Cottage Cheese Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

Cottage Cheese Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global cottage cheese market size estimated at USD 2.45 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 2.58 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 4.12 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.34% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. The growth in low-calorie diets and the rising dairy consumption drives market growth.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the cottage cheese market revenue with 45% in 2025.
• By region, Asia Pacific is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By product type, the natural/plain cottage cheese segment held approximately 70% share in the market in 2025. 
• By product type, the whipped cottage cheese segment is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. 
• By fat content, the low-fat segment held approximately 45% share in the market in 2025.
• By fat content, the regular/full-fat segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the household/retail consumers segment held approximately 65% share in the market in 2025.
• By application, the foodservice segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By distribution channel, the supermarkets & hypermarkets segment held approximately 58% share in the market in 2025.
• By distribution channel, the online retail/e-commerce segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

Cottage Cheese Industry Coverage

Market Overview

Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese made from skimmed milk. It is white in colour and has a mild flavor. Cottage cheese has a creamy texture, a slightly tangy flavor, and high source of protein. It is available in large, small, and medium sizes. It offers benefits like lowering appetite, boosting bone density, regulating blood sugar, supporting muscle repair, preventing overeating, lowering fracture risk, and offering essential nutrients. Cottage cheese is widely used in applications like smoothie, cheesecake, blended dips, soups, pasta sauces, baked goods, savory bowls, lasagna, ice cream, and baked goods. 

Cottage cheese market growth is driven by the growing number of food influencers, a strong focus on weight management, increased nutritious food consumption, transition to high-protein diets, growth in retail distribution, proliferation of dairy consumption, increased baking activities, and the robust growth in on-the-go lifestyles. 

What are the Key Trends in the Cottage Cheese Market?

• Growing Snackification: The growing savory cravings and the shift towards guilt-free snacking increase demand for cottage cheese. The growing consumption of savory bowls, ice cream, cheesecake, toast, chocolate mousse, and sauces increases demand for cottage cheese. 
• Culinary Growth: The consumer focuses on a unique dining experience, and the robust expansion of culinary tourism increases demand for cottage cheese. The growing food blogging and the strong focus on healthy recipes require cottage cheese.
• Social Media Trends: The growing number of fitness enthusiasts and the growth in influencer-led marketing increase demand for cottage cheese. The changing Gen Z consumer perception and the creation of visually appealing dishes require cottage cheese. 
• Popularity of Low-Sugar Diets: The strong focus on maintaining stable energy levels and the need to minimize body weight increases demand for low-sugar diets. The focus on preventing blood sugar spikes requires cottage cheese. 

Key Technological Shift in the Cottage Cheese Market

The cottage cheese market is undergoing key technological changes driven by demand for better yields, advanced processing, consistency, and production efficiency. The technological changes like IoT, 3D printing, automation, process control, and digitalization are driven by demand for uniformity, optimizing resource consumption, customization, and high production yield. The major shift is the incorporation of AI, which enhances quality consistency and manages the supply chain logistics.

AI supports better inventory management and optimizes fermentation yields. AI easily detects packaging errors and lowers the wastage of cottage cheese. AI minimizes the need for manual inspection and supports the development of new flavors. AI helps in energy optimization and targeted advertising. Overall, AI is a proactive approach in the industry that supports the development of high-quality cottage cheese.

Trade Analysis of the Cottage Cheese Market: Import & Export Statistics

• From June 2024 to May 2025, the world exported 9,768 shipments of cottage cheese. 
• Russia exported 8,010 shipments of cottage cheese. 
• Uzbekistan is the leading importer of cottage cheese. 
• JSC Company FoodMaster exported 972 shipments of cottage cheese. 
• Turkey exported 1827 shipments of cottage cheese. 

