Real Aphrodisiacs for Valentine's
How to Make a Healthy Snack
McBites = Modern McNuggets?
Classic Valentine Dishes
How to Scrape a Vanilla Bean
Chocolate Beers for Valentine's
I Paid: $2.99 for a 6-ounce container (prices may vary by region)
No, check that. I wanted to love it. To buy it by the truckload, give it to friends, praise it to the sky. Embrace it. Court it. Marry it in a small, tasteful ceremony by the ocean. You get the picture; it’s an eminently lovable product.
The label sports a classy serif font. The flavors include orange and ginger, blueberry, and pomegranate and passion fruit—sophisticated, but not hit-you-over-the-head trendy. (OK, there’s apparently an açaí flavor, too. But other than that …) And the stuff is both comprehensible and exotic. Here’s how the product’s website describes skyr: “Skyr is the traditional yogurt of Iceland. It is made by incubating skim milk with live active cultures. The whey, the water naturally found in milk, is then strained away to make for a much thicker, creamier, concentrated yogurt. ... Skyr comes out with 2-3 times the protein count of standard yogurt.”
Holy moly, that sounds great. Inspiring, delicious, protein-rich, exotic—and God knows, Iceland needs a win right now.
This stuff won’t do it, unfortunately. Skyr tastes like paste. Your spoon will stand straight up in it, and none of the charmingly tasteful flavors can make a dent in the product’s overwhelming aspect, which is the good old-fashioned taste of “sour.” Ten parts sour, ten parts stiff, one part some other briefly perceptible fruit flavor that’s quite nice when you can lock your brain onto it.
It’s entirely likely if you were born and raised in Iceland, Siggi’s Skyr (which isn’t cheap, incidentally) would be a delicious reconnection to one of your homeland’s most elusive gastronomic exports. But if you were born and raised in the U.S.—and ate Yoplait as a kid, for example—it’s going to kick your ass.
I have to disagree with this review. I was raised on skyr, in Iceland it is a lunch food, and Siggi´s skyr is pretty close to the real thing. Before eating I stir in a bit of water, because I like it not quite so thick, then I scoop it into a bowl and fill it with whole milk. If I have berries I´ll sprinkle them on top. This is for the plain skyr. I would not get the flavored kinds because then...+READ
I have to disagree with this review. I was raised on skyr, in Iceland it is a lunch food, and Siggi´s skyr is pretty close to the real thing. Before eating I stir in a bit of water, because I like it not quite so thick, then I scoop it into a bowl and fill it with whole milk. If I have berries I´ll sprinkle them on top. This is for the plain skyr. I would not get the flavored kinds because then you can´t taste the flavor of skyr. About the texture, it is supposed to be like that. It isn´t creamy because there is no fat. My grandpa put cream instead of milk on top to make it creamier and my grandmother would stir in some whole milk, not water. But I can understand if it´s hard to enjoy at first. It took me 5 years to like kimchi, now I love it. It´s an acquired taste. Those are usually the best tastes.-COLLAPSE
I bought into the advertising as well and was really excited to try it. It was kind of a let down -- not terrible, but not as good as Voskos.
I love their yogurt, except for the acai which is really funky tasting. I like the tartness of it. It's also the only non-fat yogurt made that I like. It's thick and creamy and delicious and filling. That little 6 ouncer totally works as a breakfast. On the other hand, I'm not a lover of sweet yogurt.
