Overview
Global Cheese Sticks Market reached US$ 6.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 9.57 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
Cheese is widely used as an ingredient in the production of various food products. The rich nutritional composition of cheese makes it a healthy ingredient in the food and beverage industry. It is used in the manufacturing of pizza, burgers and sandwiches. With the busy lifestyles and high demand for ready-to-eat products, the demand for quick and easy snacking options is increasing widely at the global level.
The increasing consumer preference for tasty and convenient snacking options is increasing the demand for various cheese-based snacks that are tasty and healthy at the same time. Cheese sticks are highly accepted by consumers due to their health and taste preferences. The product is available in various types such as mozzarella, cheddar, and marble sticks.
The high acceptability of the products by all age groups from kids to adults is positively influencing the market growth. The increasing availability of these products in multiple food service sectors and food chain categories increases sales driving the market growth. The increasing number of new and innovative product launches in various flavors is driving the market growth.
Dynamics
Increasing Demand for Cheese Snacking Habits
Increasing health consciousness and high demand for healthy and nutritious snack habits are driving the cheese sticks market growth at the global level. The high nutritious value of cheese is due to its rich calcium and protein content and is increasing the value of cheese snacks its value as a better and healthier snack base option for consumers. Manufacturers are introducing new products into the market.
In August 2023, Kerrygold, the Irish dairy brand, expanded its product portfolio by entering into the on-the-go snacking category with new cheese snacks in U.S. The newly introduced ready-to-eat cheese stick snacks from this company are available in Dubliner and aged cheddar flavours. These products are famous among consumers as convenient snacks that are from gluten and a good source of protein.
In August 2022, Moon Cheese, known for its 100% cheese-based snacks, introduced a new flavour, wild white chedda of their Crunchy Cheese Sticks into the market. The product is very popular among consumers as a cheese snack that is made from 100% real cheese and is keto-friendly and gluten-free. The high protein and low carbohydrate levels of this product help in attracting health-conscious people who are trying to take up less sugar.
New and Innovative Product Launches
With the increasing demand for the product in the market and high competition, manufacturers are introducing new flavors to attract more consumers towards their brand product. For instance, in March 2023, Crystal Farms Dairy Company, which provides high-quality cheese through its Midwest Farms is offering snack cheese sticks in new flavours, Gouda and Sharp Cheddar for adult snacking options.
The increasing demand for convenience and healthy foods is driving manufacturers to innovate and introduce new products into the market, boosting its expansion. In March 2021, DalterFood Group, an international group in the dairy sector and high-quality food products introduced a new cheese sticks brand with a unique new cut to provide a unique texture to the product. The new three-dimensional cut for cheese from the company is gaining high popularity among consumers.
Increasing Vegan Population
With the increasing health concerns related to dairy-based products, consumers are shifting towards non-dairy and vegan products. According to World Animal Foundation, there are 88 million vegans in the world. The National Library of Medicine March 2023 estimates that approximately 65 percent of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy.
To deal with dairy-based allergies and obtain veganism, consumers are choosing dairy alternatives. For instance, according to the World Animal Foundation statistics in September 2023, 48% of the world’s consumers are seeking dairy alternatives. The new product launches in the vegan cheese sticks category are hindering market growth for the dairy-based original cheese sticks.
In November 2021, Wholly Veggie introduced a new vegan cheese stick into the market. The newly launched mozzarella-style sticks with truffle are made with uncycled cauliflower and are highly accepted by people who are searching for dairy-free cheese sticks. The vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO characteristics of the products are increasing their value in the market.

