Although beverage milk consumption may be declining, other value-added dairy products have countered this trend. Cheese consumption more than doubled from 11.4 pounds per capita in 1970 to 27.3 pounds in 1995. Yogurt consumption exceeded five pounds by 1995, an increase of 538 percent. Consumption of cream and sour cream products had gains of 34 percent and 164 percent, respectively, in the last 25 years. Other Forces Driving Dairy Consumption Changing demographics are influencing consumption trends.
Younger people drink more milk than older people, for example.
The trends of food consumption away from home and the increased use of processed foods are reflected in dairy food purchases. Although the percentage of Americans eating breakfast has remained steady, the use of cereal with fluid milk as a breakfast food is declining because fewer people now eat breakfast at home. Sports drinks, juice, bottled water, and more options in the beverage market are creating greater competition and are offering more choices for consumers. Snacking between meals has increased, and specialty foods such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt are popular. Ethnic food markets are creating opportunities for specialty, highly flavored cheeses and cheeses for Mexican and Italian-style cuisines.