November 10, 2025 – People love cheese, and none more so than consumers in the United States (US) and Canada. With a preference for semi-hard and hard cheeses, various types of cheese and alternatives make up the market across the region. Gluten-free is the leading position during the past three years, while no additives or preservatives and protein make up the top three popular claims. To comprehend the state of the cheese and cheese alternatives market across the US and Canada, Innova Market Insights has compiled this overview of the category.
What Does the Cheese and Cheese Alternative Market in the US and Canada Look Like?
Be it in blocks or shredded, cheese and cheese alternatives come in versatile formats. Whether they are made from dairy-based milk or plant-based substitutes, there are many varieties to cater to all diet types. The same goes for the production methods of course, each of which is defined by aging and curdling techniques. Preferences among consumers are largely in favor of non-dairy cheese, for which 33% of those said they prefer it due to its authenticity and similarity to dairy cheese. People do, however, enjoy cheese due to its convenient snacking options and premium gourmet appeal.
Clear storage instructions that explain to consumers how to conserve cheese are reassuring. In the US and Canada, many people show interest in flavors inspired by global regions, especially offerings that are made with local ingredients. Reusable containers stand out, mostly as a highly sustainable packaging choice, conveying responsibility and durability. Meanwhile, reduced-plastic formats align with waste-conscious shoppers and planet-friendly solutions.
What Are the Key Areas and Flavors for Cheese and Cheese Alternatives in the US and Canada?
The US is the leading country for new product development of cheese and cheese alternatives in the past year. Launches in the category are, however, experiencing a decreasing growth rate, which currently sits at -10.9% based on the past three years. Food Lion stood out among the brands as the number one company in the region with an array of cheese and cheese alternatives. The fastest growing claim across both countries was the absence of trans fats, while pumpkin spice was the fastest growing flavor over the past year.
How Can Brands Further Develop Cheese and Alternative Products?
If brands want to regain some points of growth, there are a number of ways in which they can do so. By bringing flexibility to the aisle with functional and fun cheese forms such as blocks, slices, and sticks. They can also leverage processing techniques to achieve desired cheese characteristics like ripened, aged, and curdled, which are most favored by consumers. Using various milk types can appeal to those with dietary requirements, not only relying on animal-derived milks but also using plant-based milks too.
Snackable cheese options with a balance of indulgence and function are appealing. When you see that 43% of consumers in the US and Canada report they eat cheese when they want a snack, this is a prime opportunity to dive into. Cheese in snackable formats is perfect for this due to its convenience and versatility. There is a demand for premium cheese that delivers a refined eating experience, with one in two consumers in these countries stating that they prefer premium-quality food and beverages when spending time at home.
Why Is Storing Cheese so Important?
Cheese has a delicate balance to maintain for taste and texture, so conserving it correctly matters. Whether it is cheese or alternatives that can be frozen for longer preservation or refrigerated like most products, the instructions for doing so are key. In fact, 29% of consumers in the US and Canada were found to use the safety of the product to assess the quality of food and beverages they buy. This makes food storage clarity one of the most significant aspects of a product for consumers in the region.
Can Traditional and Plant-Based Options Help the Category Grow?
Developing plant-based cheese that balances the purity of the food is enticing. For 37% of consumers in the US and Canada, natural and authentic taste in plant-based cheese is preferred. By delivering familiar flavor without compromise, trust can be built with consumers and boost everyday appeal across dairy-free lifestyles. Other areas where companies can develop growth are in recognizing and celebrating tradition, especially with cheese made from local ingredients. Cheese made with locally sourced ingredients adds authenticity to traditional-style launches. This report found that more than one in three consumers in the US and Canada felt that products made with local ingredients were an important aspect of traditional food and beverage.
Can Greener Packaging Impact the Cheese and Cheese Alternatives Category?
When asked about what they look for when buying cheese and cheese alternatives, 36% of consumers in the US and Canada stated that they look for products with reusable packaging. This is a more common trend across many categories, and the innovation around food packaging is having a significant impact. Consumers want to know what is in their food and how to use it, and given the size of portions, it is not always possible to display this. That is where the use of QR codes offers transparency beyond the label.
Cutting down on plastic to meet eco-conscious consumer expectations is an important step for many brands to achieve. Some products in the category have already begun this transformative process. Further minimizing environmental impact is a must, as 27% of consumers in the US and Canada said that products with less or reduced packaging interested them the most.
Are There Certain Flavor Trends in the US and Canada for Cheese and Cheese Alternatives?
Mood-lifting food is influenced by flavor, and there is a growing trend in the cheese and alternative category that focuses on incorporating brown flavors. This report found that 26% of consumers in the US and Canada said that they prefer brown flavors when they want to feel happy. Many of these consumers are attracted to global tastes, seeking comfort and familiarity. Additionally, among taste-seekers in the region, 23% are drawn to rich or savory cheese creations.
What’s Next for Cheese and Cheese Alternatives in the US and Canada?
Reinventing cheese consumption with crunchy, snackable formats is likely to rise in the future. Offering a new format that can refine the enjoyment of cheese. Modern snacking habits will also create fresh, opportune moments to explore. Cheese and alternative products that allow an effortless experience when grating will gain traction to offer consumers a no-mess and user-friendly option.
Cheese with a smaller carbon footprint can meet the growing demand for sustainability, which is increasingly important to consumers. Products that balance indulgence and health will appeal to those wanting to lose weight while still enjoying flavor. Also, floral additions enhance the taste and visual appeal of certain cheeses, attracting consumers seeking refined, artisanal experiences.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview in Cheese & Cheese Alternatives in the US & Canada report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more.