What's the healthiest thing to eat at Dq?

According to nutrition experts, making mindful adjustments to fast-food orders can significantly impact their nutritional value. At Dairy Queen, known for its indulgent treats, this means knowing which items offer a more balanced profile of protein and fewer calories, saturated fat, and sodium.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the best nutritional options at Dairy Queen, highlighting balanced choices like grilled chicken salads and sandwiches, as well as lower-calorie desserts. Discover how to customize your order to reduce fat and sugar while still enjoying a satisfying meal or treat.

Key Points

• Prioritize Grilled Options: Choose the Grilled Chicken BLT Salad or Grilled Chicken Sandwich over fried chicken or larger burgers to reduce fat and calories.

• Choose Healthier Sides: Opt for the low-calorie Side Salad instead of higher-calorie options like fries or cheese curds.

• Practice Portion Control: Satisfy a dessert craving with a mini Blizzard, a kids' cone, or a smaller sundae to manage sugar and calorie intake effectively.

• Consider the No Sugar Added Dilly Bar: When a dessert is needed, this frozen treat is a smart, lower-calorie alternative to larger, sugar-laden options.

• Customize Your Order: Modify meals by requesting no bacon, cheese, or dressing on the side to further improve their nutritional profile.

• Read the Nutrition Information: Always check the official DQ nutrition calculator to see the precise calories and macros for your chosen items.

• Choose Water Over Sugary Drinks: Skip the high-sugar sodas and shakes, and choose water to hydrate and avoid excess calories.

Making Smarter Meal Selections

When visiting a fast-food chain like Dairy Queen, the key to a healthier meal is prioritizing protein-rich options and maximizing vegetable intake while minimizing fried foods. While many associate DQ with ice cream, the Brazier menu offers several items that can be customized to fit a more health-conscious diet.

Salads and Grilled Protein

Salads are often the best starting point for a lighter meal. The Grilled Chicken BLT Salad, for instance, provides a substantial protein punch with grilled chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and greens.

• The Side Salad: This simple, low-calorie option, consisting of lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots, is the ideal choice for boosting your vegetable intake. Without dressing, it contains only 25 calories, 0g fat, and just 15mg of sodium, making it a nearly guilt-free addition to any meal.
• The Grilled Chicken BLT Salad: This salad delivers a robust 32g of protein for 270 calories (before dressing), making it a filling and nutritious choice. To keep it light, ask for a low-fat dressing like Balsamic Vinaigrette and use it sparingly.
• The Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Opting for the grilled chicken over fried versions instantly reduces fat and calories. The Grilled Chicken Sandwich, with a lean protein source, is a solid choice at 390 calories.

Customizing Other Menu Favorites

Even items like burgers and chicken strips can be adapted. For a burger, choose the classic single Hamburger, which is much lower in calories, fat, and sodium than larger, deluxe versions. Ask for no cheese and minimal condiments to further reduce intake. For chicken strips, ordering a smaller portion without the basket (which includes fries and toast) is a better choice, or choose the rotisserie-style chicken bites.

Indulging with Less Guilt: Smarter Treats

Dairy Queen's fame lies in its frozen treats, but even here, there are better choices. Portion control and ingredient selection are your best strategies.

Lower-Calorie Treats

• No Sugar Added Dilly Bar: This is one of the smartest dessert choices on the menu, clocking in at around 190–200 calories with no added sugar.
• Kids' Vanilla Cone: Satisfy your soft-serve craving with a smaller portion. The kids' size contains significantly fewer calories and sugar than the larger cones.
• Mini Blizzard: If a Blizzard is non-negotiable, always choose the mini size. This dramatically cuts calories and sugar. Fruit-based options like the mini Summer Berry Cheesecake or Banana Split Blizzard are often better picks.
• Strawberry Sundae (Small): At 230 calories, the small strawberry sundae offers a sweet, simple treat with real fruit, making it one of the lower-calorie options in the sundae category.

