Is Skyr Yogurt Suitable for Vegetarians? A Comprehensive Guide

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

While skyr is a strained dairy product enjoyed for centuries, its vegetarian status is not always guaranteed. The deciding factor often comes down to one key ingredient in its traditional production process: rennet, which can be derived from animal sources. This requires vegetarians to look beyond the "yogurt-like" appearance and delve deeper into manufacturing practices.

Quick Summary

Skyr's vegetarian suitability depends entirely on the brand and its manufacturing process, specifically the source of rennet or other coagulants used. Traditional methods sometimes use animal rennet, while many modern brands opt for vegetarian-friendly alternatives, so checking the label or contacting the manufacturer is essential.

Key Points

Not Always Vegetarian: Traditional skyr, though dairy-based, can be made with animal rennet, an enzyme from a calf's stomach, making it unsuitable for vegetarians.
Check the Label: Modern commercial skyr brands vary in their use of coagulants. Always check the packaging for a specific 'suitable for vegetarians' label.
Rennet Source Varies: Some manufacturers use plant-based or microbial rennet, while others use ultrafiltration to create the thick consistency, both of which are vegetarian.
Popular Brands Often Vegetarian: Many widely distributed brands, including Isey, Icelandic Provisions (dairy), and Siggi's, produce skyr suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan Alternatives Exist: For those avoiding all dairy, vegan skyr made with plant-based milk (like oat milk) and cultures is also available.
Certification is Key: If in doubt, look for official certification symbols or contact the company directly to verify the source of their enzymes.

Understanding Skyr's Traditional Process

Originating in Iceland over a thousand years ago, skyr is a cultured dairy product similar to strained yogurt but is technically a fresh cheese. Its production involves heating skimmed milk, adding a culture (often from a previous batch), and, traditionally, adding rennet to help the milk curdle. The mixture is then left to ferment and is strained to remove the whey, resulting in a thick, creamy, and high-protein product.

The Rennet Dilemma

Rennet is the critical element for vegetarians when it comes to skyr. The enzyme is traditionally sourced from the stomach lining of young mammals, like calves. If a brand uses this animal-based rennet, the resulting skyr is not vegetarian. The use of rennet is what distinguishes traditional skyr from a typical yogurt in terms of its classification and texture.

The Rise of Vegetarian-Friendly Skyr

As the demand for vegetarian products has grown, many modern commercial skyr producers have adapted their methods. Instead of animal rennet, they may use one of the following vegetarian-approved alternatives:

Microbial Rennet: This is derived from microorganisms like fungi or molds and is a common vegetarian substitute.
Plant-Based Rennet: Certain plants, such as thistle, can provide the enzymes needed for curdling.
Ultrafiltration: Some manufacturers, such as MS in Iceland for their MS brand skyr, use ultrafiltration instead of rennet to thicken the milk, making it vegetarian by default.

It is this variation in manufacturing that makes checking the label so important for vegetarians.

A Guide to Brand-Specific Vegetarian Skyr

Because the production methods vary, it's necessary to look at specific brands to determine their vegetarian status. Here is a general guide, but consumers should always double-check the label for the most current information.

Isey Skyr: The official FAQ states that their skyr is suitable for vegetarians (lacto-vegetarians). This is because they use a plant-based rennet.
Icelandic Provisions: Their FAQ indicates that their dairy skyr is vegetarian-friendly and made without gelatin. The brand also makes a vegan, dairy-free oatmilk skyr. A historical report, however, mentioned their KEA brand using animal rennet, so modern labels should be checked. The company's website is the best source for the most up-to-date info. The brand explicitly markets its product as vegetarian-friendly.
Siggi's: This brand is also widely available and often listed as vegetarian-friendly. The product is made with vegetarian-friendly cultures and does not use animal-derived thickeners.
Arla Skyr: Product information from retailers like Waitrose and Tesco indicates that Arla's skyr is suitable for vegetarians.

Note: While some Icelandic sources may use animal rennet, the skyr brands most commonly found internationally have largely adapted to be vegetarian-friendly. Consumers should look for a specific vegetarian certification on the packaging.

