Does Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake Contain Gluten?

November 28, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Dairy Queen's official allergen information, the standard ice cream cakes do contain gluten. The gluten is primarily found in the chocolate cookie crunch and cone coating layered in the center of the cake.

Quick Summary

Dairy Queen's standard ice cream cakes are not gluten-free due to the chocolate cookie crunch and cone coating center, but custom orders can often omit this ingredient. Be aware of cross-contamination risks when ordering at a DQ location.

Key Points

Contains Gluten: The standard Dairy Queen ice cream cake is not gluten-free because it contains a chocolate cookie crunch and cone coating center.
Special Orders Possible: Many Dairy Queen locations can make a custom gluten-free ice cream cake by omitting the cookie crunch layer, but you must call ahead to confirm.
High Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared kitchen space and equipment, there is a high risk of cross-contamination, making all in-store products potentially unsafe for individuals with severe gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.
Safe Packaged Options: For the lowest risk, opt for manufactured, pre-packaged novelties like Dilly® Bars, Buster Bar® Treats, or Fudge Bars, which are sealed and made in a facility with limited cross-contact.
Talk to the Manager: Always communicate your dietary needs directly to the manager at the specific DQ location to ensure they understand your request and can take precautions.
Decorations May Also Contain Gluten: Be aware that certain decorations, icings, or gels on the cakes might also contain gluten, so specifying your needs is critical.
Substitutions Available: If ordering a custom cake, you can request gluten-free fillings like extra fudge or specific gluten-free candies instead of the cookie crunch.

Standard Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cakes and Gluten

Dairy Queen ice cream cakes are a popular choice for celebrations. However, the standard version is not suitable for a gluten-free diet because it includes gluten. The gluten is primarily located in the chocolate cookie crunch layer and the cone coating found in the cake's center.

The Source of Gluten in DQ Cakes

The main source of gluten is the cookie-based crumb mixture in the crunch layer. Many decorations, such as certain icings and sprinkles, can also contain gluten.

Customizing a Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

While standard cakes contain gluten, some Dairy Queen locations may allow custom orders without the gluten-containing ingredients. It is essential to contact the specific location in advance to see if they can accommodate your request. Potential substitutes for the crunch layer might include extra fudge or gluten-free candies like crushed M&Ms or Heath pieces, depending on the location and availability.

The Critical Issue of Cross-Contamination

For those with Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, cross-contamination is a significant risk at Dairy Queen because products are prepared in a shared kitchen using shared equipment. This can include utensils and serving areas. Airborne particles are also a potential concern. Speaking with a manager is recommended to discuss precautions, but a 100% gluten-free environment cannot be guaranteed. Dairy Queen's nutrition information acknowledges this risk.

Dairy Queen Products with Limited Cross-Contamination Risk

For lower risk of cross-contamination, Dairy Queen offers factory-sealed novelties made off-site. These include:

Dilly® Bars
Buster Bar® Treats
Fudge Bars
Vanilla Orange Bars
Starkiss® Bars

Choosing these pre-packaged options is crucial, as in-store items are susceptible to cross-contact.

Comparison of Dairy Queen Cake Options for Gluten-Free Diets


Feature	Standard Ice Cream Cake	Custom Gluten-Free Cake	Pre-Packaged Novelties
Contains Gluten?	Yes (in the crunch layer)	No (if ordered correctly)	No (if sealed)
Cross-Contamination Risk	High	High (store-dependent)	Limited (made off-site)
Availability	Available at all locations	Requires advance notice, varies by location	Available at most locations
Customization	Not possible for gluten-free	Yes, but depends on store	None
Best For	General consumption	Those with mild sensitivity who accept risk	Individuals with Celiac or severe allergy

Conclusion: Navigating Dairy Queen on a Gluten-Free Diet

Standard Dairy Queen ice cream cakes contain gluten in the chocolate cookie crunch and cone coating. While customizing a cake without these components is possible at some locations, the risk of cross-contamination is high in the shared kitchen environment, making it a concern for those with severe sensitivities or Celiac disease. Factory-sealed novelties offer a safer alternative with limited cross-contact risk. The best choice depends on individual sensitivity and risk tolerance. For detailed information, consult the official Dairy Queen website.

Resources for Gluten-Free Information

For more information on Celiac disease and managing a gluten-free diet, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers excellent resources. Celiac Disease Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the chocolate cookie crunch and cone coating in the center of Dairy Queen's standard ice cream cakes are not gluten-free and are the primary source of gluten in the cake.

Yes, many Dairy Queen locations offer the option to special-order a custom cake without the gluten-containing cookie crunch layer. You must call your local store in advance to confirm and arrange the order.

To minimize cross-contamination risk, it is best to order the pre-packaged novelties, like the sealed Dilly Bars, which are made in a facility with limited cross-contact. If ordering in-store, notify the staff of your allergy and ask them to use clean equipment.

The soft serve itself is generally considered gluten-free, but because it is dispensed from shared equipment and used to make products with gluten, there is a risk of cross-contamination.

If you have Celiac disease and consume the standard ice cream cake, the gluten in the cookie crunch can trigger an autoimmune reaction, causing symptoms and potential intestinal damage.

While the fudge and ice cream layers are generally made with gluten-free ingredients, the in-store environment poses a high risk of cross-contamination, especially when being layered with gluten-containing components.

The safest gluten-free items are the factory-sealed novelties, such as Dilly Bars and Buster Bar Treats, that are packaged off-site to reduce cross-contamination risk.

Yes, when placing a custom order, you can often request the cookie crunch be replaced with gluten-free candy options like crushed Reese's® Peanut Butter Cups or Heath® pieces, depending on store availability.