Quick Scoop: What Is Skyr Yogurt?

Skyr is a thick, creamy Icelandic dairy food that people often call yogurt, though it’s technically a cultured dairy product and may be considered a fresh cheese by some sources. It tastes mild and tangy, and it’s known for being high in protein and low in fat because it’s made by fermenting skim milk and then straining away the whey.

What Makes It Different?

• Texture: Thicker than regular yogurt because it is heavily strained.

• Protein: Usually higher in protein than standard yogurt because more milk is used and more liquid is removed.

• Fat: Traditionally low-fat or nonfat, since it starts with skim milk.

• Flavor: Mild, creamy, and slightly tangy rather than sharply sour.

How People Eat It

Skyr is commonly eaten like yogurt: plain, with fruit, honey, granola, or in smoothies. Because of its thick texture, it also works well as a snack or breakfast base.

Bottom Line

If you’ve seen skyr in the dairy aisle, think of it as an Icelandic-style, very thick, protein-rich cultured milk food that sits somewhere between yogurt and fresh cheese.