How many pounds of cheese do French people eat?
Christopher Pierce
Published Apr 08, 2026
How many pounds of cheese do French people eat?
According to a new report from the International Dairy Federation, Europeans consume a staggering amount of cheese. The top ten cheese eating countries are all in Europe, with each person putting away at least 43 pounds of cheese per year. The average French person consumes 57 pounds.
Which country eats the most cheese in the world?
Countries Who Consume the Most Cheese
| Rank | Country | Cheese Consumption (kg Per Capita) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark | 28.1 |
| 2 | Iceland | 27.7 |
| 3 | Finland | 27.3 |
| 4 | France | 27.2 |
How often do the French eat cheese?
In France, the traditional time to eat cheese during a meal is after the main dish and before dessert. Yes, it gets it’s own course, though you can eat it in lieu of dessert also if you wish. French people don’t eat cheese at every meal– it’s more common during dinner and weekend lunches.
How much cheese is consumed in the world?
Annual consumption of cheese worldwide in 2018, by selected country (in 1,000 metric tons)*. This statistic shows the annual consumption of cheese worldwide in 2018, by selected country. The European Union’s consumption of cheese amounted to some 94 million metric tons in 2018.
Who is the largest exporter of cheese in the world?
Interesting that France only tops the list for the highest exporter of cheese, it’s the people of Greece who consume the most and the United States that produces the most with over 4 million metric tons a year.
How much cheese does Germany eat per capita?
The average per capita consumption of cheese in Germany is 24.7 kilograms per capita while Switzerland and Netherlands consume 22.2 and 21.6 kilos per capita respectively. Italy is the ninth highest consumer of cheese at 21.5 kg per capital followed closely by Austria at 21.1 kg per capita.
Where can I find infographic on cheese consumption?
In this infographic from Gourmandia they lay out a brief history of cheese and some facts about how much different countries produce and consume.
How many varieties of cheese are there in France?
This is a list of French cheeses documenting the varieties of cheeses, a milk-based food that is produced in wide-ranging flavors, textures, and forms, which are found in France. In 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle asked, “How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?”
Why do the French eat so much cheese?
The French also consume more probiotics foods. While cheese in the US is largely pasteurized and has far less flavor, French cheese is often raw, unpasteurized, and loaded with beneficial bacteria and fungi, providing a beneficial load of probiotic-rich microbes to support our gut microbiome.
Which is the country that eats the most cheese?
Cheese For Dummies. You may think that the French, who produce more than 1,000 varieties of cheese, eat the most cheese per capita. Nope. The Greeks actually eat the most cheese, consuming an average of 68 pounds per person annually.
Are there any cheeses that are protected in France?
A few French cheeses are protected under the European Union’s Protected Geographic Indication designation (PGI). Many familiar generic types, like Boursin, are not covered, while others originally from other countries, such as Emmental cheese, may have certain varieties protected as a French cheese. This list differs from those of AOC status.
