What Is Skyr?

Skyr is Iceland's original high-protein dairy tradition: a thick, ultra-creamy cultured dairy strained far more than typical yogurt, which is what gives it such a dense texture and high protein content. Icelandic Provisions still makes it the traditional way, using Certified Heirloom Icelandic Cultures passed down for generations.

Skyr is a thick and creamy Icelandic yogurt that has been a provision of Icelanders for nearly 1,000 years. The difference between Skyr and other yogurts lies in the way it’s made and the cultures used in the fermentation process. Unlike traditional yogurt, Skyr undergoes a more intensive straining process, resulting in its distinctive texture and high protein content. These fundamental differences set Skyr apart from traditional yogurt and is why it warrants its own name.

What's In a cup of
Icelandic Provisions Skyr

FULL OF ICELANDIC HEIRLOOM CULTURES

Icelandic Provisions is the sole Skyr producer in North America using Certified Heirloom Icelandic Cultures. These culturally significant strains, passed down through generations of Icelanders, impart unique taste and texture to our Icelandic yogurt.

Our heirloom cultures, Streptococcus Thermophilus Islandicus™, combined with Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and Bifidobacterium create skyr's distinctive mild flavor and thick texture.

FULL OF TRADITION

We make our Skyr the traditional Icelandic way. First, the milk is meticulously heated to an exact temperature before adding our certified Skyr cultures, which transform the milk into thick and creamy Skyr.

Icelandic Provisions was founded in 2013 in partnership with Iceland's oldest farmer-owned dairy cooperative, so the process behind every cup traces directly back to Iceland.

FULL OF ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS

Icelandic Provisions Skyr embodies the essence and purity of Iceland in each spoonful. Our yogurts are free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. The milk for our dairy Skyr comes from family-owned farms in Upstate New York that never treat their cows with steroids or artificial growth hormones. We honor our heritage by blending classic flavors with Nordic ingredients in our Strawberry & Lingonberry, Peach & Cloudberry, Wild Blueberry & Bilberry, and Cherry & Black Currant Skyr.

FULL OF NUTRITION

MORE PROTEIN

Our dairy skyr contains 11-20 grams of protein per serving and our Oatmilk Skyr has 12-16 grams. Whether dairy or plant-based, Icelandic Provisions skyr fills you up and keeps you going.

LESS SUGAR

With 9-10 grams of sugar per serving, our flavored dairy Skyr contains 30% less sugar than other flavored yogurts, maintaining delicious taste without excess sweetness.

Want the full macro and micronutrient breakdown, straight from the Nutrition Facts panel? See Skyr Nutrition.

SKYR VS YOGURT

Skyr distinguishes itself from traditional yogurt in four key aspects:

The Classification

In the U.S., skyr is classified as a yogurt, a strained, cultured dairy food. It takes nearly four cups of milk to make just one cup of our Traditional Skyr, compared to the three cups typically required for a cup of Greek yogurt, concentrating more protein into every serving.

THE CULTURES

Icelandic Provisions Skyr has a mild and delicate flavor due to the Certified Heirloom Cultures from Iceland that we use exclusively. Other cultures can give off a sour, tart flavor that is often associated with yogurt. The Certified Heirloom Cultures also contribute to the thick and creamy texture of our Skyr.

THE TEXTURE

The rigorous straining process Skyr goes through gives it that thick, creamy consistency and high protein content. It takes nearly 4 cups of milk to make 1 cup of our Traditional Skyr, compared to the 3 cups typically required for 1 cup of Greek yogurt.

THE NUTRITION

Skyr is nutrient-dense and protein-rich, with each serving of Icelandic Provisions Skyr containing 11-20 grams of protein…even our Oatmilk Skyr. Our commitment to real ingredients and less sugar ensures our yogurts are wholesome, filling, and delicious.

Curious how skyr stacks up against Greek yogurt specifically, protein, sugar, calories, and texture side by side? See Skyr vs. Greek Yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is skyr a yogurt or a cheese?

In the U.S., skyr is classified as a yogurt, a strained, cultured dairy food. It's eaten chilled and by the spoonful.

How much protein is in skyr?

Icelandic Provisions dairy skyr contains 11-20 grams of protein per serving depending on the flavor, and our Oatmilk Skyr contains 12-16 grams, depending on the flavor.

Is skyr lactose-free?

No. Skyr is not completely lactose-free, but much of the naturally occurring lactose in milk is removed during the straining process making it naturally lower in lactose than the equivalent serving of milk.

Is skyr the same as Greek yogurt?

No. Skyr is strained more than Greek yogurt, nearly four cups of milk per cup of skyr versus three cups for Greek yogurt, which gives skyr a thicker texture and higher protein content. See the full comparison at Skyr vs. Greek Yogurt.

Is there a dairy-free skyr?

Yes. Our Oatmilk Skyr is a vegan version of traditional skyr, made with the same heirloom culture process. See What Is Dairy-Free Skyr for details.

Is skyr healthy?

Skyr is high in protein and lower in sugar than many flavored yogurts.

Explore More

What Is Dairy-Free Skyr
How our vegan Oatmilk Skyr compares to traditional skyr
Skyr vs. Greek Yogurt
Protein, sugar, and texture, head to head
Skyr Nutrition
The full macro and micronutrient breakdown
History of Skyr

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