USDA photo by Preston Keres

A December 4, 2024, USDA report reveals U.S. per-capita dairy consumption reached a record 661 pounds in 2023. This is an increase of 7 pounds from 2022. It matches the all-time high set in 2021.

Butter and cheese consumption reached historic highs. Americans ate 6.5 pounds of butter and 42.3 pounds of cheese per person. Cottage cheese consumption rebounded to 2.1 pounds per person. The last time it reached this level was 2019. Yogurt consumption rose 2% to 13.8 pounds per person.

Despite fluid milk and ice cream consumption declines in 2023, year-to-date sales in 2024 show signs of strength.

Over the last decade, cheese consumption grew 19% and butter grew 18%. Yogurt increased by 60% over the past two decades. U.S. dairy consumption has increased 16% over the past 30 years.

Read more about record U.S. per capita dairy consumption here.