National Cheese Day: Every State’s Favorite Type of Cheese in the U.S.A.

National Cheese Day: Every state’s favorite type of cheese in the U.S.A.

• Being the favorite of 6 states, Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the U.S.
• Cream cheese is the second most popular cheese in the U.S., enjoyed by 5 states
• Cottage and American cheese were the favorite of 4 states each

New research reveals that Cheddar cheese is the most beloved cheese in the US.

In celebration of National Cheese Day, the research team at Two Wombats analyzed search data from the past year to determine which types of cheese were the most popular in different states.

After compiling the results and identifying the most searched-for cheese in every state, one insight stood out: American tastes in cheese are as diverse as the country itself. Instead of a single cheese dominating coast to coast, a wide variety of favorites emerged.

Twenty-two different types of cheese claimed the top spot in at least one state, and no single cheese was the favorite in more than six states.

Cheddar was the overwhelming favorite, with 6 states naming it their go-to cheese. From the sharp cheddars of Vermont to the milder varieties found in Wisconsin, Cheddar remains a staple on many cheeseboards and in countless recipes around the country.

Coming in second is Cream cheese being a key ingredient in dishes of 5 states. If you love Cream cheese, you know it’s a versatile ingredient with endless possibilities. From sweet treats to savory dishes — the uses for cream cheese are seemingly endless!

If you’re looking for a lighter cheese option, head to the Midwest! Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio all favor Cottage cheese, a low-fat cheese curds dish often enjoyed for breakfast or as a healthy snack.

American cheese, known for its mild flavor and melty texture, reigns supreme in 4 states. Perhaps the ease of use and affordability play a role, especially in warmer climates where fresh cheeses might have a shorter shelf life. American cheese’s perfect melting properties also make it ideal for regional favorites like queso in Texas or Florida’s affinity for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Cotija, the salty Mexican cheese, finds fans in Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona. The growing Hispanic population and Southwestern cuisine might have likely influenced this preference. Cotija’s crumbly texture and salty flavor add a distinct character to tacos, burritos, and salads.

California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts share a love for Parmesan, the king of Italian cheeses. This hard, granular cheese boasts a salty, nutty flavor that elevates everything from pasta dishes to salads.

Mozzarella’s dominance in New York, the undisputed pizza capital of the US, comes as no surprise. This stretchy, milky cheese is the heart and soul of the classic New York-style pizza, with its thin crust and foldable slices. The history of Italian immigration in New York and the constant innovation in the city’s pizza scene likely fueled the rise of mozzarella as the go-to cheese for this iconic dish.

However, surprising twists emerge when exploring the local palates and unique choices of each state. For example, fans of Gruyere cheese dominate in New Hampshire, while residents of Oregon have a penchant for Brie cheese. Other intriguing discoveries include Goat cheese’s reign in Maine, Ricottas’s popularity in North Dakota, Queso Blanco’s stronghold in Oklahoma. Lastly, we have Colby in Kansas and Stilton in South Carolina.

A spokesperson for Two Wombats commented on the findings:
“Despite the regional variations, this study highlights America’s shared love for cheese.

From creamy to sharp, mild to strong, there’s a cheese for every taste bud and every occasion.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, explore the diverse world of cheese and discover a new favorite inspired by your state, or perhaps one from a neighboring region.”

Full lists of states and their favorite type of cheese:

Methodology

The data was collected from Google Trends, which tracks the search volume for different keywords over time. The search volume for each type of cheese was then calculated for each state over a period of one year. The cheese with the highest search volume in each state was then identified as the most popular cheese in that state. This data is based on Google Trends data from June 2023 to May 2024.

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Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]