U.S. cream cheese market share of branded compared to private label brands 2023

This statistic compares the market share of branded soft cream cheese with private label brands of this dairy category in the United States as of 2023. Branded cheese held a market share of 74.6 percent in the U.S. cream cheese segment.

Cream cheese

Cream cheese belongs to the dairy category and is usually made out of cow milk, but other varieties such as sheep cream cheese exist as well. Cream cheese can be easily manufactured at home or consumers can purchase the dairy products out of the retail aisle. The different uses for cream cheese range from a spread on bagels or crackers to a base for dips. In addition, the cheese is a great option for cakes, frosting and desserts.

In the retail environment, consumers can find national brand cream cheese such as Philadelphia and private label products. Philadelphia was by far the category leader in the United States in 2020, with sales of about 537.3 million U.S. dollars. The brand is owned by the Kraft Foods Group, which is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois. Their product portfolio contains traditional cream cheese spreads and flavored cream cheese options. Recently, the company launched its first bacon-flavored cream cheese spread.

Regarding baking, cream cheese is often used as an ingredient for American’s all-time favorite New-York-style cheesecake. According to the Kraft Foods Group, consumers rated cheesecake fillings made with Philadelphia cream cheese as better tasting than those prepared with private label counterparts.