Danish supermarkets face skyr shortages as demand surges

Danish shoppers hunting for skyr may find empty shelves, as Arla—the country’s largest producer—struggles to meet soaring demand for the high-protein dairy product, DR reports.

Sales of skyr have jumped 25 percent in the past two years, with an additional five million one-kilogram tubs sold compared to previous levels. While shortages were once limited to promotional periods, Arla now reports persistent high demand across its product line, including skyr, cottage cheese, and protein drinks.

“Even with expanded production and machines running at full capacity, consumers—especially during campaigns—will still encounter empty shelves,” said Ann-Camilla Kjæmpe, Arla’s marketing director. The trend extends beyond Denmark, with rising demand across Europe.

Food researchers attribute the surge to a broader “protein hype” driven by health trends and social media. Sisse Fagt, a senior advisor at DTU Food Institute, notes that platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify demand by showcasing creative uses for skyr and similar products in recipes.

“Last year, cottage cheese saw a similar spike when users shared recipes for waffles or chocolate mousse,” Fagt said. “People are drawn to content that makes healthy eating feel accessible or fun.”

While skyr’s low-fat, high-protein profile aligns with consumer preferences, Fagt cautions that Danes already consume sufficient protein through meat, grains, and dairy. “Swapping whipped cream for skyr is a positive shift, but we’re not protein-deficient,” she added.

Thise Mejeri, another Danish dairy producer, confirmed to DR that it is also struggling to keep up with skyr demand.