The Tamesis
When you think of Denmark, you probably think of super cool street style Hagrid The home is filled with cozy lighting and stylish Scandinavian design. But it turns out the Danes have also turned the art of a high-protein breakfast into a science—literally. According to a recent Danish study, eating a classic Nordic breakfast combo of skyr yogurt and oats can drastically improve your health and your day. Dr. Mette Hansen, associate professor at the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University, explains: “We found that a protein-rich breakfast, including yoghurt (a yogurt product) and oatmeal, increases feelings of fullness and concentration.”
The 2024 study followed 30 women aged 18 to 30 for three days, during which time they measured hormone levels and feelings of fullness after eating three different types of breakfast: a protein-rich breakfast of yogurt and oatmeal, a carbohydrate-rich breakfast of whole-grain bread and raspberry jam, and no breakfast at all. The results were clear: A protein-rich breakfast increased satiety, cognitive function, and concentration levels compared to other options.
What is skyr yogurt?
Before we get into why this particular breakfast combo is so beneficial, let’s talk about Skyr yogurt. Pronounced “skeer,” it is a traditional fermented dairy product in Iceland. While it’s thicker than Greek yogurt, it has a mild flavor and offers many similar benefits.
“Skyr is a fermented dairy product that is rich in protein, low in fat, high in calcium and probiotics,” explains nutritionist Laura Parada. “Consuming it helps maintain muscle mass, satiety, and bone health. Additionally, the probiotics in skyr modulate the gut microbiome.”
How is skyr different from other yogurts?
While skyr can be used in place of Greek yogurt, kefir or other yogurt, it does offer some unique benefits: “The main differences are the type of fermentation used, the microorganisms involved, the texture, and its nutritional content,” Parada says. “Technically, Skyr is a fresh cheese that is eaten like yogurt. It is made from skim milk and lactic acid bacteria. It does not contain yeast and its fermentation is entirely lactic acid, similar to yogurt, but with a higher concentration of solids and protein.”
In contrast, kefir has a more diverse microbiome: it is made from a complex mixture of lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and sometimes acetic acid bacteria, giving it additional probiotic properties and a unique sensory profile. Plain yogurt, on the other hand, is produced through lactic acid fermentation of milk, has a less dense texture than skyr, and does not contain yeast. Depending on the type of milk used and the filtration process, its fat and protein content will vary.
“Simply put, what sets skyr apart is its high protein concentration and thicker texture,” explains Parada. “So if you’re looking for a filling breakfast that’s high in protein and low in fat, this might be a good choice.”
High protein, high fiber breakfast
Skyr makes an especially good breakfast option when served with oats. “It’s a great combination,” Parada agreed. “It promotes cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal and bone health. It also aids in satiety and weight management. Oats provide beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that is characterized by lowering LDL cholesterol, improving blood sugar control and promoting satiety. In addition, it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help prevent cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.”
Not only that, but regular consumption of oats and oatmeal supports the gut microbiome, enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids, improves digestive function and immunity, and, like all high-protein breakfasts, supports muscle mass, a key factor in aging.
