Per capita dairy consumption

Per capita dairy consumption has remained relatively stable over the past decade, increasing only slightly. Dairy products (including milk, butter, cheese and ice cream) are staples in many homes, which has helped keep volatility low. Fluctuations in consumption occur when there are swings in prices and availability of alternative goods. A portion of the increase in per capita dairy consumption has recently stemmed from the uptick in per capita cheese consumption. According to the USDA, cheese products have grown to become the largest portion of total dairy consumption as of 2019 (latest data available)

While dairy product sales did not dramatically slump in 2020 as people were stuck at home at the time, which helped aid its usage for home cooking, consumers have also eaten out less in the year, which largely tempered its consumption. Amid the reopening of the economy in 2021, which includes the reopening of downstream markets that buy dairy products, such as cafes and restaurants, dairy consumption has grown again. However, rising inflationary pressures in 2022 have reversed these trends as the costs of many items grew, including feed for cattle. As a result, dairy prices have grown yearly, serving as a tempering factor against per capita consumption growth as more consumers have become cost-conscious about their products. With inflationary pressures continuing in 2023, per capita consumption of dairy is expected to continue. But as dairy remains a strong staple, these declines are expected to be marginal despite these factors. In 2024, dairy consumption is set to inch up 0.1%, with the continuation of such factors leading to consumers being pushed more to buy and consume more goods that are essential, which includes many dairy items from cheese and milk as cooking meals without such inputs limits what individuals can concurrently make. But in 2025, consumption of dairy is set to drop by 0.1% as more consumers begin to switch up what they want to buy as the economy recovers and now, as this starts to push more consumers to consume more types of items that have begun their price recoveries.