Who’s the Big Cheese? Hint: It’s Not Italy or France

Who’s the Big Cheese? Hint: It’s Not Italy or France

When most people think of cheese, visions of Italian mozzarella stretching across a hot slice of pizza or French Camembert ripening in cool, dark caves probably spring to mind. But here’s a cheesy curveball: the country producing the most cheese in the world isn’t in Europe—it’s the United States.

In 2024, the U.S. made nearly 6.5 million metric tons of cheese, representing about 29% of global cheese production, according to the USDA. That’s roughly 14 billion pounds—enough to feed a lifetime’s worth of grilled cheese sandwiches to millions. For perspective, the entire European Union produced 10.7 million metric tons (around 47% of global output), with Germany leading the pack at 2.3 million metric tons and exporting more than half of it, mostly Gouda and Edam (according to uFoodin). France and Italy followed with 1.7 million and 1.1 million metric tons, respectively.

Americans aren’t just making cheese—they’re devouring it. In 2022 and 2023, the average U.S. resident consumed an eye-popping 42 pounds of cheese per person, a figure boosted by the growing popularity of specialty cheeses. These artisanal varieties—aged cheddars, blues, and other small-batch cheeses made with locally sourced ingredients—bring a timeless, traditional flair to American tables.

Wisconsin: America’s Cheese Capital

The crown jewel of U.S. cheese production is Wisconsin, which produced just over 3.5 billion pounds of cheese in 2024. Of that, more than one billion pounds were specialty cheeses alone. According to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin via the USDA, if Wisconsin were a separate country, it would rank fourth in the world for cheese production, behind only the rest of the U.S., Germany, and France.

Wisconsin isn’t just about quantity—it’s about variety. The state produces over 600 types of cheese, from its famous squeaky cheese curds to highly prized specialty cheeses. With 95 independent cheesemakers and its very own Cheese Trail, Wisconsin is a must-visit destination for cheese lovers.

California: West Coast Cheese Royalty

On the other coast, California produced nearly 2.5 billion pounds of cheese in 2024, with cheesemakers crafting more than 250 unique varieties. The Golden State is home to famous creameries like Point Reyes, celebrated for its bold blue cheeses, and Cypress Grove, known for iconic goat cheeses such as Humboldt Fog. Cheese enthusiasts can explore 44 independent cheesemakers along the California Cheese Trail, sampling everything from creamy bries to tangy blues.