Skyr Nutrition: Protein, Calcium and Benefits

Skyr has become one of the most popular high-protein dairy foods, and people increasingly want to know exactly what is in it, especially its calcium and protein content. Here is a clear breakdown of skyr’s nutrition, its benefits, and how much of your daily needs a tub actually covers.

The short answerPlain skyr is high in protein (~11g per 100g), a good source of calcium (~150mg per 100g), low in fat and low in calories (~63 per 100g). A 150g tub gives roughly 16g protein and 225mg calcium, making it excellent for muscle, bones and fullness.

Skyr nutrition at a glance

Here is what plain skyr provides, per 100 g and per typical 150 g tub:

NutrientPer 100gPer 150g tub
Calories~63~95
Protein~11g~16g
Calcium~150mg~225mg
Potassium~150mg~225mg
Fat~0.2g~0.3g
Carbs~4g~6g

Calcium in skyr

Skyr is a good source of calcium, with around 150 mg per 100 g, or about 225 mg in a 150 g tub. For context, adults need roughly 700 to 1,000 mg of calcium a day, so a single tub provides around a fifth to a quarter of that.

That is slightly more calcium than most Greek yogurts (around 110 mg per 100 g), which makes skyr one of the higher-calcium options in the yogurt aisle. Calcium is essential for bone health, which matters at every age and becomes especially important later in life. See our high-calcium foods list for other good sources.

Protein in skyr

Protein is skyr’s headline feature: around 11 g per 100 g, or roughly 16 g per tub. That is exceptionally high for a dairy food and part of why skyr is so popular for muscle building, fullness and weight management.

Why the high protein matters: protein keeps you full for longer, helps preserve muscle, and has a higher "thermic effect" than carbs or fat. A tub of skyr as a snack can genuinely curb appetite.

Work out how much protein you need each day with our protein calculator, and see our high-protein foods list for more top sources.

Potassium and other nutrients

Skyr provides around 150 mg of potassium per 100 g, a modest contribution to your daily intake. It also contains small amounts of B12, zinc and folate, alongside its standout protein and calcium.

Is skyr good for you?

For most people, plain skyr is an excellent choice:

  • High in protein for muscle and fullness
  • Good source of calcium for bones
  • Very low in fat and low in calories
  • Versatile in breakfasts, smoothies, baking and snacks

The main thing to watch is added sugar in flavoured versions. Choosing plain skyr and adding your own fruit keeps it as healthy as possible.

Skyr vs Greek yogurt

Skyr and Greek yogurt are very similar, and you can substitute one for the other freely. Skyr is marginally higher in both protein and calcium, while Greek yogurt is more widely available. For a full side-by-side, see our Greek yogurt vs skyr comparison.

The bottom line

Skyr is a nutritional standout: very high in protein, a good source of calcium, low in fat and low in calories. A single 150 g tub delivers around 16 g of protein and 225 mg of calcium, supporting muscle, bones and fullness in one go. Stick to plain versions to keep added sugar down, and it is one of the best everyday dairy choices you can make.

This article is for general information and is not medical or nutritional advice. Nutrition values are approximate and vary by brand. Speak to a qualified professional about your individual needs.

Frequently asked questions

Does skyr have calcium?

Yes. Skyr is a good source of calcium, providing around 150 mg per 100 g, or roughly 225 mg in a typical 150 g tub. That is around 20 to 28 percent of an adult's daily calcium needs from a single tub, making skyr a useful contributor to bone health.

How much calcium is in skyr?

Plain skyr contains around 150 mg of calcium per 100 g. A standard 150 g pot provides about 225 mg. This is slightly more than fat-free Greek yogurt, which has around 110 mg per 100 g, making skyr one of the higher-calcium yogurt-style options.

Is skyr high in calcium?

Skyr is a good, though not exceptional, source of calcium at around 150 mg per 100 g. It is higher than most Greek yogurts and contributes meaningfully to daily needs, especially across a couple of servings, but hard cheeses and fortified plant milks can be higher still.

How much protein is in skyr?

Skyr is very high in protein, with around 11 g per 100 g, or about 16 to 17 g in a 150 g tub. This makes it one of the most protein-dense dairy foods, ideal for muscle, fullness and weight management.

How much potassium is in skyr?

Skyr contains around 150 mg of potassium per 100 g, or about 225 mg per 150 g tub. It is a modest source, contributing to your daily intake alongside its protein and calcium.

How many calories are in skyr?

Plain skyr has around 63 calories per 100 g, or about 95 calories in a 150 g tub. Combined with its high protein and very low fat, this makes skyr a filling, low-calorie choice for weight management.

Is skyr good for you?

Yes. Plain skyr is high in protein, a good source of calcium, low in fat and low in calories, which makes it a strong choice for muscle, bone health, fullness and weight management. Choose plain versions to avoid the added sugar found in flavoured ones.

Is skyr good for your bones?

Yes. Skyr provides around 150 mg of calcium per 100 g, plus protein, both of which support bone health. Calcium is the main mineral in bone, while adequate protein helps maintain bone strength and muscle around the joints. Combined with its high protein, skyr is a useful food for keeping bones and muscles strong, especially as you age.

Does skyr have more calcium than milk?

Skyr and milk are broadly similar, both providing roughly 120 to 150 mg of calcium per 100 g. Skyr's big advantage is protein: it has around 11 g per 100 g versus about 3.4 g in milk, so it delivers similar calcium with far more protein. For calcium plus protein together, skyr is the denser choice.

What are the benefits of skyr?

Skyr's main benefits come from its nutrition profile: it is very high in protein for muscle and fullness, a good source of calcium for bones, rich in potassium, and low in fat and calories. That combination makes it useful for building or maintaining muscle, managing weight, supporting bone health, and staying full between meals. Plain skyr also has no added sugar, unlike many flavoured yogurts.

Is skyr good for muscle building?

Yes. Skyr is one of the best dairy foods for muscle building because it is so protein-dense, with around 11 g per 100 g, or roughly 16 g in a standard tub. That protein supplies the amino acids muscles need to repair and grow. Eaten after training or as a high-protein snack, skyr is an easy, affordable way to hit your daily protein target.

Why does skyr have so much protein?

Skyr is very high in protein because of how it is made: it is strained heavily to remove most of the whey and liquid, which concentrates the protein. Technically skyr is a fresh cheese rather than a yogurt, and this straining process is why it ends up thicker and higher in protein than regular yogurt, at around 11 g per 100 g.

Is skyr good for weight loss?

Yes. Skyr suits weight loss well because it is high in protein and low in calories, a combination that keeps you full and helps preserve muscle in a calorie deficit. At roughly 63 calories and 11 g of protein per 100 g, plain skyr is one of the more filling, protein-dense foods you can eat for the calories. Choose plain versions to avoid added sugar.

Is skyr a complete protein?

Yes. Like other dairy foods, skyr is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body cannot make itself. This makes it a high-quality protein source that fully supports muscle repair and growth on its own, without needing to be combined with other proteins.

How much skyr should I eat a day?

There is no fixed limit, but a typical serving is one 150 to 170 g tub, which gives around 16 to 18 g of protein. One or two servings a day fits easily into most diets and is a simple way to boost your protein. As with any food, variety matters, so use it as part of a balanced diet rather than your only protein source.

welanutria provides general information and estimates only, and is not medical or dietary advice. Speak with a qualified professional before making significant changes to your diet, exercise or health routine.