More than ever, Americans are reaching for protein in an effort to improve their overall health and wellness.  

Recent market research shows that 41% of adults are looking to increase their protein intake, according to Circana, partially fueled by the popularity of weight-loss drugs. 

Complete proteins play a vital role in helping the body build muscle, repair tissue, sustain energy and support the immune system. Compared to plant-based protein sources, many dairy products provide a high-quality, complete protein with nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. 

Say cheese 

Cheese is a nutritious and satisfying way to add protein and support a balanced lifestyle—in one tasty package.  A single ounce of cheddar cheese, for example, offers about 6 grams of protein along with important nutrients like calcium, several B vitamins and phosphorus. (See nutrition information for total fat and saturated fat content.) 

Snacking on a few cubes of cheese after a workout, adding a slice to a sandwich or sprinkling shredded cheese over a salad is an easy way to add protein to your diet.  

Americans love their cheese. In fact, the per-capita consumption of cheese has more than doubled (to 42 pounds per year) since the government began keeping track in 1975.  

Land O’Lakes continues to be an innovative and market-focused company delivering rave-worthy dairy products consumers love. We’ve focused on innovating and expanding our butter and cheese product offerings with new flavors and formats in line with emerging food trends. 

In recent years, we’ve expanded our cheese line-up to more than 30 different products—including shredded cheese, chunk cheese and snack cheese—available in the dairy case at over 3,000 stores across the Midwest and Northeast. In addition to cheddar, mozzarella and Colby-Jack, we’ve branched out with new varieties, such as creamy aged Italian and habanero jack.  

Not only do these expanded cheese offerings strengthen our consumer base, but they also provide a valuable new outlet for our member milk.   

The Land O’Lakes difference 

Each year, more than 1,100 dairy farmer-owners produce about 13 billion pounds of milk for Land O’Lakes. This product is then shipped to our dairy plants across the country, from California to Pennsylvania, to be turned into delicious dairy products like cheese and butter. 

“We want to make sure our customers know that when they purchase Land O Lakes® dairy products, they’re directly supporting the farmers who work every day to produce the milk that goes into it,” says Dairy Foods President Heather Anfang.  

“In fact, 87% of U.S. food comes from rural towns and communities. So, we are especially proud to spotlight and celebrate the people that make our food possible,” she adds.