The global low-fat cheese market was valued at USD 111.83 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 148.48 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier alternatives, including low-fat cheese, and the growing trend of health-conscious eating worldwide.
The low-fat cheese market focuses on cheese products with reduced fat content compared to regular cheese. Low-fat cheese is popular among health-conscious consumers who seek to reduce calorie intake while still enjoying dairy products.
Growing awareness of health and wellness, particularly in regard to managing weight and cardiovascular health, is driving demand for low-fat cheese. The trend towards healthier eating habits and increasing incidences of lifestyle-related diseases have prompted consumers to opt for lower-fat dairy alternatives. Additionally, product innovation, such as the development of flavorful low-fat cheeses, is making these products more appealing to consumers.
The low-fat cheese market is set to grow as consumer health consciousness continues to rise. Emerging markets, where dairy consumption is increasing, present significant opportunities for growth. Additionally, technological advancements in cheese production, allowing for the creation of better-tasting and more nutritious low-fat products, will contribute to market expansion.
Product Insights: Ricotta and Mozzarella Lead the Market
In 2023, Ricotta cheese dominated the market, accounting for 34.5% of total revenue. Known for its lower fat content compared to other cheese varieties, Ricotta is highly versatile, available in various textures and flavors, and used in both sweet and savory dishes. Its high-quality protein and fiber content provide several health benefits, making it a popular choice for consumers seeking wellness-focused foods.
The mozzarella sticks segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. The rise in snacking culture and the demand for on-the-go, convenient food options have contributed to the popularity of low-fat mozzarella sticks. These bite-sized snacks offer a portable and satisfying option, catering to busy lifestyles while maintaining indulgent flavors.
Distribution Channel Insights: Retail and Food Service
The retail sector accounted for the largest market share in 2023, as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores continue to be the preferred outlets for consumers seeking a wide variety of low-fat cheese options. The convenience of purchasing these products aligns with modern consumer lifestyles, where quick and nutritious meal solutions are in high demand.
The food service sector is anticipated to experience significant growth throughout the forecast period. As consumers become more health-conscious, restaurants and food service providers are incorporating low-fat cheese into their menus, aligning with trends toward healthier eating habits. This shift addresses growing customer demand for nutritious options without compromising on flavor.
Regional Insights: North America and Europe
The North American low-fat cheese market held a substantial share of revenue in 2023. This growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of health disorders such as cardiovascular diseases and obesity, as well as the demand for healthier food alternatives. For example, the U.S. has a rising obesity rate, with one in six youths being obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. The strong consumer awareness of the benefits of low-fat cheese in the U.S. and Canada continues to drive market expansion.
In Europe, the low-fat cheese market accounted for the largest share of the market, representing 34.3% of total revenue in 2023. Cheese is a staple in many European diets, and low-fat varieties such as mozzarella, feta, and cottage cheese are becoming more prominent in both traditional and modern cuisine. Countries like Germany are leading the market due to a robust dairy industry and high consumer demand. Germany, the world’s largest cheese exporter, holds approximately 15% of global cheese exports. Rising obesity rates and an aging population are further accelerating demand for low-fat cheese.
Asia Pacific: Rapid Market Expansion
The Asia Pacific low-fat cheese market is expected to witness the fastest growth, driven by increasing cheese consumption as Western dietary habits gain traction. This trend is especially notable in urban areas where exposure to international cuisines and food trends promotes demand for healthier cheese alternatives. In China, low-fat cheese is gaining popularity, especially in convenient snack formats such as cheese sticks and spreads, due to their portability and nutritional benefits.
Key Players in the Low-Fat Cheese Market
Major players in the low-fat cheese market are increasingly focusing on expanding their customer base through mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. Leading companies include:
- Kraft Heinz Company
- Dairy Farmers of America
- Nestlé S.A.
- Danone S.A.
- Arla Foods
- Amul Limited
- Lactalis Group
- FrieslandCampina
- Unilever N.V.
Dairy Farmers of America, for instance, offers a wide range of low-fat cheese products, including reduced-fat mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, while Danone S.A. features well-known brands like “Light & Fit” and “Oikos,” which are designed to provide high protein and low-fat alternatives.
