We Ranked Every Flavor of This Fan-Favorite Icelandic Yogurt Brand, and We’re Stocking up on the #1 Pick

Greek yogurt fans rejoice—there's a new kind of thick, ultra-creamy yogurt in town. Made from organic milk and Icelandic yogurt cultures, Icelandic skyr has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its super rich texture and high protein content, which make it a great option for breakfastsnack or even a dessert.

You've probably seen the cute, Scandi-design tubs of one of the most popular and ubiquitous skyr brands, Icelandic Provisions, in the dairy case at Whole Foods. While they're the only skyr brand touting "1,000-year-old Icelandic cultures," you might also see Siggi's and Thor's skyr on shelves, too.

The cool thing about skyr is that while the yogurt itself is ultra-creamy, it typically has less sugar than traditional American yogurts. Icelandic Provisions has classic plain and vanilla flavors, fruit flavors and dairy-free oat milk varieties, which have a silkier texture than the original low-fat and whole-milk versions.

Because we love ranking all of the latest trending food brands here at Parade, we tasted our way through 13 of the most popular Icelandic Provisions skyr yogurt flavors to create this definitive ranking from least favorite to best. The bottom line? We're definitely stocking up on #1.

<p>Icelandic Provisions</p>

Icelandic Provisions

How is Skyr Made?

Every brand makes skyr a bit differently, but Icelandic Provisions' skyr is the only brand that uses ancient Icelandic cultures. To make skyr, milk is heated to an exact temperature before adding skyr cultures, which ferment the milk, giving it a thick, rich texture. The skyr is strained to make it even thicker. Skyr is often made with skim or low-fat milk—depending on the variety, Icelandic Provisions uses low-fat (1.5%) or whole milk from family-owned farms in upstate New York and no steroids or artificial growth hormones are used.

Related: Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: What's the Difference?

What's the Nutrition Info for Skyr?

Icelandic Provisions' low fat "thick & creamy, "whole-milk "extra-creamy" and oat milk versions range in protein from around 11-16 grams. The new oat milk versions contain a little more fat (4.5 grams) than the low-fat milk versions (2 grams) and have added pea protein. On average, Icelandic Provisions' skyr contains 11 grams of sugar per flavored cup, which is about 5 grams or 30% less than 5.3 ounces of ordinary flavored yogurts, which contain at least 16 grams of sugar.

Related: Here's What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Yogurt Every Day

Parade Approved badge<p>Parade</p>
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Parade

How We Tested These Skyrs

I recently conducted a taste test of the most popular Icelandic Provisions skyr flavors over the course of a few weeks, tasting one tub per day. To come up with rankings, I took taste, texture, quality of ingredients and nutrient profiles into account, and prioritized flavors I'd go back to over and over. Yes, it's highly subjective, and based on a lifelong love of yogurt and serious sweet tooth.

<p>Meghann Foye</p>

Meghann Foye

Icelandic Provisions Skyr Yogurt Flavors Ranked from Worst to Best

13. Honey & Apricot Extra Creamy Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions</p>

Icelandic Provisions

It was exciting to try the whole-milk versions of this already rich yogurt. While the texture proved as luxe as you'd expect, the honey and apricot petered out a bit, getting lost in the creaminess. It seems as though Icelandic Provisions chose not to overpower, but let the flavor build up toward the finish. Honey-flavored yogurt superfans may find this "okay." 

Related: 7 Best Greek Yogurts According to Dieticians

12. Mango & Passionfruit Thick & Creamy Oatmilk Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions</p>

Icelandic Provisions

Maybe it was because I'd only tried three other varieties before this, and this was the first oat milk try, but while the fruit flavors were perfectly ripe, tropical and perfume-y, they fought a bit with the distinct oat taste—and in this case, the oat milk won. On the plus side, the oat milk made this skyr silkier and lighter than the original versions.

11. Strawberry Thick & Creamy Oatmilk Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions </p>

Icelandic Provisions

If you're choosing oat milk because it's dairy-free, I'd steer toward one of the other oat milk flavors over strawberry. With the bits of pulp throughout, the faint taste of real strawberry was trying to show up, but again got bested by the hay-like oat flavor and the overall effect was something akin to a jammy PB&J flavor.

