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Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a refrigerated cheese dip line under its licensed Borden brand, as the US dairy cooperative seeks higher-margin growth in the snacking category.

The new range – available nationwide and priced at $4.99 for a 12-ounce tub – marks DFA’s entry into the refrigerated cheese dip segment, a space typically dominated by private label and shelf-stable processed products.

The line includes Queso Blanco, Nacho and Jalapeño varieties, with two flavours scheduled to hit shelves in March. The products are positioned in the chilled dairy aisle and made with real milk.

The move reflects a broader push by US dairy processors to expand further into value-added, consumer-facing formats as milk production growth outpaces domestic consumption in traditional categories such as fluid milk.

DFA, which represents about 9,500 US dairy farmers, has been investing in branded and convenience-led products to improve returns for its members and reduce exposure to commodity price swings.

Cheese-based dips and savoury spreads have become more embedded in US households in recent years, driven by at-home entertaining and snack occasions, according to Mintel data cited by the company.

Refrigerated formats, in particular, have benefited from consumer preferences for products perceived as fresher and less processed.

By extending the Borden brand beyond shredded and sliced cheese into dips, DFA is seeking to leverage existing retail distribution while competing more directly with chilled queso and speciality cheese spreads.