The very highest 2% of users said they cook with cheese every day; which leaves 17% of those surveyed saying they use cheese less than weekly.
Underlining its place in British meals, the survey also shows the most popular ways we eat it in a typical month:
* Cheese sandwich – 68%
* Cheese toastie – 62%
* Cheese and biscuits – 52%
* Piece of cheese as a snack – 52%
* Pasta and cheese sauce – 51%
* Salad with cheese – 41%
* Cheeseburger – 37%
* Quiche – 28%
* Cheese and wine – 19%
* Risotto and cheese – 12%
* Soup with cheese – 11%
The SCMA undertook the survey as part of efforts to encourage consumers to buy Stilton and other British cheeses after sales of Stilton dropped by 30% during the coronavirus lockdown.
Commenting on the findings, Robin Skailes, chairman of the SCMA and director of Cropwell Bishop Creamery, said: “British cheeses like Stilton are an essential part of the nation’s eating and cooking habits and our research highlights the variety of meals where cheese is a key ingredient.
“As an industry, we are keen to that British consumers continue to buy cheese and support our cheesemaking heritage.”
To find out more about Stilton and some inspiring recipe ideas, visit the SCMA’s website: www.stiltoncheese.co.uk