Contents
Discover five delicious and easy ways to enjoy Finnish yogurt (Viili), a traditional Nordic fermented dairy product. From sweet toppings like honey and berries to savory rye bread pairings, learn how to incorporate this mild and stretchy heirloom yogurt into your daily diet.
Equipment
- Bowl & spoon
- Blender (for smoothies only)
- Toaster (for rye bread)
Ingredients
General Base
- 1 cup Finnish Viili yogurt (homemade or store-bought)
Honey & Cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
Fresh Berries & Fruit
- ½ cup seasonal berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries)
- ½ sliced banana (optional)
Muesli or Granola
- ⅓ cup muesli or granola of choice
Smoothie Blend
- 1 cup viili yogurt
- 1 banana
- ½ cup mixed berries
- Optional: spinach, oats, or protein powder
Rye Bread Side
- 1 slice rye bread, toasted
- Butter for spreading
- Optional: fresh berries on the side
Instructions
- Scoop 1 cup of Finnish viili yogurt into a bowl.
- Choose a variation from the list of five favorite ways.
- Add your chosen toppings:For sweet options, drizzle honey, sprinkle cinnamon, or top with fresh fruits and granola.For a savory combo, serve with buttered rye bread.
- For smoothies, blend all smoothie ingredients until creamy and smooth.
- Enjoy immediately and feel free to experiment with other toppings or mix-ins.
Notes
Yogurt lovers, meet your new obsession! 🌿 While many people are familiar with Greek yogurt or Icelandic Skyr, there’s a lesser-known Nordic gem waiting to be discovered: Finnish Viili. This traditional fermented dairy product has been a staple in Finnish households for generations — and for good reason! Creamy, mild, and delightfully stretchy, viili is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their probiotic palate.
In this guide, readers will learn: ✅ What is Viili? ✅ Where to buy Finnish yogurt (Viili) ✅ 5 absolutely delicious ways to enjoy Viili yogurt🇫🇮 What Is Viili? A Taste of Finnish Tradition
Viili is a traditional Finnish yogurt, beloved for its mild flavor and unique texture. Unlike typical store-bought yogurts that require special equipment or heating, viili is a mesophilic yogurt. This means it ferments at room temperature, making it one of the easiest yogurts to make at home.Key Characteristics of Viili:
- Heirloom culture: Each batch of viili is made by using a small portion of the previous batch — a true “living food” tradition.
- Texture: Viili's consistency is somewhere between regular yogurt and kefir, often with a stretchy, slightly gelatinous feel. Some versions, known as “long viili,” are especially elastic!
- Taste: Mild, creamy, and subtly tangy — never overpowering.
- Short Viili: Mildly stretchy, more similar to yogurt.
- Long Viili: Famous for its rope-like, stretchy texture.
🛒 Where to Get Finnish Yogurt (Viili)?
Finding viili in regular U.S. grocery stores can be a challenge — unless you're lucky enough to live in a Finnish community. But don’t worry, there's an easy solution!How to Get Viili:
- From a Friend: Traditional viili is passed from person to person. If you know someone who makes viili, ask for a bit of starter culture.
- Buy Online: Reputable suppliers like Cultures for Health offer viili starter kits. These usually come with two small packets — one for immediate use and another that can be frozen for later.
🍽️ 5 Best Ways to Eat Finnish Yogurt (Viili)
Now, let’s dive into the most delicious ways to enjoy viili. Whether sweet or savory, viili is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways.1️⃣ Viili with Honey & Cinnamon 🍯✨
A timeless combination. Drizzle fresh honey over a bowl of viili and sprinkle a touch of ground cinnamon. The natural sweetness of honey perfectly complements viili's mild flavor, while cinnamon adds warmth and spice.🔔 Note: Never give honey to babies under 1 year old!Alternative ideas:
- Swap honey for maple syrup 🍁
- Try brown sugar and cinnamon for a richer taste
2️⃣ Viili with Fresh Berries & Fruit 🍓🍌
Nothing beats the freshness of seasonal fruit. Top your viili with:- Blueberries 🫐
- Bananas 🍌
- Strawberries 🍓
- Any fruit in season!
3️⃣ Viili with Muesli or Granola 🥣
For a wholesome breakfast or snack, mix viili with muesli or granola. Its semi-loose texture makes it lighter than Greek yogurt but thicker than kefir, offering a satisfying yet refreshing mouthfeel.🥄 Perfect for those who want something heartier than milk and cereal but less dense than traditional yogurt bowls.
4️⃣ Smoothie Boost with Viili 🍹
Add a Finnish twist to your morning smoothie! Viili blends seamlessly into smoothies, adding creaminess, probiotics, and a subtle tang without overpowering other flavors.- Combine with bananas, berries, spinach, or even oats
- A natural, gut-friendly protein source
5️⃣ Viili & Rye Bread Combo 🍞❤️
A true Finnish classic. Pairing viili with buttered rye bread is a match made in Nordic heaven.- Enjoy side-by-side: Viili with fresh berries, rye toast with butter
- Or go full Finnish and eat them together in one bite!
🌿 Endless Possibilities with Viili
While these five ways are absolute favorites, viili's uses are nearly endless. Anywhere you'd use plain yogurt or kefir, you can substitute viili:- As a base for savory dips
- Mixed with herbs and garlic as a sauce
- Dolloped over warm porridge or pancakes
- Even in baking recipes
Ooh, this looks amazing! I’ve been wanting to try Viili for ages, and this post is the perfect introduction. Love the variety of suggestions – from the simple honey and cinnamon to the smoothie idea. Definitely trying the berry and granola topping first! Thanks for sharing!