Cottage Cheese Market Value Chain Analysis

Raw Material Procurement

• The stage acquires raw materials like Pasteurized skim milk, acidifiers, salt, concentrated nonfat milk, dressing, and coagulating agents. 
• Key Players: Mother Dairy, Dairy Farmers of America, Arla Foods Ingredients, Lactosan A/S, Piatnica, Exquisa, Lactalis Ingredients, Kerry Group

Processing and Preservation

• The processing includes steps like pasteurization of skim milk, standardization, acidification of milk, coagulation of milk into curd, cutting into cubes, cooking, washing curd with cold water, and dressing. Preservation focuses on methods like adding chemical preservatives, natural antimicrobials, refrigeration, and modified atmosphere packaging. 
• Key Players: MKT Dairy, Alfa Laval, TechQu Engineering, DSM-Firmenich, Longley Farm, Piatnica, Amul, Tetra Pak, Milky Mist

Quality Testing and Certifications

• Quality testing is the evaluation of attributes like milkfat composition, odor, shelf life, physical contaminants, safety, pH, texture, moisture, and taste. Certifications required for cottage cheese are ISO 22000, SQF, Kosher Certification, HACCP, and USDA.
• Key Players: SGS, TUV SUD, FSNS, Eurofins Scientific, Intertek, Bureau Veritas

Description of Popular Brands Cottage Cheese Tubs

Cottage Cheese Market Regional Insights

Why North America is Dominating the Cottage Cheese Market?

North America dominated the cottage cheese market in 2025. The consumer focus on consumption of high-protein foods and the high dairy production capacity increases demand for cottage cheese. The shift towards low-fat dairy products and the large-scale retail networks increases the production of cottage cheese. The growing trend of creative recipes on social media and the increased utilization of cottage cheese in snacks drive the overall market growth.

North America Cottage Cheese Market Size 2025 to 2035

The North America cottage cheese market size was calculated at USD 1.1 billion in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 1.16 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 1.87 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.45% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

Transforming Curd: The United States Cottage Cheese Story

The United States is a major contributor to the market in the North American region. The consumer preference for muscle building and the trending recipes of savory snacks increases demand for cottage cheese. The high demand for grab-and-go options and the strong dairy ecosystem increase production of cottage cheese. The shift towards in-home dining and the heavy consumption of clean label ingredients increases demand for cottage cheese, supporting the overall market growth.

Asia Pacific Cottage Cheese Market Trends

Asia Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The consumer choice for high-protein food and the growing westernization of diets increases demand for cottage cheese. The robust expansion of conventional dairy products and the growth in e-commerce distribution increase demand for cottage cheese. The growing fitness-conscious populations and the increased purchasing of dairy products increase demand for cottage cheese, driving the overall market growth.

Evolution of Cottage Cheese in China

China is a robust contributor to the market. The changing culinary preferences and the high consumption of protein-rich snacks increase demand for cottage snacks. The trending healthy recipes on digital platforms and the popularity of new food trends increase demand for cottage cheese. The shift towards low-sugar foods and the increased spending on premium food products increase demand for cottage cheese, supporting the overall market growth.

Cottage Cheese Market Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

Why the Natural/Plain Cottage Cheese Segment Dominates the Cottage Cheese Market?

The natural/plain cottage cheese segment dominated the cottage cheese market with approximately 70% share in 2025. The consumer focuses on avoiding consumption of processed food, and the shift towards natural food increases demand for natural cottage cheese. The increased use of sauces in food applications and the trending diet food increase demand for plain cottage cheese. The popularity of low-carb diets and growing cooking activities requires natural cottage cheese, driving the overall market growth.

The Whipped Cottage Cheese Segment is the Fastest-Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period

The growing versatility in breakfast options and the high consumption of protein-focused diets increase demand for whipped cottage cheese. The robust growth in on-the-go snacking and the growing wellness-conscious consumer increases adoption of whipped cottage cheese. The improved texture, convenience, and versatility of whipped cottage cheese support the overall market growth. 

Fat Content Insights

How did the Low-Fat Segment hold the Largest Share in the Cottage Cheese Market?

The low-fat segment held the largest revenue share of approximately 45% in the cottage cheese market in 2025. The growing awareness of low-calorie food and the strong focus on preserving muscle mass increase demand for low-fat cottage cheese. The increased production of high-protein savory dishes and the focus on minimally processed food increase demand for low-fat cottage cheese. The strong focus on bone health and minimizing saturated fat intake requires low-fat cottage cheese, driving the overall market growth.

