Snickers Blizzard Calorie and Nutritional Breakdown by Size
For anyone monitoring their dietary intake, understanding the nutritional information of your favorite treats is key. The Snickers Blizzard from Dairy Queen, a popular blend of creamy soft-serve with Snickers pieces, caramel, and fudge, has a nutritional profile that changes dramatically with its size.
Mini Snickers Blizzard
At the smaller end of the spectrum, the Mini Snickers Blizzard is the least calorific option. It contains approximately 350 calories, which makes it a more manageable treat if you are watching your intake. Despite the lower calorie count, it still contains a notable amount of sugar and fat due to the Snickers bar pieces and dairy soft-serve base.
Small Snickers Blizzard
The Small size offers a more substantial portion, with a corresponding jump in nutritional values. This size is reported to have around 610 calories. A typical Small Snickers Blizzard contains:
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 92-93g
- Sugars: 78-79g
- Protein: 14g
Medium Snickers Blizzard
Opting for a Medium size means a significant increase in calories. This portion contains between 800 and 850 calories, depending on the specific source of nutritional information. The variation likely comes from slight differences in ingredient measurements. This larger size delivers even more fat and sugar:
- Total Fat: 28-33g
- Saturated Fat: 15-17g
- Carbohydrates: 120-123g
- Sugars: 102-103g
- Protein: 18-19g
Large Snickers Blizzard
As the largest available size, the Large Snickers Blizzard is a very high-calorie dessert. Several sources report this size to be around 1060 to 1140 calories. The large amount of ice cream base and candy mix-ins contribute heavily to this total. A Large typically contains:
- Total Fat: 36-44g
- Saturated Fat: 20-22g
- Carbohydrates: 162-168g
- Sugars: 138-141g
- Protein: 24g
Comparing the Snickers Blizzard to Other DQ Treats
To put the Snickers Blizzard's calories into perspective, a comparison with other popular Dairy Queen treats can be enlightening. Below is a nutritional comparison for the Small size of several Blizzards, using typical values.
| Blizzard Flavor | Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Total Sugars (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snickers Blizzard | Small | 610 | 20 | 79 |
| Oreo Cookie Blizzard | Small | 620 | - | - |
| Reese's PB Cup Blizzard | Small | 590 | 24 | 68 |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | Small | 710 | - | - |
The table illustrates that the Small Snickers Blizzard falls in the mid-range of popular Blizzard options in terms of calories. However, its sugar content is one of the highest, a key consideration for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Factors Affecting Nutritional Values
It is important to remember that these nutritional values are estimations. The actual calorie count of your Snickers Blizzard can vary based on several factors:
- Preparation variations: The exact amount of soft-serve and Snickers pieces can differ slightly from one store to another. A generous scoop of extra caramel or soft-serve will increase the total calories.
- Toppings and customizations: Adding extra toppings, such as more candy, fudge, or caramel, will significantly increase the caloric load.
- Mix-in consistency: The distribution of ingredients is not always perfectly uniform. One Blizzard may have more Snickers and less ice cream than another, leading to minor fluctuations in the final nutritional content.
Healthier Blizzard Options and Alternatives
If the calorie count of the Snickers Blizzard is a concern, there are ways to enjoy a similar dessert experience with fewer calories. A few options include:
- Mini Size: The most straightforward approach is to simply opt for the Mini size. You still get the flavor, but with significantly fewer calories and less sugar.
- Skip the add-ons: Avoid adding extra fudge, caramel, or other sugary toppings. The base mix has plenty of flavor.
- Choose a lighter base: While not available with the Snickers mix, some Blizzard varieties offer a nonfat yogurt base in certain locations. Inquire at your local Dairy Queen about lighter soft-serve options. Check out DQ's nutritional information for a comprehensive look at what is available: Dairy Queen US Nutrition Facts.
- Opt for simpler treats: A small soft-serve cone or a simple sundae with fewer toppings will have far fewer calories than a fully-loaded Blizzard.
Conclusion
In short, the number of calories in a DQ Snickers Blizzard is highly dependent on its size, ranging from approximately 350 for a Mini to over 1,000 for a Large. This information highlights the need to be mindful of portion sizes when indulging in these treats. While a delicious dessert, the high sugar and saturated fat content means that it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. By being aware of the nutritional details, you can make a more conscious decision about your dessert choices at Dairy Queen.
