The resurgence of cottage cheese in the UK has been nothing short of remarkable, as a Scottish dairy firm experiences unprecedented demand, largely driven by viral trends on TikTok. Graham’s Family Dairy has announced a significant expansion of its production capabilities, with a £3.5 million investment aimed at meeting this soaring interest in the once-ostracised dairy product.
A Dairy Renaissance
Graham’s Family Dairy, based in Fife, is embarking on a transformative project to bolster its cottage cheese output by 50%, a move that is expected to create 25 new jobs in the local area. This initiative comes in response to “all-time record demand,” a phenomenon attributed to social media influencers who have popularised innovative recipes featuring cottage cheese. Notably, TikTok trends such as “cottage cheese breakfast rounds,” which attracted over 15.1 million views, have played a pivotal role in reviving interest in this retro staple.
The numbers speak for themselves: supermarket giant Tesco has reported a staggering threefold increase in cottage cheese sales over the past two years. At Graham’s, sales have doubled, translating to an additional two million kilograms sold in recent times. According to figures from The Grocer, the total monthly volume of cottage cheese consumed in the UK surged from 900,000 kilograms at the beginning of 2023 to over 1.7 million kilograms by December 2025.
Responding to a Cultural Shift
Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s Family Dairy, noted that the trend began gaining traction around May 2023. “The demand has simply been staggering,” he remarked, adding that cottage cheese sales have eclipsed those of their traditional flagship milk products. The phenomenon has not only revitalised the company’s fortunes but has also led to a burgeoning export market, with products now reaching consumers in the Gulf States and Hong Kong.
This substantial investment will enhance the entire cottage cheese range, including natural, low-fat, and high-protein varieties. Graham emphasised the importance of preserving the traditional methods that make their cottage cheese unique. “We still make our cottage cheese using a traditional open-vat process, which gives it a firmer curd and a more natural texture than some other products on the shelf,” he explained.
The Role of Influencers and Market Dynamics
Elizabeth Tomkins, Tesco’s cottage cheese buyer, reaffirmed the impact of social media on consumer behaviour. “TikTok food trends often result in sudden sales spikes,” she stated, pointing to similar surges experienced with Italian bread and cheese last year. However, the current craze for cottage cheese represents a more sustained trend that is reshaping the UK dairy market.
Historically, cottage cheese enjoyed a peak in popularity during the 1970s and 80s, primarily as a low-fat condiment for baked potatoes and avocados. While sales remained steady over the years, typically peaking in the summer and post-Christmas diet season, the recent surge is attributed to a younger demographic embracing the product. Graham’s Dairy is keen to capitalise on this momentum, ensuring that they can meet the increasing demand without compromising the quality that has defined their brand.
Why it Matters
The cottage cheese revival is not merely a fleeting social media trend; it signifies a broader shift in consumer preferences towards healthy, versatile foods. As younger generations gravitate towards products that align with their dietary needs, companies like Graham’s Family Dairy are not just responding to demand—they are redefining it. This evolution has significant implications for the UK dairy sector, reflecting how social media can catalyse changes in consumer behaviour and, consequently, production practices. As the landscape of food consumption continues to evolve, the resurgence of cottage cheese exemplifies how traditional products can find new life in the modern market.
