What is Skyr and is it healthy?

What is Skyr and is it healthy?

HomeCooking Tips, RecipesWhat is Skyr and is it healthy?

Plus discover the difference between skyr and Greek yogurt read the nutritional value of skyr and more.

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Channel Avatar adamcantcook2021-08-28 12:30:06 Thumbnail
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Natural vs. Greek vs. Icelandic Yogurt

There are a lot of options on the dairy aisle these days. Whether it’s the abundance of yogurt brands or the growing number of plant-based alternatives it seems like the choices are endless. One type of dairy product that is becoming increasingly popular is skyr. Popular skyr brands include Icelandic Provisions and Siggi’s. But what exactly is this creamy delicious product? And is skyr actually healthy? We answer these questions and more about skyr.

Although many brands of skyr are sold in small tubs on the dairy aisle yogurt and skyr are not technically the same thing. Skyr is thicker and creamier in texture than yogurt. This is due to Iceland’s heritage culture and dairy milk (sometimes whole milk) that is used to make skyr. It takes nearly 4 cups of milk to produce 1 cup of skyr which gives it a rich mouthfeel and less tangy flavor. This also gives skyr a higher protein content compared to traditional yogurt.

Despite their similarly creamy and thick textures Greek yogurt and skyr are made with nuanced differences. Skyr which is traditionally made from skim milk has a lower fat content than Greek yogurt which often uses whole milk. While both are strained skyr typically undergoes a more extensive straining process with the addition of rennet an enzyme that produces a thicker consistency. Additionally variations in the bacterial cultures used during fermentation contribute to subtle flavor and texture differences between the two yogurts.