From Gouda to Grate, Where Montana Cheese Lovers Rank Favorites

It’s a multi-billion dollar industry. And it has earned its own day of national celebration.

Given that in the United States, one-third of all milk produced goes into cheese production, it hardly seems like it needs a day of heightened awareness. But if it's good enough for Great Britain (yes, they celebrate it, too), then it's good enough for all of us cheese fanatics in the U.S.

National Cheese Lovers Day is this Sunday, January 20. Enjoy some cheese with your lunch or as a snack. Share your favorite cheesy recipes or puns. Try a new cheese pairing. However Montanans decide to celebrate, it appears they will lean toward a decided favorite kind.

Betway, which is an online gambling company (can you bet on cheese?) analyzed search engine trends to see what some of the most popular varieties are among consumers in each state.

MONTANA SURVEY SAYS:

Nothing too exotic about us, by golly! By nearly a two-to-one margin over the runner-ups, Montana goes with cheddar as their favorite cheese. The Betway survey did not subdivide into sharp, medium or mild categories. Just good old cheddar is what cuts it for us.

There was a three-way tie for second among cream cheese, blue cheese and mozzarella. Those were followed by another tie between Parmesan and American. Then some smaller vote-getters included brie, ricotta, Monterey jack and feta.

ME? OH, THANKS FOR ASKING

I guess by Montana trends, I'm a cheese maverick. By far and away, it's got to be Swiss for me, followed by Gouda and pepper jack. Of those, only pepper jack got survey any love from fellow Montanans. How about you?

OFFSHOOT CHEESE DAYS

Need more excuses to celebrate cheese?

>Cream Cheese Brownie Day, February 10.

>Cheese Doodle Day, March 5.

>Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, April 12.

>Cheesecake Day, July 30.

>String Cheese Day, September 20.

>Nachos Day, November 6.

However you celebrate cheese, we hope it's a slice of Heaven.