Consumer Dairy Demand Shifts and Butter Gaining Popularity

Consumer demand for health-conscious, natural foods has helped grow butter sales. Americans ate more butter in 2023 than at any point in 50 years, averaging 6.5 pounds per person. This increase aligns with a broader trend favoring simple ingredients like butter’s cream and salt.

Cheese consumption also hit a record, exceeding 40 pounds per person. Many Americans claim to limit butter and cheese due to concerns about saturated fat. However, taste and affordability remain the primary drivers of food purchases.

The pandemic spurred more home cooking. This increased butter’s appeal while margarine’s popularity decreased. Additionally, dairy prices dropped following inflation peaks in 2022. Consumers also value supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.

Conversely, fluid milk consumption fell to a record low of 15 gallons per person in 2023. Plant-based alternatives and diverse beverages like energy drinks and bottled water gained popularity. Efforts to revive milk’s appeal focus on promoting its simplicity and farm-to-table origins. Early 2024 data offers optimism for stabilization.

Read more about dairy demand shifts here.