Cheddar reigns on National Cheese Day, but TikTok may crown new favorites

Cheddar remains a favorite on National Cheese Day, but TikTok may crown new favorites. Social media platforms are boosting cheeses like smoked Gouda, burrata and Brie through viral recipes and food videos. From screens to plates, these trending cheeses are reshaping how people shop and snack.

This shift highlights how people engage with food today, through visuals and shared trends. New cheeses gain traction for their flavor and presentation, which reflects a broader, evolving taste shaped by digital culture.

Cheddar stays steady at the top

Cheddar cheese continues to hold a prominent place in American diets, celebrated for its sharp flavor and versatility. In 2024, cheddar remained among the most consumed cheeses in the United States, with natural cheeses like cheddar comprising 75% of adult cheese intake. Its adaptability across various dishes underscores its enduring popularity.

Despite its longstanding dominance, cheddar faces growing competition from emerging cheese varieties gaining traction through social media platforms. Viral recipes and food trends on TikTok have introduced consumers to alternatives like smoked Gouda, burrata and Brie, expanding palates and influencing purchasing decisions. While Cheddar’s deep-rooted presence in American cuisine remains strong, the evolving landscape of food trends suggests a dynamic future for cheese preferences.

TikTok fuels fresh cheese trends

TikTok plays a growing role in shaping how people eat, and cheese is part of that shift. The platform’s fast visual format has turned cheese into a star of viral recipes and snack ideas.

Creators like @thatcheeseplate and @cheesegal showcase pairing tips, taste tests and recipes that feature both familiar and lesser-known cheeses. One clip showing baked Brie with honey and pistachios reached over 3 million views in a week, drawing more attention than many traditional ads.

These videos also fuel interest in seasonal and regional cheeses, giving small producers new visibility. A single viral post can introduce millions to a style of cheese they’ve never tasted before.

The rise of smoked Gouda, Brie and burrata

Smoked Gouda is gaining traction in kitchens and on social feeds, thanks to its creamy texture and rich, smoky flavor. It’s showing up in everything from breakfast sandwiches to TikTok quesadilla recipes, offering a contrast to cheddar’s sharp profile. Gouda’s rise is part of a growing curiosity about bold, melt-friendly cheeses.

Brie continues to trend, especially when baked with fruit, nuts or jam. Its versatility makes it a regular on cheese boards and in short-form video recipes. Burrata, once found mostly in upscale restaurants, now appears in viral pasta bowls and TikTok salads for its creamy interior and dramatic visual pull.

Even halloumi has found new fans. Its grill-friendly texture makes it a go-to for meatless meals and sandwich swaps. These rising cheeses don’t push cheddar aside, they expand what people expect from the cheese aisle.

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Younger audiences shift the cheese landscape

Gen Z and millennials reshape the cheese aisle, and their influence shows no signs of slowing down. They crave bold flavors, global inspiration and visually appealing foods, making traditional cheddar just one part of a broader spread. Newer cheeses now compete for space in shopping carts and kitchens.

This shift changes how grocery stores stock their shelves. Retailers expand specialty cheese selections and add global varieties to meet rising demand. Consumers are increasingly demanding international and artisanal cheeses, fueling a global cheese renaissance. In response, grocery stores increase their cheese selections, offering a broader range of global varieties to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Presentation matters as much as taste

TikTok is changing how cheese is experienced, turning it into a visual performance as much as a meal. A wheel of Brie melting over crusty bread or burrata cut open across heirloom tomatoes grabs views and drives engagement. The appeal isn’t just flavor, it’s texture, color and the moment of reveal.

The rise of visual-first trends has transformed how home cooks present food. Cheese boards now showcase vibrant touches like edible flowers, honey drizzles and geometric arrangements that are designed to stand out in photos. While flavor remains important, the focus has shifted towards creating visually appealing spreads that attract attention on social media.

National Cheese Day adapts to the moment

National Cheese Day is no longer just a nod to familiar favorites. Cheddar still has a place, but newer cheeses now draw attention thanks to social media and shifting consumer tastes. TikTok recipes and influencer content are helping introduce burrata, halloumi and other trending varieties to broader audiences.

Retailers and restaurants are adapting. Some offer limited-time cheese flights or TikTok-inspired specials to showcase variety. The holiday reflects a wider movement in food culture, where tradition meets creativity and digital trends shape what ends up on the plate.

The future of cheese is wide open

TikTok has changed the cheese game, broadening the spotlight to include a variety of new flavors and textures. While cheddar remains a staple, the rise of trending cheeses shows that consumer tastes are evolving. As long as people seek diversity and visually appealing foods, new cheeses will continue to capture attention. National Cheese Day now celebrates this growth, highlighting a richer, more dynamic cheese culture year after year.

Mandy Applegate is the creator behind Splash of Taste and seven other high-profile food and travel blogs. She’s also co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc., a unique and highly rewarding collaborative blogger project. Her articles appear frequently on major online news sites, and she always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend.

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