Mozzarella is the most popular cheese in America by consumption volume. You also see Cheddar as a very close second, and it’s considered America’s favorite by some surveys.
Other top-selling cheeses you’ll find include American cheese, Cream cheese, and Parmesan. These cheeses are popular due to their versatility, flavor, and melting properties.
Imagine a gooey slice of pizza, a juicy burger with melted goodness dripping down the sides, or a fancy platter with different kinds of cheese to nibble on.
Doesn’t that sound yummy? Well, you’re not alone if you love cheese. America has a huge crush on cheese, and it shows up in so many of our favorite foods.
We’ll take a look at the most loved and bought cheeses in the USA, backed by some cool facts and figures. So, get ready to dive into the cheesy world and discover America’s favorite cheeses.
The Reigning Champions: Mozzarella and Cheddar
Let’s talk about the real champions of the cheese world in America: Mozzarella and Cheddar. You probably see these two everywhere, right?
Mozzarella: The King of Melt
First up, we have Mozzarella. This cheese is the absolute top dog when it comes to how much of it we eat in America. Can you believe we eat around 12 pounds of it per person every year? That’s a lot of cheese.
Think about where you usually find mozzarella – yep, pizza! It’s the go-to cheese for that perfect, melty goodness.
But it’s not just for pizza. You can find mozzarella in different forms:
- Fresh mozzarella: Those soft, milky balls you see in water.
- Shredded mozzarella: The kind you sprinkle on your homemade pizzas or lasagna.
- String cheese: The fun snack you can peel apart.
What’s so great about it? Well, it has a really mild flavor that goes with almost anything, and when it’s heated, it gets super melty and delicious.
Cheddar: The All-Star
Next up is Cheddar. This cheese has been around for ages, and it’s still super popular, coming in at number two for how much we eat. We’re talking about around 11 pounds per person each year!
Cheddar is like the Swiss Army knife of cheeses – it can do it all! You can snack on it, put it in sandwiches, melt it in casseroles, you name it.
The flavor of cheddar can be different depending on how long it’s been aged. You can get:
- Mild cheddar: Super smooth and easy to love.
- Sharp cheddar: Has a bit more of a zing and a stronger taste.
It’s interesting that cheddar is even more popular in some parts of the country, like the Northeast and the South. Maybe you live in one of those cheesy hotspots!
The Strong Contenders: Rounding Out the Top Choices
Let’s check out some other cheese superstars that are super popular in America. You might be surprised by some of these!
American Cheese: The Burger Buddy
You definitely know American cheese, right? It’s that super melty cheese you often see on burgers and in grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a big deal because it melts so perfectly!
It’s really popular, especially when you’re making a classic burger or a gooey grilled cheese.
Now, here’s a little secret: American cheese isn’t just one type of cheese. It’s actually a processed cheese, which means it’s made by mixing different cheeses together.
What makes it so loved? It’s got a really mild flavor, and like we said, it melts like a dream!
Cream Cheese: The Breakfast Hero
Next up, we have Cream Cheese. If you love bagels, you definitely know this one!
Cream cheese is a total star when it comes to breakfast, especially spread on a warm bagel. But it’s not just for breakfast! It’s also a key ingredient in yummy desserts like cheesecake.
What makes it special? It’s super creamy and smooth, and you can find it in all sorts of flavors now, from plain to strawberry to chive and onion.
Parmesan: The Italian Favorite
Last but not least, let’s talk about Parmesan. If you love Italian food, you’ve definitely had this cheese.
Parmesan is a must-have in Italian cooking. You’ll often see it grated over pasta dishes or used in blocks for a stronger flavor.
It’s a hard cheese with a sharp, nutty taste that adds a lot of flavor to dishes.
Regional Favorites and Emerging Trends
So we’ve talked about the big cheese players, but America is a big place, and different regions have their own cheesy favorites. Plus, some cool new trends are happening in the cheese world.
Regional Cheese Love
Just like how different parts of the country have their own favorite foods, they also have their own favorite cheeses.
For example, if you’re ever in New Mexico, you’ll probably hear a lot about Queso Fresco. It’s a fresh, crumbly cheese that’s super popular in Southwestern cooking.
New and Exciting Cheeses
Besides the classics, there are some exciting things happening in the cheese world.
More and more people are getting into natural and artisanal cheeses. These are often made in smaller batches by people who are really passionate about cheese, and they can have some amazing and unique flavors.
Also, Hispanic cheeses are becoming more and more popular across the country. Cheeses like Oaxaca and Cotija are showing up in more dishes as people explore different kinds of cooking.
It’s cool to see how many different kinds of cheese people in America love! From the old favorites to new and exciting flavors, there’s a cheese out there for everyone.
Factors Influencing Cheese Popularity in America
So, why are some cheeses such big hits in America? It’s not just by chance! There are a few things that make certain cheeses rise to the top of the popularity charts.
Super Useful
Think about it – the cheeses we love the most are often the ones you can use in tons of different meals. Mozzarella on pizza, cheddar in sandwiches, cream cheese on bagels – they’re all really versatile!
Easy to Love Flavor
Generally, cheeses with a mild flavor that most people enjoy tend to be more popular than super strong or funky cheeses.
Melty Magic
For a lot of American favorites like pizza and burgers, how well a cheese melts is a big deal! Cheeses that get nice and gooey are often winners.
Easy to Find and Doesn’t Break the Bank
The cheeses you see everywhere in the grocery store and that don’t cost a fortune are usually the ones that get bought the most.
Food We Love
Think about how much Italian and Mexican food we eat in America. Cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan (for Italian) and Monterey Jack or Oaxaca (often used in Mexican food) are popular because they’re part of these cuisines.
Memories and What We Know
Cheeses like American and Cheddar have been around for a long time in America. Many people grew up eating them, so they feel familiar and comforting.
Conclusion
So, to wrap it up, Mozzarella and Cheddar are definitely the reigning champions when it comes to America’s favorite cheeses.
But as we’ve seen, there’s a whole world of cheese out there that Americans enjoy, from the melty goodness of American to the creamy delight of cream cheese, and the sharp taste of Parmesan.
What we love to eat is shaped by what tastes good, what we can use in lots of ways, and even the foods we grew up with.
The world of cheese is big and exciting, so don’t be afraid to try something new beyond the usual suspects. What’s your favorite cheese, and what’s your favorite way to enjoy it.
