Skyr vs. Greek Yogurt: What's healthier, skyr or Greek yogurt?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While many people ask, "What's healthier, skyr or Greek yogurt?", the truth is that both offer incredible nutritional value. A traditional Icelandic food, skyr is technically a cheese, which contributes to its extra-thick texture and often higher protein density compared to Greek yogurt, though brand formulations vary.

Quick Summary

Compare skyr and Greek yogurt's nutritional profiles, including protein, fat, sugar, and probiotics. The healthier choice depends on your specific goals, as both cultured dairy products are highly beneficial, albeit with distinct differences in taste and texture.

Key Points

Higher Protein Density: Due to more intensive straining, skyr often has a higher protein concentration per serving than Greek yogurt, though brand formulations vary.
Lower in Fat and Sugar: Traditional skyr, made from skim milk, is naturally very low in fat and often contains less sugar than Greek yogurt, particularly the flavored versions.
Thicker, Denser Texture: Skyr is significantly thicker and denser than Greek yogurt, a result of its more rigorous straining process.
Supports Gut Health: Both are excellent sources of probiotics due to fermentation, benefiting digestive health and the immune system.
Calcium Content Varies: Greek yogurt can sometimes contain more calcium than skyr, so checking specific nutritional labels is crucial for maximizing mineral intake.
Slightly Milder Flavor: Skyr has a slightly less tangy and acidic taste compared to Greek yogurt, which many find appealing.
Choice is Personal: The best option depends on individual dietary priorities, taste preferences, and the specific brand's nutritional profile.

The Nutritional Breakdown: A Head-to-Head

At first glance, skyr and Greek yogurt appear similar in the dairy aisle. Both are strained, cultured dairy products renowned for their high protein content. However, the differences in production and ingredients can lead to distinct nutritional profiles. For a fair comparison, most experts look at the plain, nonfat versions.

Skyr is traditionally made from skim milk, which results in a naturally low-fat product. While Greek yogurt can be made from skim or whole milk, the traditional process allows for a broader spectrum of fat content. In general, a typical serving of skyr may be slightly lower in calories and fat than a comparable serving of nonfat Greek yogurt, but this can differ by brand. The concentration from straining is what boosts the protein in both products, but some analyses show skyr having a higher protein density per serving. For example, one comparison found 100 grams of skyr contained 10 grams of protein, while the same amount of Greek yogurt had 9 grams. The straining process also removes some of the milk's lactose, or milk sugar, which reduces the total carbohydrate and sugar content in both. Skyr might have slightly less sugar than nonfat Greek yogurt, according to some comparisons.

Skyr vs. Greek Yogurt: A Nutritional Comparison (per 200g of nonfat product)


Feature	Nonfat Skyr	Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Calories	96 kcal	118 kcal
Fat	0 g	0.74 g
Carbohydrates	5.28 g	7.28 g
Sugar	5.28 g	6.54 g
Protein	17.62 g	20.6 g
Calcium	168 mg	222 mg

Note: Nutritional content varies significantly by brand, flavor, and milk fat used. Always check product labels for the most accurate information.

Texture, Taste, and Production Differences

The straining process is central to both products. Greek yogurt is made by fermenting milk and then straining it to remove the whey. Skyr, however, is a traditional Icelandic product and is technically a fresh cheese, though consumed like yogurt. It undergoes a more extensive straining process, which gives it a characteristically thicker, denser, and smoother consistency than Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt tends to have a more tangy or acidic flavor, while skyr is slightly milder and less tart. Skyr is also traditionally made using skim milk and a specific set of bacterial cultures, sometimes with rennet added, which further differentiates it from Greek yogurt.

Health Benefits: A Closer Look

Both skyr and Greek yogurt are exceptional sources of protein, which promotes satiety and supports muscle maintenance, making them excellent for weight management. Their fermentation with live and active cultures makes them good sources of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. While the specific probiotic strains may vary by brand, both can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.

In terms of minerals, both contain beneficial nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. However, different straining techniques can affect the final mineral content. Some Greek yogurt options may retain more calcium than skyr. Ultimately, both provide valuable nutrients that contribute to overall health, including bone strength and cardiovascular function.

How to Choose the Right Yogurt for You

Choosing between skyr and Greek yogurt often comes down to your personal taste, texture preference, and specific dietary goals. For those prioritizing the lowest fat and sugar content, traditional skyr made from skim milk is often the best choice. Its denser texture also makes it a hearty, filling option for snacks and meals. If you prefer a slightly tangier taste and a creamy, but less dense, texture, Greek yogurt is an excellent pick. When selecting a product, always check the label for added sugars, as flavored varieties can significantly increase the sugar content. The best option is often plain, unsweetened yogurt, which you can customize with your own fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.

Both skyr and Greek yogurt can be used interchangeably in most recipes. They make excellent bases for smoothies, dips, salad dressings, and creamy sauces. The main difference to consider when substituting is skyr's thicker consistency, which might require adding a little liquid to recipes where Greek yogurt's looser texture is preferred. Ultimately, both are nutritious additions to a balanced diet, so choose the one you enjoy most.

Conclusion

When asking "What's healthier, skyr or Greek yogurt?", the answer isn't black and white. Both are high-protein, nutrient-dense fermented dairy products with a range of health benefits, including supporting gut health and promoting satiety. Your final decision should be based on a balance of nutritional content, flavor, and texture. Skyr generally offers a slightly lower calorie, fat, and sugar profile in its traditional form, alongside a denser texture, while Greek yogurt is widely available in varying fat contents and offers a classic tang. By reading the nutrition labels and considering your personal preferences, you can easily determine which cultured dairy option is the best fit for your healthy lifestyle.

For further reading on probiotic benefits, explore this authoritative resource: Probiotics: What You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

For weight loss, both are excellent choices due to their high protein content, which promotes satiety. Skyr, often lower in fat and sugar, may have a slight edge, but selecting a plain, unsweetened version of either is the most important factor.

It depends on the brand and serving size. Some comparisons show skyr having slightly more protein per ounce, while others show nonfat Greek yogurt with a higher protein count per 200g serving. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate protein information for the product you are buying.

The main difference is the production method and resulting texture. Both are strained, but skyr is strained more extensively, leading to a denser texture. Greek yogurt is creamier and tangier, while skyr is thicker and milder.

Yes, both are fermented dairy products containing live active cultures (probiotics) that are beneficial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. The specific probiotic strains may differ between brands.

Yes, skyr can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt in most recipes. However, because skyr is generally thicker, you may need to add a bit of liquid, like milk or water, to achieve the desired consistency in certain dishes.

Both Greek yogurt and skyr have reduced lactose compared to regular yogurt due to the straining process. Some sources suggest skyr might have slightly less lactose due to its more extensive straining, but individual tolerance varies, so it's best to check product specifics.

Based on some nutritional comparisons of nonfat products, Greek yogurt contains more calcium than skyr per serving. However, calcium levels depend on the brand and straining process, so comparing labels is the best approach.