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Everything About Skyr

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What is Skyr?

Skyr is a thick, strained dairy product from Iceland. We make ours in Kensington, Cape Town, from skimmed milk and live cultures. Eat it on its own, with fruit, or in a recipe.

How Skyr is Made

The production of skyr is an ancient, time-honored tradition that differentiates it from regular yogurt:

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Skyr vs. Yogurt: Key Differences

While both skyr and traditional yogurt are cultured dairy products, the differences lie primarily in their production method, the extent of straining, and the resulting nutritional profile.

01

Classification

Skyr is technically classified as a soft cheese, whereas traditional yogurt is simply a cultured dairy product.

03

Consistency

Skyr is significantly thicker and denser than traditional yogurt because it is strained to a much greater extent to remove the whey (the watery liquid).

02

Production Method

Both are made using active bacterial cultures (often including Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus), but the key difference is the extensive straining process for skyr.

04

Protein Content

Due to this concentration, skyr generally has a higher protein content (typically 9–11g per 100g) compared to regular yogurt, making it more concentrated and satiating. Vars Skyr's own comes in at 11.5g per 100g.

Granola With Berries

Nutritional and Traditional Context

High Protein Content

Skyr has a lot of protein. This is because it goes through a straining process. This process makes the milk solids more concentrated. A typical 100-gram serving has about 9-11 grams of protein. This makes it a great choice for a filling, high-protein meal or snack. Vars Skyr's own skyr comes in at 11.5g of protein per 100g.

 

Ancient Tradition

Skyr has a long history, dating back to the Vikings in Iceland over a thousand years ago. Nordic explorers discovered fermentation. It makes a tasty product that lasts a long time. Today, it is a key part of Icelandic culture and tradition.

Chia Pudding Jars
Healthy Breakfast Bowl
Granola With Berries

How to Use Skyr

Skyr's thick, dense texture and mild flavor make it extremely versatile in the kitchen:

 

  • Breakfast: Eat it straight with a spoon, or pair it with cereal, muesli, nuts, or seeds for a high-protein start to the day.

 

  • Smoothies: Its thickness makes it an ideal addition to smoothies, giving them a smooth, full-bodied texture.

 

  • Substitutions: It can be used as a healthier substitute for higher-fat dairy products like crème fraiche, cream cheese, or mayonnaise in dips and spreads.

 

  • Baking: Skyr can even replace fats like butter or oil in some baking recipes, adding moisture and a tender texture to muffins or cookies.

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