While yogurt sales increased a bit; those of other cultured dairy products, like yogurt drinks, kefir and cottage cheese, are seeing greater sales growth.

The ice cream category’s unit sales are practically in a standstill, while various segments like frozen yogurt and frozen dairy desserts are struggling.

Dollar and unit sales for most natural cheese segments are up, while processed cheeses are still not the first choice for many consumers.

The frozen dessert category struggled with sales down or barely moving in all segments except frozen pudding, which saw sales rise.

Americans have cut back on their purchases of yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese. The only bright spot in the category is refrigerated dips. Unit sales of dairy and nondairy dips rose 3.8%.

Though overall milk sales are still struggling, whole milk brings good news. Unit sales are up and dollar sales are growing faster than those of skim/low-fat milk.

USDA's Dairy Market News reports that cheese production across the U.S. is mixed. Some of the Southern regions are past peak milk production. The northern edge of the Central region is slow to show a spring flush this year, while much of the Midwest is experiencing increasing volumes. 

Dairy Market News says yogurt was the most-advertised dairy category this week. Advertisements for butter and cream cheese declined after Easter and Passover.