Lactalis UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dairy company, has shared its predictions for cheese category growth in 2026, driven by a blend of everyday staples and added-value formats as shoppers balance affordability with indulgent, elevated choices. Based on the latest category data, the business has identified five key growth drivers for the year ahead.
2026 CATEGORY OUTLOOK: KEY GROWTH AREAS
- Protein-led cheeses and enriched dairy formats – including high-protein cheeses, and enriched milks
- Premium soft cheeses – including brie, camembert, burrata and Dolcelatte, fuelled by demand for restaurant-style, premium-at-home experiences
- Indulgent and flavour-led cheeses – with richer, more aromatic variations such as truffle meeting consumer demand for elevated taste experiences
- Spreadable and whipped cheeses – offering versatile, multi-occasion use across snacking, cooking and meal preparation
- Hot-eating formats – aligned with “Big Night In” behaviours and easy, indulgent mealtime upgrades
These trends will define the year ahead, with several already showing strong momentum across the Lactalis UK & Ireland portfolio.
Protein: the fastest-growing innovation in cheese
Protein is set to remain the most influential force shaping the cheese and wider dairy category in 2026. Products carrying a clear “protein” claim have surged 184% in the past year, adding almost £6m in value sales – and this momentum is expected to accelerate as consumers increasingly seek out functional benefits from everyday foods.
The UK’s high-protein dairy market, now worth £49m RSV, is forecast to grow further as protein becomes a mainstream expectation rather than a specialist claim. Lindahls – the only protein dairy brand spanning cheese, milk drinks, yoghurts and desserts – is well placed to lead this shift. Within a major multiple retailer Lindahls already accounts for 40% of the protein cheese segment and has delivered 84% incremental sales across the categories it enters, indicating strong future headroom.
In 2026, growth is expected not only from core high-protein formats including cottage cheese but also from functional alternatives such as high-protein feta, which offer added nutritional value while tapping into versatile meal occasions.
With Lindahls Protein Cheese and Milk Drinks rolling out further across convenience and wholesale, protein-led dairy is set to become an even more accessible choice across all shopper missions.
Héloïse Le Norcy-Trott, group marketing director for Lactalis UK & Ireland, says: “Protein has moved from trend to expectation. In 2026 we expect high-protein cheese and enriched dairy formats to play a major role in how consumers shop the category, particularly as functionality becomes a core part of everyday food choices.”
Premium soft cheeses: brie, camembert, burrata and Dolcelatte
Premium soft cheeses are forecast to remain strong performers in 2026 as consumers look for affordable ways to elevate meals at home. Demand for restaurant-style inspiration continues to grow, with cheeses such as brie, camembert, burrata and Dolcelatte offering indulgence, comfort and joy.
Galbani Burrata, which now represents 34% of the entire burrata market, is expected to see continued growth as Mediterranean and Italian-inspired dishes remain a staple in UK households. Its creamy texture and versatility make it ideal for everything from salads and pizzas to simple, fresh meal occasions.
Président Brie, already one of the UK’s strongest-performing bries, is also well positioned for continued momentum as shoppers increasingly use soft cheeses to elevate midweek meals and informal hosting.
In 2026, premium soft cheeses are expected to benefit most from consumers seeking quality-led upgrades that still feel accessible.
Indulgent & Flavour-Led Cheeses: Richer Profiles and Global Inspiration Driving Exploration
Indulgent, flavour-led cheeses are set to play an increasingly important role in driving category value in 2026. As consumers look to elevate simple meals at home, richer profiles and more aromatic flavour combinations are expected to remain firmly in demand.
Shoppers are gravitating towards herbaceous, savoury and globally inspired flavours, including chive, garlic, onion, dill and naturally aromatic regional styles such as Gouda, Provolone and mature Cheddar. These flavours offer familiarity with a twist, helping consumers explore new tastes without adding complexity to their cooking.
This broadening flavour palette reflects a wider shift towards culinary inspiration from global cuisines, with cheese increasingly used to add depth, warmth and aromatic lift to dishes influenced by Mediterranean, American, Scandinavian and Italian cooking. Innovation across the dairy aisle – from natural seasoning blends to seasonal cues – is expected to guide NPD direction in 2026.
Products such as creamy brie with subtle truffle notes show how flavour-forward cheeses can open up new snacking, hosting and hot-eating occasions. Similarly, Seriously Spreadable’s flavour-led formats demonstrate how simple seasoning additions can boost versatility across everyday uses: from crackers and toast to baked potatoes and pasta.
In 2026, indulgent and flavour-led cheeses are expected to play an even stronger role in trading-up missions, particularly for weekend meals, sharing moments and at-home “treat” occasions. As shoppers seek richer, more aromatic experiences, flavour-forward profiles will continue turning familiar comfort into discovery.
Whipped and spreadable formats: versatility driving repeat use
Whipped and spreadable cheeses, which grew 14.5% year on year, are expected to continue attracting shoppers in 2026 due to their versatility and ease of use. These formats lend themselves to multiple occasions – from breakfasts and snacks to cooking shortcuts – making them well placed for repeat purchase.
Seriously Spreadable is expected to benefit from this continued shift towards softer, creamier formats that align with convenience-driven meal habits. As consumers seek simple, flavourful additions that elevate meals with minimal preparation, demand for whipped and spreadable cheeses is forecast to grow further.
Hot-eating formats: driven by the rise of the “Big Night In”
Hot-eating cheese occasions are poised for continued growth in 2026 as the “Big Night In” trend remains firmly embedded in UK meal habits. Consumers are increasingly looking for easy, comforting ways to upgrade familiar dishes – from pasta bakes and loaded vegetables to warm sharing-style centrepieces.
Cheese is expected to play a central role in these occasions as shoppers continue to crave warm, melty, indulgent dishes that feel special but remain accessible. This behaviour is forecast to drive further year-round usage of baked, melted and creamy cheese applications, expanding beyond the seasonal peaks traditionally associated with hot-eating cheeses.
In 2026, this trend is expected to influence both product choice and meal planning, as consumers prioritise easy comfort food moments and relaxed at-home hosting.