Segment Analysis
The global cheese sticks market is segmented based on source, product, type, distribution channel, age group and region.
Unique Taste and High Demand for the Mozzarella Cheese
The global cheese sticks market is segmented based on product into mozzarella sticks, cheddar sticks and marble sticks. The mozzarella sticks segment accounted for the largest share of the global market due to the high demand for mozzarella cheese due to its unique taste. High consumer preference towards mozzarella cheese has increased its demand in the cheese sticks market.
Mozzarella cheese is highly preferred by manufacturers due to its highly prefereable qualities that are highly helpful in producing tasty food products. Preferred melting and elasticity abilities of this type of cheese help in obtaining the required texture and taste for the final product, increasing its value in the market.
Geographical Penetration
High Demand for the Convenient Food Products in North America
North America dominated the global cheese sticks market, with a wide range of demand for convenience and processed food products. The high population-employment ratio and busy lifestyles of people have left them with less time increased their preference towards easy and ready-to-eat food products. The region’s market growth is due to increasing health consciousness among consumers and their preference for convenient food options.
The high demand for cheese sticks also resulted in the incorporation of these products in various North American food chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King. The high attribution of the consumer’s preference towards healthy and tasty-cheese-based snacks is positively driving the market growth, and is estimated to grow during the forecast period.
High acceptance of the product in the region and the wide expansion of the various brands in the retail stores of the region positively drive the regional market. For instance, in 2022, Wholly Veggie increased its presence in United States through expansion into 1,200 Target locations. The brand is now distributed in over 5,000 stores across North America and plans to increase its retail footprint in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include Keith’s Quality Foods, Baker Cheese, Inc., McCain Foods Ltd, INNOVATE FOODS LTD, Cavendish Farms, Leprino Foods Company, Rich Products Corporation, SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC, Arla Foods amba and Bega Cheese Limited.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic had both positive and negative impact on the global cheese sticks market. The sudden declaration of the lockdown had a negative effect on the global supply chain activities of various raw materials used in the preparation of cheese sticks. Manufacturers of various regions faced challenges in sourcing the raw materials and arranging the required resources for the production and distribution of the product.
The temporary shutdown of the manufacturing units highly impacted the global supply chain activities. With widespread lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings and the closure of various food chains and restaurants, the sales and demand for the market reduced in the pandemic level.
On the other hand, people had good free time and the easy preparation of these cheese sticks at the residential level has improved their value in the pandemic situation. In addition, the availability of various flavoured cheese stick products in packed and ready-to-eat forms positively impacts the market with the wide expansion of the e-commerce platform.
Russia- Ukraine War Impact
The Russia-Ukraine war impacted the cheese sticks market in a negative way. Russia is considered to be one of the most important producers and consumers of cheese at the global level. War interrupted its place in the global statistics of cheese and cheese-based products. The global import and export trades were on halt temporarily disrupting the economic considerations of all regions due to unsatisfied demand supply chain activities.
By Source


    • Organic
    • Conventional


By Product


  • • Mozzarella Sticks
    • Cheddar Sticks
    • Marble Sticks
    • Others


By Type


  • • Natural Cheese
    • Processed Cheese


By Distribution Channel


  • • Foodservice Sectors
    • Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
    • Convenience Stores
    • Online Stores
    • Others


By Age Group


  • • Kids
    • Adults


By Region


  • • North America


o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico


  • • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Russia
o Rest of Europe


  • • South America


o Brazil
o Argentina
o Rest of South America


  • • Asia-Pacific


o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific


  • • Middle East and Africa


Key Developments


  • • In August 2022, Moon Cheese, known for its 100% cheese-based snacks, introduced a new flavour, wild white chedda of their Crunchy Cheese Sticks into the market. The product is very popular among consumers as a cheese snack that is made from 100% real cheese and is keto-friendly and gluten-free. The high protein and low carbohydrate levels of this product help in attracting health-conscious people who are trying to take up less sugar.
    • In March 2021, Tillamook, a dairy cooperative announced the introduction of Tillamook Creamery Collection, a new cheese snack in the market. The product is coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust providing a tasty snacking option to the consumers.
    • In September 2021, General Mill, an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of various processed food products, through its Nature Valley brand, introduced a new line of cheese snacks into the market.


Why Purchase the Report?


  • • To visualize the global cheese sticks market segmentation based on source, product, type, distribution channel, age group and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
    • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
    • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of cheese sticks market-level with all segments.
    • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
    • Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.


The global cheese sticks market report would provide approximately 77 tables, 77 figures and 214 Pages.
Target Audience 2023


  • • Manufacturers/ Buyers
    • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
    • Research Professionals
    • Emerging Companies