pounds from 2022. Sales of reduced-fat, low-fat, and skim milk, however, fell by a combined 694 million pounds. Organic milk sales held steady, accounting for 6.6% of total fluid milk sales.
The number of U.S. fluid milk processing plants fell to 453 in 2023, reflecting ongoing consolidation in the sector.
Industry Perspective
“Dairy is one of the most nutritionally complete foods available,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “For flavor, affordability, and nutrition, people of all ages are choosing dairy more than ever.”
Dairy remains a cornerstone of American diets, with rising consumption trends for certain products likely offsetting declines in others as consumer preferences evolve.
Cheese Consumption Sets New Record
Cheese consumption led the growth, hitting an unprecedented 40.2 pounds per capita in 2023, a 0.3-pound increase from the previous year. This marks a sharp rise from the 29.5 pounds consumed per person in 2000 and 17.5 pounds in 1980.
American-type cheeses, including cheddar, increased slightly to 16.81 pounds per capita, while Italian-type cheeses saw a small decline to 15.94 pounds. Other varieties, including Swiss and blue cheese, experienced declines, but Hispanic-style cheeses held steady or rose modestly. Processed cheese and spreads added 8.54 pounds per capita, marking their highest level since 1999.
Butter and Yogurt Consumption Climb
Butter consumption also hit a record, with per capita intake rising to 6.5 pounds in 2023, a 0.4-pound increase year-over-year and a 2-pound gain since 2000.
Yogurt consumption rebounded to 13.8 pounds per capita, up 0.3 pounds from 2022. While still below its peak from a decade ago, yogurt consumption has grown 60% over the past 20 years, reflecting its sustained popularity.
Mixed Trends in Other Dairy Products
Consumption of frozen dairy products, including ice cream and sherbet, remained largely unchanged. Dry dairy product usage, such as milk and whey powders, showed minimal movement compared to 2022.
Fluid Milk Decline Persists
Fluid milk consumption, however, continues its decades-long decline. Per capita intake fell to 128 pounds in 2023, down 2 pounds from the previous year and 68 pounds since 2000. Fluid milk now represents just 19.4% of total U.S. dairy consumption, compared to nearly 46% in 1975.
Despite overall declines, whole milk sales rose to 16.2 billion pounds, up 227 million pounds from 2022. Sales of reduced-fat, low-fat, and skim milk, however, fell by a combined 694 million pounds. Organic milk sales held steady, accounting for 6.6% of total fluid milk sales.
The number of U.S. fluid milk processing plants fell to 453 in 2023, reflecting ongoing consolidation in the sector.
Industry Perspective
“Dairy is one of the most nutritionally complete foods available,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “For flavor, affordability, and nutrition, people of all ages are choosing dairy more than ever.”
Dairy remains a cornerstone of American diets, with rising consumption trends for certain products likely offsetting declines in others as consumer preferences evolve.
