Skyr

What Is Skyr?

Skyr is a traditional Icelandic dairy product made for centuries. Technically it falls into the fresh cheese category, made by fermenting and straining skimmed milk; but in consistency and how it's eaten, it closely resembles strained yogurt.

Thanks to extensive straining, it has a thick, creamy, and very high-protein structure; its taste is mildly sour. Being nearly fat-free and highly satiating has made it a popular breakfast and snack product.

Nutritional Value of Skyr

100 grams of nonfat skyr contains about 63 kcal of energy, 11 g of protein, and almost no fat; it also contributes to calcium intake. It stands out for its high-protein, low-fat ratio.

What Are the Benefits of Skyr?

With its high protein, low fat, and calcium content, skyr can be considered a satiating part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; skyr is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Skyr Selected?

Fresh skyr should be white, thick-creamy, and have a clean, mildly sour smell. A product with separated liquid, yellowing, or a sharp smell has lost its freshness. Plain, unsweetened varieties are the most basic form.

• Color should be white, consistency thick-creamy
• Smell should be mildly sour-clean
• Plain variety should have no added sugar

How Is Skyr Stored?

Skyr is stored in the fridge in a sealed container according to the date on its packaging; it should be consumed within a few days after opening. Using a clean spoon preserves its freshness.

Using Skyr in the Kitchen

Skyr is most consumed plain or with fruit at breakfast, and as a snack with cereal and granola; thanks to its thick consistency, it's also used instead of strained yogurt in dips, smoothies, and desserts.

How Is Skyr Consumed?

Fresh fruit, honey, and cereal are added on top to make a breakfast bowl; it's also added to sauces and smoothies to add protein and thickness.

What's the Difference Between Skyr and Strained Yogurt?

Both are thick, strained products; skyr is traditionally made with a different culture and method, and is usually a nonfat, very high-protein product.

What Recipes Is Skyr Used In?

Fruit breakfast bowl, smoothie, dip, and light desserts are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is skyr yogurt or cheese?

Technically it belongs to the fresh cheese category; but in consistency, taste, and use it closely resembles strained yogurt and is mostly consumed like yogurt.

Why is skyr so high in protein?

Since its whey and liquid are separated through extensive straining, its protein becomes concentrated; that's why it's higher in protein than many yogurts.

Is skyr used in cooking?

It's mostly consumed cold; if it's to be added to hot dishes, boiling it at high heat is avoided, and it's added at the end of cooking.

What does skyr taste like?

It has a thick, creamy, and mildly sour flavor; plain varieties are simple, while fruited ones are sweet.