10. Plain Thick & Creamy Multi-Serve Oatmilk Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions </p>

Icelandic Provisions

The oaty taste of the oat milk versions really shone through here, but sort of belied its branding as "plain." This yogurt flavor is "plain" in the sense that there are no other flavorings, but it's definitely oat-forward. If you're choosing a plain-style yogurt to add to dairy-free smoothies, be ready for the oat flavor to come through.

Related: 11 Best Orange Juice Brands Ranked

9. Plain Thick & Creamy Lowfat Multi-Serve Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions</p>

Icelandic Provisions

This is the more classic plain style yogurt but with the added tang and creaminess thanks to the skyr cultures. It's a solid choice for smoothies, smoothie bowls and soups where you might want a dollop of thick, creamy yogurt. Cooks might want to try it as a crème fraîche substitute.

8. Berry Medley Thick & Creamy Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions </p>

Icelandic Provisions

As a berry fan, I was excited about this version, but after a few spoonfuls, I still wasn't getting the five-fruit medley touted (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black currant and cranberry) and mostly tasted blueberry and then strawberry. I would have loved a cranberry and black currant version just broken out on their own.

7. Blueberry Thick & Creamy Oatmilk Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions </p>

Icelandic Provisions

If you're looking for a perfectly fruity, middle-thickness, dairy-free yogurt, this is a great contender. Icelandic Provisions only uses real fruit in its yogurt, and the blueberry flavors and pulp were really coming through here. Unlike some of the other oatmilk varieties, the oats blend really well with the blueberries, and the taste was totally snackable.

6. Peach & Cloudberry Thick & Creamy Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions </p>

Icelandic Provisions

With hints of peach and cloudberry (which some say tastes similar to golden raspberry), this one's pretty subtle. But, with real chunks of both fruits. layered in, it's a nice change from the other more blended styles. It's got higher protein too—15 grams—and for a low-fat, lower-sugar yogurt, it's a great daily breakfast choice.

5. Vanilla Thick & Creamy Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions </p>

Icelandic Provisions

This was a really solid vanilla yogurt for vanilla lovers, especially if you love little bits of real vanilla seeds in your yogurt. The distinct tangy, creamy skyr yogurt held the spotlight with this flavor too. Great on its own, or as a base for a granola bowl, this one's a solid contender for my regular rotation. 

Related: Tillamook Ice Cream Flavors Ranked

4. Peach Thick & Creamy Oatmilk Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions</p>

Icelandic Provisions

This is the yogurt choice for peach fans—its super yummy, tangy peach flavor is the kind that reminds you of the hottest days of summer. Here, the oat taste also doesn't overpower, but adds the idea of crust, giving this flavor a peach pie vibe. If you're not in the mood for the super-thick cow's milk skyr, this is for you.

3. Vanilla Bean Thick & Creamy Oatmilk Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions </p>

Icelandic Provisions

Oat milk latte fans, this one's for you. The sweet, rich, vanilla-bean flavor layers on top of the oatmilk flavors perfectly and the result is a taste that just makes you want to take multiple spoonfuls. If you're craving your regular afternoon latte, swap in this instead. This is definitely the heavy-rotation snack flavor on the list.

2. Strawberries & Cream Extra Creamy Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions</p>

Icelandic Provisions

Is it possible to make an already luscious yogurt "extra creamy?" Why yes, and this whole-milk flavor proves it. Just like the melted Breyer's strawberries and cream ice cream you loved as a kid (or was that just me?), this one nails its description. If there's one treat yo'self-level afternoon snack on the list, this would be it.

1. Lemon Extra Creamy Skyr

<p>Icelandic Provisions</p>

Icelandic Provisions

With lemon, lemon pulp, lemon juice concentrate and lemon extract, this flavor is a citrus party—think frozen lemonade you thaw out on a hot summer day, blended with some cream, and served up in yogurt form. Yep, it's that good. This is my ride-or-die Icelandic Provisions skyr pick, and the one I'd fight you for. 

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