What Is Skyr?

IAs fun as it is to say (SKYRRRRRR!), what is skyr, exactly? And how do you pronounce skyr, for reals? Today, we’re talking all about that creamy Icelandic yogurt that’s been brightening mornings for over 1,000 years. Get ready to have all your skyr questions clyred up. 

What is skyr?

TLDR; skyr is yogurt. What kind of yogurt, you ask? Icelandic yogurt, baybee. According to Icelandic Provisions, a popular brand of skyr (one of the best skyr brands, according to the Sporked ranking), it is “a thick and creamy Icelandic yogurt that’s been a provision of Icelanders for nearly 1,000 years.” 

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “Okay, so it’s just yogurt, big whoop.” But wait, there’s more that makes it special. It also has a thicker and creamier texture than most yogurt due to the cultures (bacteria and such) used to make it that have been “passed down through generations of Icelanders.” 

Icelandic Provisions says it takes “nearly four cups of milk to make one cup of skyr,” which explains the thicc-ness of it all. 

Why is skyr?

Besides the 1,000 years of Icelandic tradition being poured into a single serving of yogurt just for you, what other reason is there to choose skyr over other ‘gurts? Well, gym bros everywhere can appreciate the sheer amount of protein in a single serving of skyr. Each serving contains roughly 17 whole grams of protein. That’s even more than Greek yogurt, which has around 15 grams per serving. In other words, if you’re trying to get those macros, skyr may be the traditional Icelandic ‘gurt for you. If you are looking for it in the store, the most common brands are Siggi’s and Icelandic Provisions.

How do you pronounce skyr?

It’s apparently pronounced skeer, which is significantly less fun to say than SKRRRRRRR but it makes a whole lot more sense.

What does skyr taste like?

Skyr has a slightly sour, slightly sweet, and sincerely creamy flavor that has the familiar consistency of yogurt. Perfect for enjoying as a snack or as part of a balanced breakfast (or for filling balloons with to drop on unsuspecting neighbors, when water just isn’t interesting enough!).

Does skyr have probiotics?

Yes, skyr contains probiotics, which are live bacteria cultures that can help improve gut health. However, if you see anything crawling around in your daily helping of it without a microscope, maybe get an exterminator on the line before eating.  

Is skyr lactose free?

By and large, skyr is low in lactose, but some brands are completely lactose free. For instance, Thor’s Skyr is 100% lactose free thanks to the inclusion of a lactase enzyme that breaks the lactose into two simpler sugars that are more easily digested.

How to make skyr?

Skyr is very simple to make at home, as long as you have the proper ingredients and a bit of patience. The funny aspect of many of the recipes for skyr online is that you need some store-bought skyr to make homemade skyr. (Very “use the test to take the test” mentality, if you can remember back to high school!) 

Basically, to make skyr, heat milk in a saucepan until it reaches scalding temperature (not boiling) and let cool. Then pour the cooled milk in a bowl and add some store bought skyr, whisking them together, and pour them back into the pan. Combine rennet with warm water, and stir into the milk, placing a towel over the saucepan and let sit for 12 hours, allowing the curds and whey to separate. Place a tea towel (or something like it) in a colander and pour the mixture in, placing the colander in a bowl in the fridge as the whey drains off. After this process, you should be left with some delicious, homemade skyr, and you’ve earned yourself a point on the skyr-board!