A unique position: Iceland brings skyr to the forefront

In Iceland, there has been one product that has stood the test of time. Not to be confused with yoghurt, skyr is made from an original Icelandic recipe that dates back to 1,100 years when the first Nordic settlers arrived. For centuries, skyr has formed a cornerstone of the national diet, helping to keep people strong in living conditions that were often harsh.

Last month the iconic brand Icelandic Skyr changed its name to Ísey Skyr to pay homage to the rich history it possesses. Ísey – an Icelandic female name – has been made by generations of Icelandic women, with the knowledge and process behind Isey Skyr being handed down from mother to daughter. “Isey is a beautiful Icelandic female name meaning ice [Is] – island [ey] and in honour of the women, it is also the name we have given to our authentic Icelandic Skyr. A timeless product deeply rooted in age-old traditions, Isey Skyr still uses the same dairy cultures in its production as those that have been used over centuries” states a representative from the brand. We find out more about the dairy product and the brand overhaul.

Stand alone: a new dairy superfood

Tipped as the new dairy ‘superfood’, skyr is a high protein and low in fat dairy product that has been embedded in the Icelandic diet. “It was some of those very same women, the recipients of their mothers’ expertise, who, around 90 years ago, taught Icelandic dairy scientists the art of skyr-making. The production process is more high-tech these days, and the quality standards more rigorous. However, the basic recipe and the use of original cultures to ferment the skimmed milk remain the same. Protein rich, fat-free, creamy and delicious – Ísey Skyr is as relevant to consumers now as it was all those centuries ago” a representative states.

“It´s also naturally fat-free, with a velvety smooth texture and creamy taste. A traditional favourite of Icelanders, Ísey Skyr is the only skyr that contains the original Icelandic skyr cultures from MS Iceland Dairies, and it´s made according to the original Icelandic recipe.”

The dairy product is unique to Iceland and is made by fermenting skimmed milk with a skyr culture. It is then filtered and flavouring can be added. “Skyr is made from skimmed milk which is a naturally fat free milk product. When making Skyr a large amount of milk is used but about three to four times more milk is needed to produce one can of skyr than one can of yogurt” they continue.

Product design: incorporating new features

Alongside the name change, the package itself has also been redesigned.  The product comes in tub form and now features a spoon embedded within the lid for on-the-go consumption, tapping into a thriving market. “Ísey Skyr is high in protein, naturally fat-free and with a smooth texture – great for those who have an active, healthy lifestyle and are conscious of what they eat. It comes in a variety of delicious fruit flavours to suit every consumer taste. Ísey Skyr is made with 3-4 times more milk than typical yoghurt and with the original Icelandic skyr cultures, via the innovative MS Iceland Dairies production process” a spokesperson explains. “Our single-serving cups come with a plastic spoon in the lid – ideal for modern consumers who like to snack on-the-go.”

The current design also incorporates small changes such as presenting the health benefits in a clearer and bolder way. The pack features black circles dotted around the tub with claims like ‘fat free’ and ‘high protein’ informing the consumer about the main advantages, as well as the Icelandic flag with the words ‘The Original Icelandic Recipe’ visibly stated on the front of the pack.