Is skyr healthy?
Is skyr healthy? Plain skyr is a cultured dairy product that is usually high in protein and low in fat. Nutrition varies by product, so check the label; the numbers below are for one example.
Skyr nutrition facts
As an example, plain Ísey Skyr lists these values per 100 g:
- Energy: 61 kcal
- Protein: 11 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.7 g
That product is labelled lactose-free, but it is still a milk product. Other brands and flavours differ, so check the label.
Why is skyr so high in protein?
Skyr is made from skimmed milk that is cultured and then strained, which removes much of the liquid whey. It takes several litres of milk to make a small amount of skyr. That concentrates the protein, and it’s also why skyr is so thick.
Is skyr yogurt?
Skyr is made by culturing skimmed milk and straining off the whey, much like a soft cheese, and it ends up thick and spoonable. Compared with many ordinary yogurts, plain skyr has more protein, but it depends on the product.
Flavoured skyr and allergies
Flavoured skyr varies a lot: some has added sugar, some sweeteners. Read the label. Skyr is a milk product, so it isn’t suitable for vegans or anyone with a milk allergy (see is skyr vegan?).
How Icelanders eat skyr
For breakfast or as a snack, usually with berries and a splash of milk or cream. Older generations mix it with oatmeal porridge into hræringur. Every Icelandic supermarket sells it; see our grocery guide.
Quick answers
How much protein is in skyr?
Plain skyr has around 11 g of protein per 100 g, depending on the brand.
Is skyr better than Greek yogurt?
It depends on the products. Plain skyr is usually high in protein and low in fat, while Greek yogurt varies more in fat. Compare the labels.
Is skyr low in fat?
Plain skyr usually is. One example product lists 0.2 g of fat per 100 g. Flavoured versions differ, so check the label.
Sources
Written by Elfar Tjörfi Steinason. We checked the facts in this article against these sources on 19 October 2026:
