What is the largest percentage of the United States milk supply utilized in the production of?

The largest percentage of the United States milk supply is utilized in the production of cheese due to several factors. Cheese production is a major segment of the dairy industry, as it has a high market demand and value. Cheese can be produced in various forms and flavors, which makes it versatile for numerous culinary applications—ranging from pizzas and sandwiches to salads and snacks.

Additionally, cheese has a longer shelf life compared to other dairy products which allows for storage and distribution flexibility, further contributing to its significant share of the milk supply. The wide variety of cheese types and the popularity of cheese in American diets also supports its dominance in milk utilization.

This overall demand for cheese has led to a scenario where, despite the production of other dairy products such as butter, ice cream, and yogurt, cheese consistently accounts for the largest portion of milk processing in the United States.