Does Dairy Queen have a plant-based burger patty?
No, Dairy Queen's menu does not include an Impossible Burger or any other dedicated plant-based burger patty. While the demand for vegan and vegetarian options has increased across the fast-food sector, DQ has focused on its existing menu. This means customers looking for a plant-based burger will need to create one by making modifications.
How to order a customized 'veggie burger' at DQ
Even without a specific Impossible patty, it is possible for vegans and vegetarians to create a custom, plant-based burger at Dairy Queen. The best way to do this is to order a regular burger and request changes.
- Start with the basics: Order a Hamburger or a Signature Stackburger with no beef patty, no cheese, and no mayo.
- Request a vegan bun: The split-top and plain top buns at DQ are typically vegan. It's always best to confirm at your location and request no buttery oil.
- Pile on the veggies: Add extra lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
- Choose a vegan-friendly sauce: Ketchup, mustard, BBQ Dipping Sauce, or Wild Buffalo Dipping Sauce are all good choices.
Other vegan-friendly options at Dairy Queen
Though the burger options are limited, DQ offers various plant-based choices, including sides and treats.
- Sides:
- French Fries: The ingredients in Dairy Queen's fries are vegan. However, they are often cooked in a shared fryer with items containing milk, which poses a cross-contamination risk for strict vegans.
- Side Salad: A basic side salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots is available. Order it without cheese and choose a vegan-friendly dressing like the Light Italian or Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- Pretzel Sticks: These can be a vegan-friendly snack when ordered without the queso dip and the optional buttery topping.
- Treats:
- Non-Dairy Dilly Bar: This dessert features coconut cream-based vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate.
- Misty Slush: This is a vegan choice available in various flavors and is made without soft serve.
- Beverages:
- Fountain Drinks: Most standard sodas are vegan-friendly.
- Misty Freeze: The Misty Freeze is not vegan, as it includes soft serve.
Plant-based fast-food comparison
This table compares Dairy Queen's plant-based burger options with other fast-food chains that have Impossible Burger or similar options.
| Fast-Food Chain | Plant-Based Burger Offering | Availability | DQ's Closest Option | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burger King | Impossible Whopper | Nationwide | Custom Veggie Burger (no patty) | Nationwide |
| McDonald's | McPlant (Beyond Meat) | Limited testing in select US markets | Custom Veggie Burger (no patty) | Nationwide |
| Qdoba | Impossible Fajita Bowl (crumbles) | Select locations | N/A | N/A |
| Dairy Queen | None (no Impossible patty) | N/A | Custom Veggie Burger (no patty) | Nationwide |
| White Castle | Impossible Slider | Nationwide | N/A | N/A |
The future of plant-based options at Dairy Queen
For now, the only way to get a plant-based burger at Dairy Queen is to customize an order. However, as the demand for vegan and vegetarian options grows, DQ may eventually introduce a plant-based patty. In a 2019 interview, a DQ CEO mentioned that the company had considered plant-based proteins but thought "the timing wasn't right". This suggests the company is aware of the trend and may revisit the idea in the future. The introduction of the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar in 2020 also indicates a willingness to adapt to changing dietary preferences. Although no specific date can be given, plant-based consumers will be watching for any future menu updates from Dairy Queen.
Conclusion: A custom-built 'burger' is the current option
Currently, Dairy Queen does not serve an Impossible Burger or any other plant-based burger patty. To order a vegetarian or vegan burger, customers must order a regular burger without the meat patty, cheese, or mayonnaise, and add extra vegetables and vegan sauces. Although this requires more effort than other chains, it offers a functional option for those seeking a plant-based meal. Along with the custom burger, the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar and vegan-friendly sides provide additional options. Despite its focus on meat and dairy items, Dairy Queen has adapted to include plant-based options, even if a dedicated vegan burger is not yet on the menu. Always check the official Dairy Queen website or app for the latest menu information.
