Cheesecakes have been the most beloved sweet snack for generations, but in the past few years, Americans have been venturing to the savory side, creating a huge shift in the foodservice market. The evolution of cheeseaholicism, or the love for everything cheese, has become increasingly popular and warrants deep market understanding to capitalize on the trend. Whether you’re a franchisor looking to expand locations or a food & beverage professional looking to better understand the trends of the foodservice market, this article covers everything you need to know.
What Is a Cheeseaholic?
Cheeseaholism is a term used to describe a person who loves to eat all types of cheese. Whether it’s sharp and full-flavored blues, creamy and crumbly triple-crèmes, or nutty, sweet Gruyères, cheeseaholics don’t discriminate when they eat cheese. Cheeseaholics are known to seek out new, trendier cheeses to add to their repertoire, curate a well-stocked cheese plate brimming with meats and other snacks for guests, and experiment in the kitchen with all types of recipes that use cheese.
The traditional love of cheese is still alive and thriving in both casual and fine-dining establishments alike. Wall Street Journal’s Orge Gayno describes the phenomenon as, “restaurants are serving bigger; bolder flavors on cheeseboards, and people are responding to them”. Cheeseaholism has also been associated with the farm-to-table movement and a rising interest in artisanal cheeses.
The Expansion of the Cheeseaholic Trend
The cheeseaholic trend has spread across the U.S in the past decade, becoming especially popular among young millenials and Gen-Zers. People of all ages are now discovering creative ways to showcase their love of cheese. From shopping at cheese mongers to eating out at restaurants specializing in cheese and charcuterie, cheeseaholics are on a mission to sample every kind of cheese out there.
Restaurateurs are also taking advantage of the newfound love for cheese. Cheeses not so long ago relegated to fine-dining establishments, such as Gruyère, Brie, and camembert, are now finding their niche on simpler take-out data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menus and higher-end restaurants alike. Moreover, eateries that specialize in charcuterie are popping up all over America, allowing cheeseaholics to sample a variety of artisanal cheeses from around the world. Home cooks everywhere are also getting in on the trend, making up their own cheese boards and experimenting with recipes featuring fancy fromages.
Benefits of Jumping on the Cheeseaholic Trend
With Americans increasingly embracing cheeseaholism, it’s never been a better time for foodservice professionals to capitalize on the trend. Firstly, Americans are especially passionate about cheese, especially when it comes to artisanal varieties. Creating a menu item that features a gourmet cheese is sure to draw in interest. Secondly, restaurant and bar owners can take advantage of the cocoa-creamy, crunchy, complex flavour of Their menu items featuring cheese by offering new, excitingspecials and promotions. Thirdly, leveraging the cheeseaholic trend can also prove to be a great way to promote and market your business. With a well-crafted social media strategy featuring exciting dishes and cheese boards made up of high-end cheese, you can attract new patrons and boost sales. Lastly, as mentioned earlier, restaurateurs can find newfound success by introducing artisanal cheeses to their menu items.
How to Leverage the Cheeseaholic Trend
It’s easy to jump on the cheeseaholic trend, but there are certain steps you need to take if you want to make the most of it. Firstly, restaurant and bar owners should get familiar with the different types of cheese available. Many restaurants are turning to cheese mongers to source products, while others are visiting cheese factories to hand-pick the perfect cheese for their offerings. Secondly, to make sure you’re incorporating cheeses with complex, unique flavors into your menu, you should consider holding cheese-tasting parties or special events. This will give your customers a chance to sample various gourmet cheeses and get to know the delicious flavors of the cheeses you’re using in your recipes. Thirdly, don’t forget to give your customers a glimpse of your menu’s cheese-centric dishes. Using social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook is a great way to reach potential customers and showcase your “cheesy” creations. Lastly, make sure you’re offering an array of cheese-centric dishes, such as mac and cheese, fondues, pizza, and other classics. You’ll be pleased to see the results.
The Future of Cheeseaholism
Cheeseaholism is here to stay, as the trend has been steadily increasing over the past four years. As more customers come to appreciate gourmet cheeses and eclectic cheese boards, more restaurants and bars will continue to convert to the cheeseaholic lifestyle. Moreover, as this trend shows no sign of slowing down, restaurateurs should consider adding a cheeseaholic edge to their menu and marketing strategies. With the demand for cheese increasing, it’s more important than ever for foodservice professionals to understand the power of the cheeseaholic trend and leverage it to their advantage.
