October 22, 2025 – Cheese has many colors, smells, and tastes. Varied flavors, production methods, and formats make it one of the most versatile foods that can be used as a pre-dinner “apéritif” or as a center stage star to a main dish or dessert. To understand the role of cheese and alternatives that are being developed, Innova Market Insights dives into the state of the category, how flavor trends are impacting it, and what is next for it.
What to Know About Cheese and Cheese Alternatives?
Cheese and its alternatives are forming part of what consumers seek in food choices, be it from snacks to meals, or staples to indulgent extras. Cheese and alternatives have an allure, offering feelings of indulgence or comfort. Convenience and sensory attributes play a part in their appeal, while freshness matters in terms of quality for many. More specifically, locally sourced ingredients like milk and the traditional methods of production are key reinforcers of authentic products, both in dairy and non-dairy versions.
Packaging for such cheese and cheese alternative products is improving in ways that are meeting expectations around functionality, product freshness, and environmental responsibility. From ergonomic tubes to freshness-retaining trays and compostable wraps, these are helping keep products fresher to meet the needs of consumer lifestyles in both sustainability and conservation.
Have There Been Developments in the Ingredient Innovation of Cheese and Alternatives?
Ingredient innovation in cheese is evolving to include added nutrients, reduced levels of salt, cholesterol, and fat. Cheese trends show that plant-based ingredients are becoming more advanced to meet functional and nutritional demands in the innovation of non-dairy cheeses. Cheese producers are working hard to deliver indulgence and resonance. Attention has shifted to the moments of consumption, appealing to the cravings of comfort and mood-boosting opportunities.
Can Cheese Tap into Snacking Occasions?
Cheese has possibilities to improve on its snack status by becoming even more convenient to nibble on. It already has a place in the hearts and minds of consumers, with a third of those researched saying they consume cheese when snacking. If companies can deliver elevated cheese experiences that satisfy emotional and sensory desires, then it would appeal to consumers who indulge with cheese to feel better. This is backed by data from Innova Market Insights’ report on cheese and alternatives, which found that 49% of consumers globally try indulgent or premium food and beverages to alleviate their mood.
What Improvements are Needed for Plant-Based Cheese Acceptance?
A third of consumers globally have said that taste and texture are actually a barrier for them when purchasing sustainable food and beverage products. Cheese alternatives, therefore, need to maintain indulgent and creamy attributes in the innovation process to really deliver and overcome this hurdle. Particularly when the opportunity exists to position cheese as both responsible and crave-worthy across dairy and non-dairy segments. One in two consumers globally use the freshness of the product to assess the quality of food and beverages, and addressing that across both segments will be important.
Cheese trends show that clean labels are achieving a degree of resonance across categories. Natural ingredients are a huge factor in food and beverages right now. Cheese products that have alternatives derived from plant-based ingredients are facing a struggle to achieve that natural taste. Other key areas that are influencing the category include local sourcing and traditional craftsmanship claims, which, if displayed correctly on packaging, can stand out. This is particularly influential given that of the top three most indispensable aspects in traditional food and beverages, consumers across the world look for local ingredients, familiar flavors, and traditional preparation.
Can Packaging That Improves Everyday Usability Be More Appealing?
Consumers value packaging that simplifies handling and dispensing, driving interest in tubes, sprays, and sprinkle formats. In fact, more than a fifth of global consumers are willing to pay for products with packaging that is easy to open, handle, and offers better ergonomics. Cheese trends reveal that many shoppers are also keen to select packaging that conserves food better than some other types do. Further backed by specific research that says 26% of consumers globally consider packaging that enhances shelf life to be important when buying cheese. Therefore, if brands were to switch to renewable materials, aligning packaging with sustainability goals, consumers would find that more preferable.
Can Cheese with Functional Ingredients Support Daily Wellness Goals?
Targeted nutrition has become popular across many categories, and is often sought after in regular food and beverages, supplements, and nutrient-fortified food. Wellness goals have evolved, and attributes such as reduced salt or low fat are prevalent. Cheese is similar in this regard, as consumers typically avoid products that contain added sugars, sodium, and artificial sweeteners where possible. That is where the use of nutrient-dense plant bases can strengthen product perception among cheese. Be it in the form of nuts, legumes, or oats, the overall perception can be improved by this degree of substance to align with preferences for cheese and plant-based alternatives.
Does Aligning Flavor Profiles with Moods Drive Satisfaction?
Throughout the research of this report on cheese and cheese alternatives, Innova Market Insights found compelling results that showcase many areas driving change. One such statistic that stood out was that 52% of consumers globally said their mood influences the flavors they crave. This ties in to the idea that sensory and taste have a significant bearing on choice, of which cheese has a lot of. Further to those statistics, it was observed that 41% of consumers globally believed the flavor of a food or beverage influences their mood. Whether happy, excited, or comforting, each one impacts flavor selection. Therefore, mood and flavor combinations in cheese need to be developed and delivered to achieve their perceived value.
Can Unexpected Flavor Profiles Attract Adventurous Consumers?
Cheese trends show that 43% of consumers globally are looking for ‘crazy creations’ that provide them with” the ultimate indulgent experience.” Suggesting that almost half of them are seeking adventure, which can be delivered by means of unconventional pairings like spiced coffee or alcohol-infused cheddar. This reflects a growing demand for indulgent, standout flavor experiences in cheese. Consumers associate authenticity and quality with region-specific cheeses also.
What’s Next for Cheese & Cheese Alternatives Globally?
Cheese is being integrated into various moments more and more, with snacking and indulgence helping to boost its presence. Consumers will therefore likely want more from this category in terms of versatile formats that align with daily routines. Formats will play an important role in the category, too, as compact and portion-controlled formats will be globally present. Reasons for this includes the rise in demand for convenience and mindful eating. Innovation in ingredients will also be significant, as plant-based cheese alternatives advance to resemble traditional dairy formats. Packaging that is easier to open and store is now a core value and will continue to be as consumers seek functionality. At the same time, there are various expectations around sustainable packaging and innovation around these paper-based wraps, wood-pulp sleeves, and minimal plastic alternatives.
Consumers will likely continue to seek familiar or indulgent flavors that offer a sense of mood-boosting properties. There is rising interest in cheese products featuring inspired flavor combinations, and this trend is also likely to continue.
This article is based on Innova’s Innovation in Cheese & Cheese Alternatives – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more.