Global Low-Fat Cheese Market Segmentation
Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030):
- Feta
- Ricotta
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Hard Cheese
Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030):
- Food Service
- Retail
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Online
- Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030):
- North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain)
- Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand)
- Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia)
- Central & South America (Brazil)
The global low-fat cheese market is set to grow steadily, with a rising demand for health-focused and convenient dairy products across multiple regions.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
1.1. Market Segmentation and Scope
1.2. Market Definitions
1.3. Research Methodology
1.3.1. Information Procurement
1.3.2. Information or Data Analysis
1.3.3. Market Formulation & Data Visualization
1.3.4. Data Validation & Publishing
1.4. Research Scope and Assumptions
1.4.1. List of Data Sources
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Outlook
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.3. Competitive Insights
Chapter 3. Low Fat Cheese Market Variables, Trends, & Scope
3.1. Market Introduction/Lineage Outlook
3.2. Market Size and Growth Prospects (USD Million)
3.3. Market Dynamics
3.3.1. Market Drivers Analysis
3.3.2. Market Restraints Analysis
3.4. Low Fat Cheese Market Analysis Tools
3.4.1. Porter’s Analysis
3.4.1.1. Bargaining power of the suppliers
3.4.1.2. Bargaining power of the buyers
3.4.1.3. Threats of substitution
3.4.1.4. Threats from new entrants
3.4.1.5. Competitive rivalry
3.4.2. PESTEL Analysis
3.4.2.1. Political landscape
3.4.2.2. Economic and Social Landscape
3.4.2.3. Technological landscape
3.4.2.4. Environmental Landscape
3.4.2.5. Legal Landscape
Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis
4.1. Demographic Analysis
4.2. Consumer Trends & Preferences
4.3. Factors Influencing Buying Decisions
4.4. Consumer Product Adoption Trends
4.5. Observations & Recommendations
Chapter 5. Low Fat Cheese Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis
5.1. Segment Dashboard
5.2. Low Fat Cheese Market: Product Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2032 (USD Million)
5.3. Feta
5.3.1. Feta Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
5.4. Ricotta
5.4.1. Ricotta Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
5.5. Mozzarella Sticks
5.5.1. Mozzarella Sticks Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
5.6. Hard Cheese
5.6.1. Hard Cheese Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
Chapter 6. Low Fat Cheese Market: Distribution Channel Estimates & Trend Analysis
6.1. Segment Dashboard
6.2. Low Fat Cheese Market: Distribution Channel Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2032 (USD Million)
6.3. Food Service
6.3.1. Food Service Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
6.4. Retail
6.4.1. Retail Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
6.4.1.1. Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
6.4.1.1.1. Hypermarkets & Supermarkets Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
6.4.2. Convenience Stores
6.4.2.1.1. Convenience Stores Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
6.4.3. Online
6.4.3.1.1. Online Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
6.4.4. Others
6.4.4.1.1. Others Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
Chapter 7. Low Fat Cheese Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
7.1. Low Fat Cheese Market Share, By Region, 2024 & 2032 (USD Million)
7.2. North America
7.2.1. North America Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.2.2. U.S.
7.2.2.1. U.S. Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.2.3. Canada
7.2.3.1. Canada Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.2.4. Mexico
7.2.4.1. Mexico Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.3. Europe
7.3.1. Europe Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.3.2. Germany
7.3.2.1. Germany Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.3.3. U.K.
7.3.3.1. U.K. Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.3.4. France
7.3.4.1. France Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.3.5. Italy
7.3.5.1. Italy Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.3.6. Spain
7.3.6.1. Spain Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.4. Asia Pacific
7.4.1. Asia Pacific Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.4.2. China
7.4.2.1. China Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.4.3. India
7.4.3.1. India Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.4.4. Japan
7.4.4.1. Japan Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.4.5. South Korea
7.4.5.1. South Korea Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.4.6. Australia & New Zealand
7.4.6.1. Australia & New Zealand Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.5. Middle East and Africa
7.5.1. Middle East and Africa Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.5.2. Saudi Arabia
7.5.2.1. Saudi Arabia Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.6. Central & South America
7.6.1. Central & South America Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
7.6.2. Brazil
7.6.2.1. Brazil Low Fat Cheese Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2032 (USD Million)
Chapter 8. Competitive Landscape
8.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis by Key Market Participants
8.2. Company Categorization
8.3. Company Heat Map Analysis
8.4. Company Profiles
8.4.1. Kraft Heinz Company
8.4.1.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.1.2. Financial Performance
8.4.1.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.1.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.2. Dairy Farmers of America
8.4.2.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.2.2. Financial Performance
8.4.2.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.2.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.3. Nestlé S.A.
8.4.3.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.3.2. Financial Performance
8.4.3.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.3.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.4. Danone S.A.
8.4.4.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.4.2. Financial Performance
8.4.4.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.4.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.5. Arla Foods
8.4.5.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.5.2. Financial Performance
8.4.5.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.5.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.6. Amul Limited
8.4.6.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.6.2. Financial Performance
8.4.6.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.6.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.7. Arla Foods, Inc.
8.4.7.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.7.2. Financial Performance
8.4.7.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.7.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.8. Lactalis Group
8.4.8.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.8.2. Financial Performance
8.4.8.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.8.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.9. FrieslandCampina
8.4.9.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.9.2. Financial Performance
8.4.9.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.9.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
8.4.10. Unilever N.V.
8.4.10.1. Participant’s Overview
8.4.10.2. Financial Performance
8.4.10.3. Product Benchmarking
8.4.10.4. Recent Developments/ Strategic Initiatives
Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030):
- Feta
- Ricotta
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Hard Cheese
Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030):
- Food Service
- Retail
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Online
- Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018-2030):
- North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain)
- Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand)
- Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia)
- Central & South America (Brazil)