Comparison of Dairy Queen Menu Items

Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Notes
Grilled Chicken BLT Salad	270	11	4.5	980	High protein, can be lowered by omitting bacon or choosing light dressing.
Kids' Hamburger	320	14	6	620	Leaner than adult burgers; ask for no cheese.
Side Salad (no dressing)	25	0	0	15	Minimal calories, perfect for added nutrients.
No Sugar Added Dilly Bar	190	10	8	55	Good dessert choice, portion-controlled.
Honey BBQ Glazed Chicken Strip Basket (6-piece)	1,600	80	12	4,150	Very high calorie, fat, and sodium count.
Large Peanut Butter Sundae	780	44	13	520	Large serving size with high fat and sugar content.
Dreamsicle Dipped Cone (Large)	650	30	24	200	Large, calorie-dense dessert with high saturated fat.

Practical Tips for Healthier Ordering

• Check the nutrition facts: Dairy Queen provides detailed nutrition information online, which is essential for informed decision-making.
• Substitute wisely: Swap out high-calorie toppings and sides. Trade cheese curds for a side salad, and switch fries for a lighter alternative if available.
• Control portions: The simplest method for reducing calories is to choose smaller sizes. Always opt for a kids' meal or a mini Blizzard to satisfy a craving without overindulging.
• Ask for modifications: Don't hesitate to request items to be prepared a certain way, such as holding the bacon on a salad or asking for dressing on the side.
• Hydrate with water: Skip the high-sugar sodas and moochas. Water is always the healthiest beverage option and helps fill you up.

Conclusion

While Dairy Queen might not be the first place that comes to mind for a healthy meal, making intelligent choices is definitely possible. By prioritizing grilled proteins and salads and being mindful of portion sizes, you can create a meal that satisfies your cravings while aligning with your nutritional goals. For desserts, sticking to smaller, fruit-based, or no-sugar-added options allows for an occasional, guilt-free treat. The key is to be an informed consumer and leverage the nutritional information available to your advantage, making your DQ run a treat for both your taste buds and your health.

Sources

• Verywell Fit: Does Dairy Queen Have Healthy Options?
• Cozymeal: Healthiest Items at Dairy Queen
• Under the Hard Hat: The 8 healthiest food options at Dairy Queen
• Strong with Sarah: Can You Treat Yourself to a Dairy Queen Blizzard and Still Lose ...
• Dairy Queen Nutrition: Food & Treats Nutrition & Allergens
• Eat This Much: Dq Dilly Bar, No Sugar Added Nutrition Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest-calorie meal at Dairy Queen?

The lowest-calorie and most nutritious meal can be a combination, such as a Grilled Chicken BLT Salad (without high-fat dressing) and water. For a more substantial option, a kids' hamburger with a side salad is another low-calorie choice.

Is there a no-sugar-added dessert at Dairy Queen?

Yes, the No Sugar Added Dilly Bar is available at many locations and is a good low-sugar option. It is typically a smaller, portion-controlled treat with a vanilla soft serve center.

Are Dairy Queen salads actually healthy?

DQ salads can be a healthy option, especially when you control the dressing. The Grilled Chicken BLT Salad is high in protein, but always ask for dressing on the side and use it sparingly to avoid adding excessive calories and sodium.

How can I reduce the calories in a Blizzard?

To reduce Blizzard calories, opt for the mini size instead of a small, medium, or large. Certain flavors, especially those with fruit mix-ins, also tend to be lower in calories than Blizzards with heavy caramel or candy additions.

Which side should I choose at Dairy Queen for a healthier meal?

The best side choice is the Side Salad, which adds vegetables and fiber with very few calories. Avoid fried, high-sodium sides like large fries or cheese curds.

Is the regular hamburger a healthy choice at Dairy Queen?

The classic single Hamburger is a more moderate choice compared to larger, more decadent burgers on the menu. Opt for the kids' version to reduce calories and ask to omit cheese and fatty condiments for an even healthier option.

Does Dairy Queen offer any plant-based or dairy-free options?

Yes, the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar, made with coconut cream, is available at many locations. Other potential options include some fruit-based drinks and the Side Salad, but be aware of cross-contact during preparation.

What should I avoid at Dairy Queen to stay healthy?

To avoid derailing your health goals, steer clear of the largest sizes, particularly larger Blizzard sizes and combos. Avoid fried sides like large cheese curds and chicken strip baskets with heavy sauces, as these are typically very high in calories, fat, and sodium.