Is skyr really traditionally made in Iceland with SKIM milk? Because that would be the big turn-off for me, plus I find it a little hard to believe. I like tart yogurt just fine (my favorite of those is Erivan) and I also like Greek yogurt (Greek Gods especially of the store brands) - but I don't like lowfat or nonfat yogurts, not even Chobani. That's why I haven't even been tempted to try...+READ
Is skyr really traditionally made in Iceland with SKIM milk? Because that would be the big turn-off for me, plus I find it a little hard to believe. I like tart yogurt just fine (my favorite of those is Erivan) and I also like Greek yogurt (Greek Gods especially of the store brands) - but I don't like lowfat or nonfat yogurts, not even Chobani. That's why I haven't even been tempted to try Siggi's at all. This IS making me think I should make the effort to find some real skyr - but is it all nonfat? Because that sounds as unappetizing as Yoplait.-COLLAPSE
As an American who's gotten used to high fructose corn syrup added into everything, I was at first taken aback by the taste of skyr while I was in Iceland this summer. But after a few cups, I was hooked. Now, I can't stand the sweet taste of American brands like Yoplait. And you can't beat the nutritional value of skyr. The closest I can find (since I can't get Siggi's without driving an hour to...+READ
As an American who's gotten used to high fructose corn syrup added into everything, I was at first taken aback by the taste of skyr while I was in Iceland this summer. But after a few cups, I was hooked. Now, I can't stand the sweet taste of American brands like Yoplait. And you can't beat the nutritional value of skyr. The closest I can find (since I can't get Siggi's without driving an hour to Whole Foods) is the Greek yogurt at my local grocery, which has the thickness but not the sour taste. Maybe Americans would be better off, and less obese, if we lost our collective sweet tooth and stopped our addiction to hfcs. Ever see a fat European? Rare...-COLLAPSE
I haven't tried this yogurt, but the worst cheese I ever had was Icelandic Milk Cheese that I got from Trader Joe's over 30 years ago. I still remember how horrible it was.
I won't try this yogurt.
Have you tried it room temperature? I'm a big fan of skyr in Iceland, and there's a cultural thing there of leaving the dairy out of refrigeration for ages; something being near the arctic circle spoils dairy at a slower rate? Either way those crazy bastards really like disgusting food...
Anyway, I found that Siggi's tasted infinitely better at room temperature -- flavor and texture. It also...+READ
Have you tried it room temperature? I'm a big fan of skyr in Iceland, and there's a cultural thing there of leaving the dairy out of refrigeration for ages; something being near the arctic circle spoils dairy at a slower rate? Either way those crazy bastards really like disgusting food...
Anyway, I found that Siggi's tasted infinitely better at room temperature -- flavor and texture. It also requires a stir to make it smoother. If you've still got a container in the back of the fridge or find them on sale, give them a second chance. Traditional Icelandic skyr is served plain with a heavy splash of cream and a liberal frosting of granulated sugar.
Next, find some of my favorite Icelandic chocolate bars with strong licorice buried in the center... Mmmmmm!-COLLAPSE
It's awful. I did want to love it as well. Like James says maybe if you grew up on it it would be great but for general palates it was borderline horrific. I had it after a day of skiing in Utah and the store was out of all of the fage total line which I usually will do the O% or 2%...got 2 containers of Siggis and couldn't event get it down after the first spoonful of each flavor.
I agree with the reviewer - this stuff is hugely disappointing - and it's expensive to boot. I don't eat yogurt sweetened with anything - even with fruit - as I prefer to actually taste the yogurt itself and this stuff didn't taste like anything. I would rather eat Chobani 2%, or Fage, or Wallaby plain.
If you are in Canada, though, the 2% Liberte yogurt is fantastic, with or without fruit...+READ
I agree with the reviewer - this stuff is hugely disappointing - and it's expensive to boot. I don't eat yogurt sweetened with anything - even with fruit - as I prefer to actually taste the yogurt itself and this stuff didn't taste like anything. I would rather eat Chobani 2%, or Fage, or Wallaby plain.
If you are in Canada, though, the 2% Liberte yogurt is fantastic, with or without fruit added. It tastes the way yogurt it supposed to taste - a little tangy, a little floral and a bit creamy without being too rich. Not as good as Landluebber yogurt in Germany, but pretty close.-COLLAPSE
I eat plain yogurt and kefir straight without sugar and this Siggi stuff is way too sour. And I really wanted to like it too. I kept giving it a chance but never got beyond two spoonfuls of the each of the different flavors I bought. Perhaps this isn't the real skyr? Or maybe my supertaster taste buds are getting overwhelmed? I don't know but I'll try the skyr.is at Whole foods.
