Premium soft cheese is forecast to remain strong performers in 2026 while indulgent, flavour-led cheeses are set to play an increasingly important role in driving category value, a recent report has stated.
Lactalis UK & Ireland 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.
According to Lactalis, 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 per cent 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.
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.
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 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.
In 2026, premium soft cheeses are expected to benefit most from consumers seeking quality-led upgrades that still feel accessible.
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.
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 cheeses, which grew 14.5 per cent 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.
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.