Cottage cheese sales surge as TikTok drives popularity

Cottage cheese has undergone a surprising resurgence due to TikTok's influence on contemporary eating habits.

Cottage cheese demand soars as TikTok transforms a humble staple

Cottage cheese is experiencing a remarkable revival in the United States, largely fueled by viral TikTok trends. According to market research from Circana, sales jumped 20% over the past year, following several years of steady increases. Brands like Organic Valley reported even higher growth, leading to widespread shortages. Good Culture, a brand that gained fame through TikTok, is now struggling to meet demand, forcing CEO Jesse Merrill to acknowledge the challenges. Dairy producers are responding, but many facilities are currently at maximum capacity. Meanwhile, new production plants are being established to meet this unexpected wave of interest in a once-overlooked food.

The explosive popularity of cottage cheese highlights how social media can shift consumer preferences almost overnight. As younger consumers gravitate towards high-protein and low-sugar foods, food influencers have innovated ways to make cottage cheese appealing beyond its traditional use as a diet food. The market's rapid response is not only reshaping how cottage cheese is consumed but also illustrating the wider impact of social media trends on food production and marketing strategies. This evolution presents both opportunities for brands and challenges in maintaining supply amidst soaring demand.

Highlights

As cottage cheese finds new life, manufacturers work diligently to keep up with this trend.