Data from Spate shows a surge in health-related cheese searches: queries combining “cheese” with “high protein” rose by nearly 5,000, while “protein” alone saw an increase of 2,738. Notably, searches for “PCOS” climbed by over 6,000—underscoring a desire to understand dairy’s link to inflammation and hormonal health. Cottage cheese, in particular, witnessed a surge of 3.4 million searches.

Dairy innovation continues to reshape product development. Sargento launched three fresh lines—including all-natural American cheese, bold McCormick-seasoned shredded cheese, and ready-to-eat Shareables paired with Mondelez crackers. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Cream Cheese introduced “Philly‑tini Olives” aimed at cocktail culture.

The trend toward global flavors complements functional positioning. Cheesemakers are embracing international profiles and bold pairings—ranging from spice-infused blends to exotic formats that reflect adventurous consumer palettes. Combined with Sargento’s seasoning push, this trend reinforces cheese as both a health-conscious and culturally diverse choice.