The Complete Nutritional Profile of a Small French Silk Blizzard
When you indulge in a small French Silk Blizzard from Dairy Queen, you're enjoying a treat that, while delicious, is very calorie-dense. The nutritional profile shows a high amount of both fat and carbohydrates, largely due to the rich ingredients used in its creation. Based on recent data from Nutritionix, here is the full breakdown for a small French Silk Blizzard:
- Calories: 730
- Total Fat: 33g (42% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 20g (100% Daily Value)
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 50mg (17% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 310mg (13% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 98g (36% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: Not specified, but likely low
- Sugars: 76g
- Protein: 14g
The high percentage of your daily saturated fat intake from just one small treat is particularly noteworthy. This is largely driven by the combination of creamy soft serve, cocoa fudge, and choco chunks.
Where the Calories Come From: Deconstructing the Ingredients
To understand why a small French Silk Blizzard is so high in calories, it helps to look at its core components:
- Vanilla Soft Serve: Dairy Queen's signature soft serve is a mix of milkfat, nonfat milk, and sugar, forming the base of the Blizzard and contributing a significant portion of its calories and sugar.
- Cocoa Fudge: The cocoa fudge mixed into the soft serve is primarily composed of high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, adding to the total fat and sugar content.
- Pie Pieces: The small pieces of pie crust or chips add carbohydrates and fats to the mix.
- Choco Chunks: Small chocolate chunks are added for texture and flavor, increasing both the fat and sugar content.
- Whipped Topping: An additional topping of whipped cream further boosts the fat and calorie count.
French Silk Blizzard Calorie Comparison by Size
To help you make an informed choice, here's a quick comparison of the French Silk Blizzard's nutritional content across different sizes, based on data from Nutritionix.
| Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sugars (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 430 | 20 | 45 |
| Small | 730 | 33 | 76 |
| Medium | 940 | 42 | 99 |
| Large | 1290 | 58 | 134 |
As the table clearly shows, the calorie and sugar content increase dramatically with each size. Opting for a mini size can save you over 300 calories compared to the small, and more than 800 calories compared to the large.
Moderation and Alternatives for a Healthier Choice
While an occasional French Silk Blizzard can be a nice indulgence, it's wise to consider the nutritional impact. For a healthier approach, you can:
- Order a Mini: Enjoy the flavor without overdoing it on calories and sugar by choosing the smallest size available. A mini contains significantly fewer calories and less sugar than larger versions.
- Share a Treat: Split a small or medium Blizzard with a friend or family member to cut your calorie and sugar intake in half.
- Make it an Occasional Indulgence: Given the high saturated fat and sugar percentages, it's best to view this as a special treat rather than a regular dessert.
- Explore Lighter Options: Dairy Queen's menu includes other, lighter frozen treats. Checking the official nutrition guide can help you find something that better fits your dietary goals. For comprehensive nutritional information directly from the source, you can consult Dairy Queen's official nutrition page on their website.
Conclusion
For those wondering how many calories are in a small French Silk Blizzard, the answer is a substantial 730 calories. This is coupled with high levels of saturated fat and sugar, making it an indulgent treat that warrants mindfulness and moderation. By understanding the nutritional facts and the ingredients, you can make smarter choices, whether that means enjoying a smaller portion or saving it for a special occasion. While undeniably delicious, being informed about the caloric impact is key to balancing a sweet craving with your overall health goals.