How to Verify for Yourself

If the packaging doesn't explicitly state that the product is suitable for vegetarians, here's what to do:

Check for Certification: Look for a vegetarian society logo or a "suitable for vegetarians" label on the container.
Read the Ingredients: Scan the ingredient list for the term "rennet" or a specific type of coagulant. If it simply says "enzymes," it's a good idea to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the source.
Check the Manufacturer's Website: Many companies provide detailed information about their product sourcing and dietary suitability on their official websites or in their FAQ sections. For example, brands like Icelandic Provisions and Isey offer this information.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Modern Skyr


Feature	Traditional Skyr	Modern Commercial Skyr
Source of Rennet	Animal-based (e.g., calf stomach)	Plant-based, microbial, or omitted
Vegetarian-Friendly	No	Often yes, but requires confirmation
Thickening Method	Rennet and straining	Rennet (vegetarian-friendly) or ultrafiltration
Production Location	Small farms in Iceland	Commercial dairies globally
Availability	Primarily in Iceland	Widespread internationally

Conclusion

While traditional skyr often relies on animal-derived rennet, most commercially available skyr brands today are suitable for vegetarians. The key is that not all skyr is the same; its vegetarian status depends on the specific brand's production methods. For conscientious vegetarians, the best approach is to always check the packaging for a "suitable for vegetarians" label or contact the manufacturer to confirm the rennet source. Brands like Isey, Siggi's, and Arla have confirmed their vegetarian status, but a quick label check is the most reliable method for ensuring your skyr aligns with your dietary choices. If you want to be completely certain, opting for a product that explicitly states it is vegetarian or exploring the growing market of vegan skyr alternatives is the safest option. For more details on the origins and variations of skyr, you can read more about it on the Guide to Iceland website.

The Rise of Vegan Skyr

For those who are vegan or simply want a non-dairy option, a number of brands have introduced vegan skyr products. These are typically made with a plant-based milk, such as oat milk, and utilize vegan cultures for fermentation. They provide the same thick, protein-rich texture and can be a great alternative for those who avoid all dairy products. The availability of both vegetarian-friendly and vegan options means that consumers have more choices than ever to enjoy this Icelandic staple.

How to Choose Your Skyr

When standing in the yogurt aisle, a few steps can help you make the right choice:

First, look for explicit vegetarian certification on the package.
If no certification is present, check the ingredient list for the type of rennet or coagulant used.
If the source is unclear, and you are strict about your diet, opt for a certified vegan or plant-based skyr, or choose a different brand known for its vegetarian-friendly products.
Brands like Isey, Siggi's, and Arla have generally been confirmed to be vegetarian-friendly, but always confirm for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all skyr is made with animal rennet. While traditional methods used animal-based rennet, many modern, commercially produced skyr brands use plant-based or microbial rennet, or thickening processes like ultrafiltration, to make their product vegetarian-friendly.

To know for sure, you should check the product's packaging for an explicit "suitable for vegetarians" label or a vegetarian certification symbol. If this is not present, check the ingredients list for the type of rennet used or contact the manufacturer directly to confirm.

Several major brands, including Isey Skyr, Icelandic Provisions (dairy versions), Siggi's, and Arla, produce skyr that is often labeled as suitable for vegetarians. However, practices can change, so a label check is always recommended.

No, quality skyr is generally not made with gelatin. Brands like Icelandic Provisions specifically state they do not use gelatin or other animal-based thickeners in their skyr.

Yes, some manufacturers produce vegan skyr made with plant-based milks, such as oat milk, and vegan cultures. Icelandic Provisions, for example, offers a dairy-free Oatmilk Skyr option.

Both Greek yogurt and skyr are strained dairy products, but their vegetarian status depends on manufacturing. While most commercial yogurts use cultures without animal products, traditional skyr may use animal rennet. Always check the label for each product to be certain.

Rennet is an enzyme traditionally sourced from the stomach lining of young mammals. For vegetarians who avoid all animal products (except milk), this animal-derived ingredient is not considered vegetarian, even though it's used in a dairy food.

If you cannot confirm the source of the rennet or enzymes from the product label, the safest course of action for a strict vegetarian is to choose a different brand that is explicitly certified vegetarian or vegan, or to contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.