The Most-Loved Cheese in Every State

Cheese is one of the most commonly used foods in cooking, and there are hundreds of different kinds. Each type of cheese has its own flavor and texture, making it both delicious and versatile.

With January 20th being National Cheese Lover’s Day (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cheese?), DelightedCooking wanted to know which cheese every state loves most. Our analysts looked at the numbers to find every state’s favorite cheese—check out the map below to see which type of cheese your state loves!

Interesting Findings and Cheese Facts

• Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state, accounting for 26% of the nation’s cheese
  • The state makes more than two billion pounds of cheese every year
• Monterey Jack is the most loved cheese in the nation, being the favorite in 13 states
• Some states couldn’t decide on which one cheese they loved the most (and we don’t blame them—how could you choose just one?)
  • Maine was torn between Provolone and Roquefort
  • Rhode Island had a three-way tie for Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Ricotta
  • Washington D.C. loves Brie, Gruyère, and Blue cheeses
  • Kentucky tied for Gorgonzola and Monterey Jack
  • Both Illinois and Virginia had a toss-up between Feta and Mozzarella
  • Vermont split the love between Parmesan, Cheddar, and Feta
  • It was a draw between Provolone and Mozzarella for Pennsylvania
  • Connecticut has an equal love for both Mozzarella and Gorgonzola
• It’s estimated that more than 1,800 different kinds of cheese exist throughout the world
• Gouda is the most popular cheese across the globe and accounts for roughly 50%-60% of the world’s cheese consumption

Methodology

Our analysts looked at Google Trends data between January 14, 2021 and January 14, 2022 for 15 common types of cheese:

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Cheddar
• Gouda
• Swiss
• Brie
• Gruyère
• Feta
• Monterey Jack
• Provolone
• Blue cheese
• Gorgonzola
• Roquefort
• Ricotta
• Cottage cheese