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Kraft Natural Cheese has introduced a new line of high-protein cheese sticks in the US, as consumer demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks continues to drive category growth.

The Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Sticks, available in Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack varieties, contain 17 grams of protein per serving and 50% less fat than the company’s traditional cheese stick products.

The snacks are designed for versatility, including lunchboxes, office snacking, as well as pre- or post-workout consumption.

Amanda Vaal, director of brand marketing at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, says the launch responds to consumers seeking snacks that combine familiar taste with functional benefits, including high protein content.

The move positions Kraft to compete in the fast-growing segment of protein-enriched and on-the-go dairy snacks, which has seen increasing uptake among health-conscious and active consumers.

Convenience formats such as individually packaged sticks are also appealing to retail and foodservice buyers seeking portable, single-serve offerings.

The protein sticks build on Kraft’s long-standing presence in the natural cheese market and reflect broader trends in the dairy sector, where manufacturers are reformulating products to deliver added nutritional benefits while meeting consumer preferences for taste, convenience and portion control.

Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Sticks are now available at select retailers, including Target, Publix, Food Lion, Hy-Vee, ShopRite, Meijer and Amazon Fresh, with additional retailers to follow.