Nutrition Diet: What is the lowest fat ice cream at Dairy Queen?

October 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Dairy Queen's famous soft serve technically cannot be called ice cream by FDA standards because of its lower milkfat content. For those watching their fat intake, the question of what is the lowest fat ice cream at Dairy Queen? is crucial when choosing a treat.

Quick Summary

An exploration of the Dairy Queen menu reveals their soft serve is a reduced-fat option, with the Kids' Vanilla Cone and small sizes containing the lowest fat. Lower-fat non-dairy alternatives are also available for mindful indulgence.

Key Points

Kids' Vanilla Cone is Lowest Fat 'Ice Cream': The smallest soft serve option, the Kids' Vanilla Cone, has the lowest total fat of any soft serve treat at Dairy Queen.
Soft Serve is Reduced-Fat Ice Milk: Dairy Queen's signature soft serve has a lower milkfat content than standard ice cream, making it a naturally lower-fat base for all their treats.
Zero-Fat Options Are Available: For no-fat treats, the Starkiss® and Fudge Bar offer a fat-free, low-calorie alternative to soft serve.
Non-Dairy Options Exist: The Non-Dairy Dilly® Bar, made with coconut cream, is a dairy-free and lower-fat choice compared to many traditional ice cream bars.
Portion Size Matters: Choosing a mini or kids' size, regardless of the item, is one of the most effective strategies for controlling fat, calorie, and sugar intake.
Focus on Overall Nutrition: While fat is a consideration, it's also important to be mindful of high sugar and calorie counts in many DQ treats, especially Blizzards and slushies.
The Healthiest Topping is No Topping: Opting for plain soft serve eliminates the extra fat and sugar from dips, fudge, or candies.

Dairy Queen's Soft Serve: A Lower-Fat Foundation

Dairy Queen's signature soft serve, a staple of the franchise, provides the foundation for nearly all their frozen treats. It's important to note that due to its lower milkfat percentage (at just 5%), the soft serve technically falls into the category of 'ice milk' rather than 'ice cream' according to FDA regulations. This distinction is what makes the base of their cones and sundaes a more moderate choice than traditional full-fat ice cream. This inherent difference in composition is the key to finding the lowest-fat options on their menu.

The Lowest-Fat 'Ice Cream' Treat

When it comes to the lowest-fat dairy ice cream item on the menu, the Kids' Vanilla Cone is the undisputed winner. This small, portion-controlled serving offers the signature Dairy Queen taste with minimal fat and calories. A step up in size is the Small Vanilla Cone, which is still a relatively modest option. Choosing a vanilla soft serve cup instead of a cone will further reduce total calories and carbohydrates by eliminating the wafer cone itself.

Non-Dairy and Zero-Fat Alternatives

For those seeking treats with even less or zero fat, Dairy Queen offers several options that do not contain their soft serve or any dairy. These choices often come pre-packaged and include the following:

Starkiss® Bars: A low-calorie, zero-fat frozen fruit bar.
Fudge Bars: A zero-fat, low-calorie chocolate-flavored frozen treat.
Misty Slush: A sweet, slushy drink that is fat-free, although high in sugar.
Non-Dairy Dilly® Bar: A coconut cream-based bar with a chocolatey coating, which is dairy-free and gluten-free.

Comparing Treats: A Nutritional Snapshot

To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of some popular Dairy Queen treats, focusing on fat, calories, and sugar content based on available nutrition information. Please note that exact values can vary slightly by location.


Item	Size	Total Fat (g)	Calories	Sugar (g)
Kids' Vanilla Cone	Kids	4.5	160	18
Small Vanilla Cone	Small	7	230	27
DQ® Fudge Bar	Small	0	50	3
Starkiss®	Small	0	80	21
Small Strawberry Sundae	Small	7	230	31
Mini Oreo Cookie Blizzard®	Mini	11	380	46
Medium Vanilla Soft Serve	Medium Cup	10	350	41

Tips for Mindful Indulgence

Enjoying a treat from Dairy Queen doesn't have to derail your nutrition goals. The key is to practice moderation and make smart choices. Here are a few tips:

Portion Control: Always opt for the smallest size available, like a Kids' Cone or Mini Blizzard. This significantly cuts down on total calories, fat, and sugar.
Choose Toppings Wisely: Extra mix-ins, fudge, and caramel can dramatically increase the fat and sugar content of a treat. A simple soft serve cone is a much more moderate choice.
Consider a 'Naked' Treat: Ordering soft serve in a cup without the cone further reduces the calorie and carbohydrate load.
Explore Alternatives: Don't overlook the non-dairy or fat-free options like the Starkiss® or Fudge Bar. These are designed for a quick, low-impact treat.
Balance with Nutrients: If you choose a dessert, make sure the rest of your meals for the day are filled with nutrient-dense foods like lean protein, fruits, and vegetables to maintain balance.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Fat

While focusing on fat is a good starting point, it's crucial to look at the whole nutritional picture, especially sugar and calorie content. Many low-fat alternatives, like the Misty Slush, are still very high in sugar and calories. Similarly, while a Mini Blizzard is a smaller portion, it can still contain a significant amount of sugar and fat depending on the mix-ins. A small strawberry sundae and a small vanilla cone have similar fat contents, but the sundae has more sugar due to the topping. Always review the nutritional information online before ordering to align your choice with your dietary goals. For comprehensive menu details, you can visit the official Dairy Queen nutrition page.

Conclusion

For those wondering what is the lowest fat ice cream at Dairy Queen?, the answer is a Kids' Vanilla Cone, as it's a portion-controlled serving of their naturally lower-fat soft serve. However, if your primary goal is to minimize fat, zero-fat options like the Starkiss® and Fudge Bar are the true lowest-fat choices on the menu. A balanced approach involves understanding that low-fat doesn't always mean low-sugar or low-calorie, and a simple, small-sized treat is often the best choice for a mindful indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Dairy Queen offers several low-fat options, including their Kids' Vanilla Cone, their standard vanilla soft serve in a cup, and zero-fat frozen treats like the Starkiss® and Fudge Bar.

Dairy Queen's soft serve is considered a 'reduced-fat ice cream' by definition because it contains a lower percentage of milkfat than what's required for traditional ice cream, making it a potentially lighter option.

The DQ® Fudge Bar, with only 50 calories, and the Starkiss®, with 80 calories, are the lowest-calorie frozen dessert options available.

To reduce the calories and fat in a Blizzard, opt for the mini size. You can also choose flavors that are more fruit-based and avoid extra toppings like nuts or brownie pieces.

Yes, full-size milkshakes and Blizzards are generally very high in fat, calories, and sugar. They are considered indulgent treats and should be consumed in moderation.

Yes, Dairy Queen offers a Non-Dairy Dilly® Bar, which is made with a coconut cream base. The Misty Slush is another dairy-free frozen treat.

Yes, ice cream can be part of a healthy diet, but it's important to consume it in moderation. Choosing smaller portion sizes and less frequent indulgence are key strategies for balance.