Kraft Natural Cheese Launches High-Protein Cheese Sticks
Kraft Natural Cheese, one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the U.S. cheese category, has unveiled its latest innovation aimed squarely at today’s protein-focused, on-the-go consumer. The brand has officially announced the launch of Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Cheese Sticks, a new snacking solution designed to deliver familiar, craveable cheese flavor with a meaningful protein boost—without sacrificing convenience or taste.
As consumer eating habits continue to evolve, protein has become a central pillar of everyday nutrition. No longer limited to athletes or fitness enthusiasts, protein-forward foods are now embraced by busy professionals, families, students and anyone seeking sustained energy throughout the day. Kraft Natural Cheese’s newest product responds directly to this shift, offering a portable, easy-to-enjoy cheese snack that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.
A Protein-Enhanced Take on a Classic Favorite
Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Cheese Sticks are launching in two popular and approachable flavors: Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack. Both varieties are rooted in Kraft’s longstanding cheese expertise while delivering enhanced nutritional benefits. Each serving provides 17 grams of protein, making the sticks a powerful option for those looking to increase their daily protein intake through real dairy foods.
In addition to their high protein content, the new cheese sticks contain 50% less fat than Kraft Natural Cheese’s traditional Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheese varieties. This balance of protein and reduced fat reflects growing consumer interest in snacks that offer functional nutrition while still delivering satisfying flavor and texture.
By building on classic cheese profiles that consumers already know and love, Kraft Natural Cheese is making protein-enhanced snacking feel familiar rather than intimidating. The result is a product that feels accessible to a wide range of shoppers, from parents packing school lunches to professionals grabbing a quick bite between meetings.
Meeting Consumers Where They Are
According to industry research, snacking now accounts for a significant portion of daily calorie intake for many Americans, with consumers increasingly looking for snacks that provide more than just indulgence. Protein, in particular, has emerged as a key driver in purchasing decisions, valued for its role in supporting muscle health, satiety and sustained energy.
“Today’s consumers want snacks that work as hard as they do, in an approachable format that’s easy for them to incorporate into their daily routines,” said Amanda Vaal, Director of Brand Marketing at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, a division of Lactalis USA. “Our new Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Sticks meet these needs by delivering the familiar taste people love in a traditional cheese stick and 17 grams of protein per serving to keep consumers energized and ready for anything.”
This focus on versatility and ease of use is central to the product’s positioning. Rather than targeting a niche audience, Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Cheese Sticks are designed to fit into multiple eating occasions throughout the day.
Built for Busy Lifestyles
One of the standout strengths of Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Cheese Sticks is their flexibility. Individually portioned and ready to eat straight from the package, the sticks are ideal for lunchboxes, workday snacking, road trips, and pre- or post-workout fuel. Whether enjoyed at home or on the go, they offer a no-prep option for consumers who want a satisfying snack without added hassle.
For families, the new cheese sticks provide a nutritious alternative to highly processed snack foods, delivering protein from real cheese in a format that kids recognize and enjoy. For adults, they offer a convenient way to stay fueled during long days, whether between meetings, after exercise, or while running errands.
The product also aligns well with broader food trends emphasizing cleaner labels, real ingredients, and simple nutrition. As a good source of protein made from trusted dairy ingredients, the cheese sticks reinforce Kraft Natural Cheese’s commitment to quality and consistency.
Leveraging a Century of Cheese Expertise
Kraft Natural Cheese has been a staple in American households for more than 100 years, earning consumer trust through consistent quality, innovation and flavor. The launch of Protein Cheese Sticks represents a natural evolution of the brand, blending its heritage with contemporary nutritional priorities.
Rather than reinventing cheese, Kraft is enhancing what already works—leveraging its established manufacturing expertise and flavor profiles while adapting to new consumer expectations. This approach allows the brand to remain relevant in a competitive snack landscape increasingly crowded with bars, shakes and plant-based alternatives.
By offering protein-enhanced cheese in a familiar stick format, Kraft Natural Cheese reinforces dairy’s role as a naturally nutrient-dense food and positions itself as a smart, modern snacking choice.
Strategic Retail Rollout
Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Cheese Sticks are now available at select retailers nationwide, including Target, Publix, Food Lion, Hy-Vee, ShopRite, Meijer and Amazon Fresh, with additional retailers expected to carry the product in the coming months.
This broad retail distribution reflects Kraft’s confidence in the product’s mass appeal and ensures accessibility for shoppers across different regions and shopping preferences. Availability through both brick-and-mortar stores and online grocery platforms also supports changing consumer purchasing behaviors, particularly the continued growth of digital grocery shopping.
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