Cheese Prices Slide as Consumers Cut Back on Dining Out
Inflation-weary consumers have been cutting back on trips to burger joints and pizza shops for nearly two years, but the added economic stress caused by months of rising gas prices appears to have taken a steep toll on cheese prices in September, said Betty Berning, analyst with the Daily Dairy Report.
“While poor foodservice demand for cheeseburgers and other cheese-heavy items served by fast-food restaurants is a big part of the story, supplies are sizable, too,” Berning said, adding that rising fuel prices are also taking a toll on demand.
In the first seven months of 2026, U.S. quick-service restaurant traffic fell 1.3%, as consumers who paid more for everything from gas, water, and energy to healthcare and groceries, made more dinners at home.
By Fran Howard
October 20, 2026 08:38 AM
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