I love plain Siggi's with just a touch of raw honey and some Naked granola. A little drizzle of pure organic dark agave syrup and even our diabetic friends can enjoy it. It is pretty stiff though - the same consistency as Betty Crocker Vanilla Frosting.
I like it, too. Reminds me of Greek with a hint of sweet. I usually have mine with fresh berries.
Most people can't eat yogurt if it isn't packed with sugar. This yogurt is low in sugar and high in other nutrients. Add fruit, add a touch of honey if you must. it's a great product.
I like Siggi's a lot. It's like Greek yogurt: tart and thick (and I don't see anything wrong with that).
When I ate skyr in Iceland, it was served (in a major restaurant in the capitol) in a large bowl and accompanied by a bowl of coarse clear sugar crystals. The sugar made it pallatable, but it was unlike 'our' yogurts.
Well, I like it. And, I'm an American, born and raised. I never really have liked the overly sweet "yogurt" that is typical of American yogurt but that might explain why I like plain yogurt so much. If my kefir and yogurt isn't sour, I'm not going to bother with it. I like that strong, skunky flavour more than the sweet fruity flavours. But, that is just me. I do think the texture is a bit rough...+READ
Well, I like it. And, I'm an American, born and raised. I never really have liked the overly sweet "yogurt" that is typical of American yogurt but that might explain why I like plain yogurt so much. If my kefir and yogurt isn't sour, I'm not going to bother with it. I like that strong, skunky flavour more than the sweet fruity flavours. But, that is just me. I do think the texture is a bit rough and prefer the texture of Greek yogurt.-COLLAPSE
Actual, home-made Skyr is delicious. I've also had store-bought Skyr once, which was great...though it was not Siggi's and I don't recall the brand. Also, as loup_y said, it's a cheese, not yogurt.
I was told by an Icelandic chef that skyr is actually a cheese. And there's another brand that's actually imported from Iceland, and in my opinion, while still sour, is MUCH better.
I lived in Iceland in the 70's with U.S. military. And I could never manage to eat Skyr. But glad for the heads up, since I might have been tempted to try it again. I hate American yogurt, but do give Greek yogurt a try....it is thick because the liquid is drained out, not because gelatin has been added (American versions).
I like it. It tastes like real food, vs. corn-syrup laden garbage.
I thought I was the only one who thought this stuff sucked. I had watched people buy it for weeks while I stuck to Greek Gods and Fage yogurt and finally broke down and got a carton.
One spoonful and I didn't even swallow it. I thought it had gone bad, but apparently it's supposed to be horrifically sour. Tangy yogurt is one thing. This stuff is nasty sour.
I think it is soooooooooooooooooooooo. thick ...just like old-fashioned sour cream with no fat and only 100- 120 calories of great yogurt. Plus agave is their sweetener of choice...Kudos...the rest of you go back to your yoplait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Siggis is pretty bad. I tried several flavors and agree with the "sour" and "dry". I'd love to try the real thing. Sounds much better!
Dude, before you harsh on skyr, you should try the actual Icelandic variety, not some American knock-off brand. They sell the real stuff at Whole Foods; it says "skyr.is" on the container. It's expensive, but outrageously good--try the blueberry, and if you still think you don't like skyr, I'll eat my hat!
Not a fan of Siggis. I liked the flavor, but the texture was dreadful. "Dry" doesn't cut it. If there were a word that embodied the exact antithesis of "creamy," I'd use it here.
It's absurdly healthy. I don't think you emphasized that enough. Eat some Gogurt if you can't deal with it.
Would kill for real skyr! That stuff is amazing! When I was in Iceland I ate it for breakfast and lunch.
Well, -I- totally agree with James; this stuff, which I WANTED to like, just kicked me in the ass. Stiff, mealy, sour as all get out. It was like eating vinegar-flavored semi-dry wheat paste. Iceland's doing itself no favors by importing this stuff to the U.S.
I've been to Iceland a couple of times, devoured lots and lots of skyr and packed many for the return trip because there really is nothing like it over here. Was excited to try Siggi's and couldn't even finish a container, not good at all and very disapointing..
