Snickers Blizzard Ingredients Breakdown
At its core, the Snickers Blizzard contains vanilla soft serve and chopped Snickers candy bars. A look at the ingredients list reveals why it is considered 'made with gluten-free ingredients,' but not certified gluten-free. The standard Snickers candy bar is generally considered safe for those avoiding gluten, though it is not officially certified.
- Artificially Flavored Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream: Contains milkfat and nonfat milk, sugar, corn syrup, whey, mono and diglycerides, artificial flavor, guar gum, polysorbate 80, carrageenan, and vitamin A palmitate. None of these ingredients typically contain gluten.
- Snickers Pieces: The pieces of Snickers candy bar folded into the soft serve consist of milk chocolate, peanuts, corn syrup, sugar, palm oil, skim milk, lactose, salt, and egg whites. The candy bar itself does not contain wheat, rye, oats, or barley.
- Chocolate Topping: The chocolate topping used in the Blizzard is also free of gluten ingredients.
The Critical Risk of Cross-Contamination
The primary danger for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity comes from Dairy Queen's preparation process. The company openly acknowledges this on its nutrition information pages. The same Blizzard mixing machine is used to blend all Blizzard flavors, including those with gluten-containing mix-ins like Oreo cookies or cheesecake pieces. Despite requests to clean the machine, the risk of residual gluten remains. Shared utensils, prep stations, and fryers also contribute to a high probability of cross-contact.
Comparison of Dairy Queen Treats for Gluten Sensitivity
For those with gluten concerns, understanding the varying levels of risk among Dairy Queen products is essential. This table compares the Snickers Blizzard with other popular options.
| Item | Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients? | Risk of Cross-Contamination? | Certified Gluten-Free? | Best for Celiacs? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snickers Blizzard | Yes | High (Shared machine) | No | No (Risk too high) |
| Dilly Bars (sealed) | Yes | Low (Packaged off-site) | No | Yes (Lower risk) |
| Oreo Blizzard | No (Contains gluten) | N/A | No | No |
| Vanilla Soft Serve | Yes | High (Shared equipment) | No | No (Significant risk) |
| Non-Dairy Dilly Bars | Yes | Low (Packaged off-site) | Yes | Yes |
Safe Dairy Queen Alternatives
For those who must avoid gluten entirely, the safest Dairy Queen options are the packaged novelties. These items, such as the Dilly Bars, Buster Bar Treats, Fudge Bars, and Starkiss Bars, are manufactured and sealed off-site in facilities with limited cross-contact risk. The Dairy-Free Dilly Bar is a particularly safe option as it is explicitly labeled as gluten-free and plant-based. It is crucial to purchase these items in their original, sealed packaging rather than loose items prepared in-store, which are still subject to cross-contamination. Always confirm with staff that you are receiving a sealed product.
How to Order to Minimize Risk
For individuals with a gluten sensitivity (not Celiac disease) who are willing to accept some risk, certain ordering modifications can help. First, make sure you clearly and politely communicate your dietary needs to the server. Next, specifically request that they thoroughly clean the Blizzard machine's blending wand and use fresh utensils and clean containers for your order. While this is not a foolproof solution, it is the best method to reduce the risk of cross-contact. For any special order, it is best to speak with a manager to ensure your request is understood and properly handled.
Conclusion
While the Dairy Queen Snickers Blizzard is made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, it is not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten allergies due to the high risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. The safest options at Dairy Queen are the manufactured, pre-packaged novelties like the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar, which are sealed and made in facilities with minimal risk. Always communicate clearly with the staff about your dietary restrictions and consider the level of risk you are willing to accept before ordering.
Can you safely eat a Snickers Blizzard with a gluten allergy?
Unfortunately, no. The severe risk of cross-contact from the shared Blizzard mixing machine makes it unsafe for those with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivities.
Understanding Dairy Queen's Allergen Policies
Dairy Queen's official policy is transparent: they cannot guarantee any menu item is 100% free of allergens due to the potential for cross-contact in all restaurant locations. This includes not only gluten but other common allergens like nuts and dairy as well. This policy emphasizes the importance of caution for anyone with a food allergy or intolerance, especially in environments where multiple products are prepared using the same equipment.
Importance of Communication
When eating out with a food allergy, open and clear communication with the restaurant staff is your best defense. This includes informing them of the severity of your allergy, what specific items to avoid, and any precautions they can take to minimize risk. Speaking directly with a manager is often the most effective way to ensure your request is understood and followed.
What about the ingredients in a standard Snickers bar?
It's important to distinguish between a Snickers bar and the Snickers Blizzard. A standard, mass-produced Snickers candy bar is generally considered gluten-free by ingredients but is not certified. Some Snickers products, such as ice cream bars, do contain gluten ingredients. In the Snickers Blizzard, however, the ingredients of the standard candy bar are used, which are inherently free of gluten.
Note: Ingredient lists can change, so always check the most up-to-date information directly from the manufacturer or restaurant's official website before consuming.
