Cheese Please!

Out of all dairy products, the demand for cheese has increased most rapidly over the last 30 years. But why?

According to economists James Miller and Don Blayney, the increase in the demand for cheese can be attributed to a "wider availability of a greater diversity of cheeses, expanded use by fast food and pizza restaurants, increased use as an ingredient in cooking, and increased consumption of cheese-heavy ethnic foods (e.g., Italian and Mexican)." Likewise, Miller and Blayney note that most of the growth in the cheese sector has been generated by "restaurant and food processor use" while "retail sales have stagnated."¹This sheds some light on the busy American family that has adapted an 'on-the-go' lifestyle. Today, Americans are eating out more often and are cosuming more processed, ready-made foods than ever. Cheese is what's for dinner!

¹Miller and Blayney, (2006), p. 3. http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/ldp/2006/07Jul/ldpm14501/ldpm14501.pdf