I love siggis, and I'm not icelandic in the slightest. I love sour food, which is why I eat yoghurt and related products in the first place. The orange ginger is fabulous, with zest providing a great contrast, and the pear mint they used to have was wonderful too.
It's skyr - it's meant to be sour. That's the point of yoghurt and other similar products such as skyr. If you've grown up on Yoplait then you're just not used to what decent fermented milk products taste like; that's like saying if you've grown up on industrial white bread then artisan sourdough isn't going to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches like the ones you're used to.
CookieLee, Skyr is technically cheese.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyr
Regardless it is quite good and I still disagree with this review.
I think Siggis is very good. Skyr is supposed to be sour. The flavors are subtle, and the taste, having no resemblance to yoplait, only adds merit to the yogurt.
You can add some agave nectar if it isn't sweet enough.
It's not supposed to taste like Yoplait, that's your problem right there.
Don't they have the rotten shark meat flavor?
Windy: The label clearly says "strained non-fat yogurt," so if it's not supposed to be like strained yogurt I'm not sure what we should be expecting...
Sorry, James, but I would totally marry Siggi's in a small, tasteful ceremony by Lake Superior. As far as nonfat dairy products go, it's pretty good. I get the plain, then add my own fruit to it.
~TDQ
I think you're confusing a product with a food. Skyr is marvelous stuff--although if you've never tried it before, who knows whether you actually like it. It's not anything like Greek-style (strained) yogurt.
Haven't tried Siggi's brand of skyr yet, so no idea if it's a good or poor representation.
Agreed, this stuff is nasty. I started trying all of the fat-free Greek-style yogurts available on the market, and ran across this one. I was really excited and ... then I tasted it in all of its chalky, sour glory. Yuck. So far, Stonyfield's offering is by far the best I've found.
freshwhippedcreammichael, the product label says it's yogurt. what would make it "technically" cheese?
Could not disagree with you more! What about the surge in the popularity of Greek style yogurts? The very thick, tangy varieties sold by Fage, Stonyfield, Trader Joe's housebrand, and countless others. This is an extension of that trend.
I respect the right for different opinions, but a comparison to Yoplait is simply not fair. You are comparing a different type of premium product made with...+READ
Could not disagree with you more! What about the surge in the popularity of Greek style yogurts? The very thick, tangy varieties sold by Fage, Stonyfield, Trader Joe's housebrand, and countless others. This is an extension of that trend.
I respect the right for different opinions, but a comparison to Yoplait is simply not fair. You are comparing a different type of premium product made with quality ingredients to an ultra sugary and in many cases highly artificial kids snack.
Finally, in regards to price - Stop & Shop (primarily located in New England) has been running a special on Siggi's for the last several weeks, selling each 6oz container for $1.79.-COLLAPSE
This is the perfect description of Siggi's. I wanted to like it, especially after reading articles about Siggi and his homemade skyr. But $3 for six ounces of yogurt that's essentially one foil-wrapped brick away from being sour cream cheese? No thanks.
This review confuses me. Is Mr. Norton saying icelandic Skyr isn't good because it doesn't taste like Yoplait? Yoplait isn't exactly the gold standard in yogurt...
Personally I've had this stuff before and it's quite good. Also, technically I believe it's cheese, and not yogurt.
agreed. but I was relieved not to like it at that price. and no, "sour" doesn't merely connote "not sweet". i didn't like the texture either.
I like it too! When I first tasted it, I even changed my facebook status:
"Icelandic nonfat strained yogurt: I recommend highly. It is like a sweet and tart, as thick and rich as peanut butter, wholesome, with millennia of tradition, pure as snow."
So I'm a fan, though it's too filling to eat often.
I like Siggi's. You're complaining that it's not sweet?
OTOH, I tasted it for the first time not knowing anything about the product and really enjoyed the "natural" for its brisk, tart flavor. I especially liked the dense, creamy texture for a nonfat yogurt. It's more sour than the inferior Fage strained yogurt that is now made in the U.S., watered down from the Greek original.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/681262#5331800
James, totally agree. Can't understand the hype!