Skyr

What is Skyr?

Skyr is a thick, cultured dairy product from Iceland, similar in texture to strained yogurt but with a milder, slightly sour flavor and a hint of sweetness. Traditionally made from skimmed cow's milk, it is high in protein and very low in fat. Skyr is usually served cold, sometimes with cream, and can also be found with added flavors like vanilla, coffee, or fruit. Its appearance is smooth and creamy, and it is eaten much like yogurt.

Where does Skyr come from?

Skyr has deep roots in Icelandic food culture, mentioned in medieval Icelandic sagas. While the exact similarity to today's skyr is unknown, it has been a staple for centuries. Originally made from sheep's milk, modern skyr uses cow's milk. The name is related to the English word 'shear', referring to the separation of curds and whey. Similar cultured milk products and names have existed across Scandinavia since the Middle Ages.

How is Skyr made?

To make skyr, skimmed milk is heated and then cooled before adding a portion of an earlier batch to introduce the bacterial culture. Rennet is also added to help curdle the milk. The mixture is left to ferment, then strained through cloth to remove the liquid whey, resulting in a thick, creamy product. Key bacteria involved include Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. The process is similar to yogurt, but the cultures and steps give skyr its unique qualities.

How and when is Skyr eaten?

Skyr is most often eaten cold, either plain or with cream. It is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Commercial versions may be flavored with fruit, vanilla, or coffee. In Iceland, it is a familiar part of daily meals, and its mild, tangy taste makes it popular with both children and adults. Skyr can be eaten on its own or with bread, and sometimes it is used in desserts or with flatbread.

Kinds of Skyr

While Icelandic skyr is the best known, similar products exist in Norway and other Nordic countries, such as skjør and kjellermjølk. These may vary in the type of milk used, the addition of rennet, and how they are eaten—sometimes with bread, as a drink, or mixed with sour cream. Modern commercial skyr is often flavored and is now made and sold in several countries outside Iceland.

What Skyr means

Skyr is a symbol of Icelandic heritage and daily life, referenced in medieval sagas and widely consumed today. Its export and production abroad have grown since the early 2000s, with particular popularity in Finland and the U.S. The term 'skyr' was once trademarked but is now recognized as a generic name. Skyr parlors have appeared in Finland, reflecting its spread beyond Iceland.

Questions people ask about Skyr

Good reading and sources

• Welcome to skyr, the Viking ‘superfood’ waking up BritainThe Guardian, Article

• Skyr on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data