The Regular/Full-Fat Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The strong focus on creamier mouthfeel and the absorption of nutrients increases demand for full-fat cottage cheese. The need for repairing tissue and the production of protein-rich dips requires regular cottage cheese. The popularity of keto diets and the increased production of sweet dishes require full-fat cottage cheese, supporting the overall market growth.

Application Insights

Which Application Segment Dominated the Cottage Cheese Market?

The household or retail consumers segment dominated the cottage cheese market with approximately 65% share in 2025. The growing consumption of nutritious foods and the robust growth in fitness enthusiasts increase demand for cottage cheese. The increased utilization of low-fat toppings and the increased purchasing of organic products require cottage cheese. The high preference for home cooking drives the overall market growth. 

The Foodservice Segment is the Fastest-Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period

The increased production of low-sugar foods and the higher need for pasta sauces increase demand for cottage cheese. The increased popularity of grab-and-go food options and the strong presence of QSRs increase demand for cottage cheese. The growing consumption of dessert and the viral recipe trends increase demand for cottage cheese, supporting the overall market growth.

Distribution Channel Insights

How did the Supermarkets & Hypermarkets Segment hold the Largest Share in the Cottage Cheese Market? 

The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment largest revenue share of approximately 58% in the cottage cheese market in 2025. The strong focus on ensuring food safety and consumer focus on bulk purchasing increases demand for supermarkets or hypermarkets. The rising private label brands and the preference for one-stop shopping increases adoption of supermarkets. The higher visibility and optimal cold chain infrastructure of supermarkets and hypermarkets accelerate the growth of the market. 

The Online Retail/E-commerce Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The consumer focuses on easy access to premium products, and the growing online grocery shopping increases demand for online retail. The convenience, product variety, social validation, specialty branding, and improved logistics of online retail/e-commerce support the overall market growth.

Recent Developments in the Cottage Cheese Market

Arla Foods

• In January 2026, Arla Foods launched a cottage cheese. The range is useful across sauces, toast, and bakes. The cheese range offers a creamy taste, and is available at United Kingdom. (Source: Dairy Business MEA)

Prairie Farms Dairy

• In February 2025, Prairie Farms Dairy launched new on-the-go cottage cheese snacks, ProPack. The protein content of a snack per serving is 12 grams and is useful for health-conscious consumers. The snack is available in schools, foodservice outlets, convenience stores, and institutions. (Source: Supermarket Perimeter)

Good Culture

• In September 2024, Good Culture introduced Pumpkin & Spice Cottage Cheese. The cheese is made up of wholesome ingredients and does not contain added sugar. The cheese is ideal for on-the-go consumption and crafted from pasture-raised cows. (Source: Deli Market News)

Top Companies in the Cottage Cheese Market

• Daisy Brand: The Dallas-based dairy company manufactures high-quality dairy products like sour cream, cottage cheese, and sour cream dips, without any preservatives. 
• The Kraft Heinz Company: The leading food & beverage manufacturing company’s product portfolio includes dairy, sauces, meats, condiments, coffee, cheese, beverages, and meals. 
• HP Hood LLC: The United States-based company produces non-dairy and dairy products like ice cream, cottage cheese, milk, aseptic beverages, and sour cream. 

Other Companies

• Arla Foods amba
• Good Culture
• Saputo Inc.
• Groupe Lactalis
• Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul)
• Britannia Industries Ltd.
• Dean Foods
• Prairie Farms Dairy
• Cabot Creamery
• Nancy’s Probiotic Dairy
• Longley Farm
• Okręgowa Spółdzielnia Mleczarska

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

• Natural/Plain Cottage Cheese
• Whipped Cottage Cheese
• Flavored Cottage Cheese (Fruit/Savory) 
• Lactose-Free & Organic 

By Fat Content

• Low-Fat (1% - 2%)
• Regular/Full-Fat (4%)
• Fat-Free 

By Application

• Household/Retail Consumers
• Foodservice (Restaurants/Cafes)
• Food Industry (Bakery/Processed Foods) 

By Distribution Channel 

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail/E-commerce

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• MEA
• Latin America