Can you eat skyr while pregnant?
SafeYes, skyr is safe in pregnancy. It is made from pasteurized milk and the live cultures in it are harmless, so there is no Listeria concern with the tubs sold in supermarkets.
Why
Skyr is a strained cultured dairy product, and the NHS lists yogurt and other pasteurized dairy as foods to include in a healthy pregnancy diet for calcium and protein, while the Listeria warnings apply to unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized soft cheese. Every commercial skyr is made with pasteurized milk, and the fermentation cultures are the same safe bacteria used in yogurt. Skyr is also one of the highest-protein dairy options per spoonful, which helps if your appetite is small.
Safer alternatives
- Greek yogurt
- Pasteurized quark
- Kefir made from pasteurized milk
- Pasteurized cottage cheese
Sources
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/have-a-healthy-diet/
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention/index.html
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Last reviewed by the pregAI editorial team.
Frequently asked questions
Are the live cultures in skyr safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The live cultures in skyr are the same lactic acid bacteria found in yogurt and they pose no risk to you or the baby. The bacteria to worry about in pregnancy is Listeria, which comes from unpasteurized milk, not from fermentation cultures.
How much skyr can I eat per day while pregnant?
There is no limit to stay under. Skyr counts toward the dairy servings the NHS recommends in pregnancy, so one or two pots a day is a good source of calcium and protein.
Is flavored or fruit skyr fine too?
Yes, flavored skyr is just as safe as plain. The only difference is added sugar, so plain skyr with fresh fruit you have washed yourself is a better everyday choice.
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Get instant verdicts on any foodpregAI is informational only and is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor or midwife about anything specific to your pregnancy.