When it comes to cheese trends with staying power for 2018, think all natural, artisanal and organic. Those are the top three cheese-related trends, according to Dairy Foods' 2018 Cheese Outlook Study.

Rogue Creamery is an organic artisan cheesemaker from Central Point, Ore., that specializes in producing blue cheese, cheddars and more. Websterville, Vt.-based Vermont Creamery is an artisan cheese company that specializes in fresh and aged goat cheeses, and fresh cow cheeses.

Specialty cheese sales are on the rise, noted Rachel Kerr, director of events and public relations for Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB), Madison.

Convenience, flavor, authenticity and freshness are key factors that will drive consumer cheese purchases in 2016, according to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Madison.

Move over kale. Cheese – as a food and as a flavoring – was named one of five food trends at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco in January.

Consumers are showing greater interest in learning about the origin and different varieties of cheeses, as well as trying new local cheeses.

Mega trends like natural and specialty cheese consumption, the millennial generation's impact on the food industry, snacking, and the growing use of social networks and apps for recipes and purchase decisions will continue to gather momentum according to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.