Greek yogurt and skyr have similar nutrient profiles. This table indicates that nonfat Greek yogurt is slightly higher in calories, protein, carbohydrates, and sugars than the skyr. However, the nutritional breakdowns for each can vary by brand.

Both yogurts are significant sources of protein and calcium. One cup of Greek yogurt provides about 17% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium, while 1 cup of skyr provides about 13%.

Both also contain significantly lower amounts of sugar and carbohydrates than sugar-sweetened, flavored yogurts, which can contain more than 20 grams of added sugar per cup.

Your choice between Greek yogurt and skyr may depend on your texture preferences and health concerns.

Skyr tends to have a thicker consistency and a more glossy sheen, similar in appearance to crème fraîche. It generally contains less fat as it is typically made with skim milk. However, you can also find Greek yogurt with 0% fat.

Because skyr is highly strained (and generally more uniform in texture across brands), it may contain less lactose than Greek yogurts, which can vary in thickness. For this reason, skyr could be a better choice for people with lactose sensitivities.

Nutrient profiles can vary from brand to brand, so it’s a good idea to compare labels for information like sugar and carbohydrate content to find what best suits your diet. Both are natural sources of dairy and, therefore, contain some natural sugars. Choosing unsweetened varieties gives you more control over the amount of added sugars in your diet.

While both yogurts offer similar benefits—including a good supply of protein, calcium, and gut-healthy probiotics—your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Greek yogurt is produced the same way as regular yogurt, by treating milk with two main bacterial strains, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, to create a creamy, probiotic-rich food. Greek yogurt undergoes an additional step of straining to yield at least 5.6% protein, which results in a thicker texture.

Skyr is traditionally made from skim milk and was first considered a cheese. It was historically processed using rennet, an enzyme used in cheese production that separates the milk’s curds from its whey.

Like Greek yogurt, modern production of skyr involves fermenting the milk with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. After fermentation, the mixture undergoes a filtering method called centrifugation to remove the liquids and whey. This produces an ultra-thick, creamy dairy product that resembles Greek yogurt in many ways.

Skyr is generally a bit thicker and denser than Greek yogurt, though both have a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Their creamy, rich textures make them incredibly versatile for meals and snacks. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:

• Protein-rich parfait: Layer berries, nuts, and seeds with creamy fresh Greek yogurt or skyr
• Salad dressings and dips: Use as a base for creamy dressings and dips, like ranch or green goddess
• Extra creamy mac and cheese: Stir into your cheesy pasta dish for a lighter, creamier texture
• Elevate your pasta sauce: Blend with your favorite tomato sauce for a creamier texture and an extra protein boost
• Enhance your soups: Substitute for half-and-half to make your blended soups extra creamy
• A swap for sour cream: Top tacos, burritos, nachos, or zesty chili with a dollop of skyr or Greek yogurt
• A creamy base for smoothies: Blend into your smoothie for a thick, creamy texture while adding nourishing calcium and protein

Greek yogurt is naturally packed with protein to keep you full and calcium to support your bones. It also contains gut-friendly probiotics that can help strengthen your immune system.

As a concentrated dairy product, yogurt may contain 50% more calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium than milk. Its other key nutrients include heart-healthy B vitamins and zinc, which also play a role in strengthening your bones. Zinc also enhances your immunity.

Some studies suggest yogurt may also support cognitive and mental health due to its high content of B vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these effects.

Similar to Greek yogurt, skyr contains a concentration of nutrients that support your muscles and bones. Skyr is a good source of calcium and protein, as well as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.

A small study found that adding Icelandic yogurt (skyr) to a resistance training program improved muscle mass, strength, and skeletal muscle support in men aged 64-72. Compared to most other yogurts, skyr contains one of the highest concentrations of protein (18 grams per cup).

As a source of dairy with beneficial probiotics, skyr provides many of the same benefits as Greek yogurt.

Both skyr and Greek yogurt are made from dairy, so neither is safe for people with a milk allergy, and neither is suitable for a vegan or paleo diet.

Both yogurts contain less lactose (a sugar naturally found in dairy) than regular yogurt, so they might be suitable for some people with lactose intolerance. The probiotics in yogurt may help reduce potential lactose intolerance symptoms like gas and bloating. However, even smaller amounts of lactose may be problematic in highly sensitive individuals.

Though fermented foods have a lower pH (are more acidic), the digestive support of probiotics might also help reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition characterized by heartburn and acid reflux.

High-fat foods can trigger acid reflux, so choosing low-fat or skim versions of any yogurt-type product may be optimal for people with GERD. Traditional skyr (made with skim milk) or low-fat and nonfat Greek yogurt might be beneficial.

More research is necessary regarding the potential benefits of skyr or Greek yogurt for people with lactose intolerance or GERD.

Both Icelandic yogurt (skyr) and Greek yogurt are rich in protein, calcium, and digestive-friendly probiotics.

With less lactose than regular, unstrained yogurts, both Greek yogurt and skyr might be suitable for some people with lactose intolerance, but not necessarily for all. Some research suggests fermented foods like these may also help reduce GERD symptoms. Neither option, however, is suitable for dairy-free diets.

Both yogurts are versatile ingredients for adding creamy texture and extra protein to your meals and snacks.