Can I Eat Skyr on a Carnivore Diet? Dairy and the Carnivore Diet

Surveys show a growing interest in the carnivore diet, with many exploring which dairy products, such as skyr, align with it. Whether skyr is suitable depends on the approach and tolerance to dairy.

Quick Summary

Skyr can be included in some carnivore diet variations, due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content. Strict carnivore dieters typically avoid all dairy, and even low-lactose products like skyr contain some sugar and additives. Considerations include digestive tolerance, keto goals, and diet purity.

Key Points

• Strict Carnivores Avoid All Dairy: The most rigid carnivore diet excludes skyr due to lactose.

• Modified Carnivore Allows Low-Lactose Dairy: Many followers include options like unsweetened skyr.

• Choose Plain, Unsweetened Skyr: Flavored varieties contain sugars and non-animal ingredients.

• Potential Digestive Impact: Skyr can cause digestive issues, so test for tolerance.

• Skyr Offers High Protein: Skyr is a protein source, which can help meet nutritional goals.

• Consider the 'Zero Carb' vs. 'Meat-Based' Distinction: The answer hinges on dietary rules; animal products allow different dairy interpretations.

What is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet focuses exclusively on animal products. Proponents believe that eating only meat, eggs, and animal fats can lead to health improvements like reduced inflammation and weight loss. Plant-based foods are completely eliminated. This often extends to most dairy products because of their lactose content.

The Role of Dairy on a Carnivore Diet

While the strictest carnivore diet forbids all dairy, many follow a more flexible approach, which may include low-lactose dairy products. The primary concerns with dairy are:

1. Lactose Content: Lactose is a milk sugar, a carbohydrate. For a diet aiming for zero or near-zero carbs, this can be a problem. Lactose intolerance is also a concern.
2. Additives: Many commercial dairy products contain additives or sugar, which strict followers aim to avoid. Products like skyr require closer inspection.

Is Skyr Carnivore-Approved?

Skyr, from Iceland, is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates. It's made by incubating skim milk with cultures, which ferments the lactose, reducing the lactose content. For those following a less-strict carnivore or ketogenic diet, this is a major plus.

Whether skyr is carnivore-approved depends entirely on the rules. If following a 'zero-carb' or 'lion diet,' skyr is not an option. It contains some residual lactose, and flavored versions contain sugar and other ingredients. If following a more flexible approach that includes dairy, plain, unsweetened skyr is a top choice.

Skyr Ingredients to Watch Out For

For carnivores considering skyr, read the label meticulously:

• Added Sugars: Many skyr products, particularly flavored ones, contain cane sugar or other sweeteners.
• Pectin and Thickeners: Some brands use plant-derived thickeners.
• Flavorings: 'Natural flavors' can be from non-animal sources.
• Plant-Based Options: Oat-based or other vegan 'skyr' alternatives are off-limits.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Adding Skyr

Adding dairy to a carnivore diet has potential trade-offs.

Benefits

• Added Protein: Skyr is a protein source, helping meet daily needs.
• Probiotics: The live cultures in skyr can support gut health.
• Nutrients: Dairy provides a source of calcium.
• Flavor Variety: It provides a textural and flavor change.

Drawbacks

• Digestive Issues: Skyr can cause digestive problems, particularly for those with lactose intolerance.
• Dietary Purity: Including any non-meat product compromises the carnivore diet's definition.
• Potential Cravings: Including dairy can reintroduce cravings for sugar or carbs.

Skyr vs. Other Carnivore-Friendly Dairy

Feature	Plain Skyr	Heavy Cream	Hard Cheese	Butter/Ghee
Lactose Content	Very Low	Minimal	Very Low	Trace
Carbohydrates	Low	Near Zero	Near Zero	Zero
Protein	Very High	Low	Moderate	Zero
Fat	Very Low	Very High	High	Very High
Source	Cultured skim milk	Cream from milk	Aged milk curds	Churned cream
Best for	High protein snack	Adding fat/calories	Flavor/calories	Cooking fat/flavor

How to Test Your Tolerance for Skyr

Start with a small amount of plain, unsweetened skyr. Monitor your body for digestive distress, bloating, or changes. If tolerated well, increase the amount. Remember that if the goal is strict adherence, even tolerated dairy is a departure from the core rules.

Conclusion

Whether skyr can be eaten on a carnivore diet is nuanced. While traditional, unflavored skyr is made from animal products and is low in carbohydrates, it is not considered acceptable by the most stringent carnivore followers. For a more flexible, 'meat-based' approach that includes low-lactose dairy, plain skyr can be a great source of protein and probiotics. The decision rests on health goals, digestive tolerance, and diet strictness. It is crucial to read labels to avoid added sugars and non-animal thickeners and to test personal tolerance before incorporating it fully.

A Final Word on Dairy Purity

For those concerned about the purity of their carnivore diet, focusing on whole, unprocessed meats, eggs, and water is the safest bet. However, the inclusion of carefully selected dairy, like plain skyr, can add variety and nutrients without derailing a low-carb strategy. As with any dietary modification, listen to your body and adjust as needed.

WebMD offers a comprehensive look at the foods allowed and risks associated with the carnivore diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does skyr contain carbohydrates?

Yes, skyr contains carbohydrates from lactose, though the fermentation process reduces the carb count.

Why do some carnivores avoid dairy?

Some carnivores avoid dairy to maintain zero-carb intake and eliminate all non-meat food groups.

Is skyr the same as Greek yogurt for carnivore purposes?

Both are strained and high in protein, but skyr uses different cultures and processes. Considerations for a carnivore diet are similar: read labels and check ingredients.

Can I eat flavored skyr on a carnivore diet?

No. Flavored skyr contains sugars, sweeteners, and plant-based flavorings, excluded from a carnivore diet.

What if I am lactose intolerant? Can I still eat skyr?

Skyr is low in lactose, but it is not completely lactose-free. Those with lactose intolerance should test tolerance or avoid it.

What dairy products are generally allowed on a more flexible carnivore diet?

Dairy products include heavy cream, butter, ghee, and hard cheeses, low in lactose and carbohydrates.

Is adding skyr to my carnivore diet worth the risk of breaking purity?

That depends on the goals. For some, the added protein and probiotics are worth the deviation. For others, maintaining dietary purity is the priority.