Health conversations look a lot different than they did a decade ago, and convenience matters more than ever. Still, through all that change, dairy continues to hold its place in the American diet.
According to USDA’s Economic Research Service and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Americans consumed 651 lb. of dairy products per person on a milk-equivalent, milk fat basis in 2024. While overall consumption hasn’t changed much, the types of dairy products people are choosing show how tastes are shifting.
Protein Is in the Driver’s Seat
Once dismissed as old-fashioned, yogurt and cottage cheese are winning over shoppers who want quick, protein-packed options. Driven by demand for protein-rich foods that fit easily into busy schedules, yogurt consumption climbed to 14.5 lb. per person, up 6% from the year before and nearly 60% higher than it was 20 years ago.
Cottage cheese saw an even bigger jump, rising more than 14% year-over-year to 2.4 lb. per person, the highest level since 2009.
Butter is Back
Butter also saw a hefty comeback. After years of being pushed aside by low-fat trends, butter has found its way back onto American plates as attitudes around fat have changed. Many consumers now see butter as a simpler, more natural option compared with heavily processed spreads, and they’re more comfortable cooking and baking with whole fats again.
That shift helped push butter consumption to a record 6.8 lb. per person in 2024, more than 20% higher than a decade ago. It also reflects how consumers are drawn to foods with simple ingredients that feel familiar and real.
Cheese Holds its Place
Cheese remains a steady favorite. Total consumption stayed at 41.9 lb. per person in 2024, the same as in 2023. However, IDFA’s The Dairy Bar, a biweekly report from partner Ever.Ag, points out that this is a big change from the mid-1970s when Americans were eating less than 20 lb. per person each year.
Milk Sees a Slight Dip
Fluid milk, which has seen steady declines over the years, showed signs of leveling off in 2024. Intake held steady from 2023 at 127 lb. per person. That’s still well below the 247 lb. per person Americans drank in 1975, but the steady numbers show that milk continues to have a place in the diet. According to Ever.ag, many households keep milk on hand for cereal, coffee, cooking and baking. It might not dominate the fridge like it once did, but it remains a reliable choice for everyday meals and snacks.
Ice Cream Still Delights
Ice cream offered a small bright spot on the indulgence side of the category. Consumption ticked up slightly to 12 lb. per person, showing that even with health in focus, people still enjoy comfort foods. This modest increase shows treats still matter to consumers because they deliver emotional satisfaction. High-protein ice cream is also catching on, giving people a way to enjoy dessert while keeping an eye on nutrition.
Dairy Keeps Its Place
Even as people focus more on health and protein, dairy remains a part of everyday life. Yogurt, cottage cheese and high-protein treats are growing in popularity, while classics like butter, cheese and milk continue to hold steady. Dairy is showing that it can be both practical and enjoyable, giving consumers options for meals, snacks and the occasional indulgence.
