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What is the lowest calorie small blizzard?

3 min read

With a standard small Blizzard ranging from 460 to over 600 calories, choosing the right flavor can make a significant difference for anyone mindful of their intake. So, what is the lowest calorie small blizzard? It's a question many ask, and the answer involves looking at the standard menu items available.

Quick Summary

The lowest calorie small Blizzard is typically the Banana Split, though other fruit or light candy options come close. This guide compares popular small Blizzards by calorie count and provides customization tips for reducing your overall intake.

Key Points

  • Lowest Calorie Small Blizzard: The Banana Split Blizzard, at 460 calories, is typically the lowest calorie standard option on the menu.

  • Good Alternative: The Butterfinger Blizzard is another great choice at 460 calories for a small, offering a candy-based flavor that doesn't add many more calories.

  • Consider the Mini Size: For the most significant calorie reduction, choose a mini-sized Blizzard, which contains substantially fewer calories than a small.

  • Customize Your Order: Ask for lighter mix-ins, skip the whipped cream, or opt for simple fruit toppings to reduce the calorie count of any Blizzard.

  • Compare Flavors: Be aware of the calorie differences between flavors; options with heavy fudge, cookies, or brownies are often much higher in calories.

In This Article

Finding the Lowest Calorie Small Blizzard

For many, a trip to Dairy Queen is not complete without a Blizzard. But when watching calories, the sheer variety and mix-ins can be intimidating. Based on recent nutritional data, the standard menu item with the lowest calorie count for a small Blizzard is the Banana Split Blizzard.

The Lowest Calorie Champion: Banana Split Blizzard

The Banana Split Blizzard stands out as the lowest calorie option on the standard menu for a small size, typically containing 460 calories. This is largely due to its fruit-based ingredients, which include fresh banana slices, strawberry and pineapple toppings, and chocolate sauce blended with Dairy Queen's vanilla soft serve. This combination offers a refreshing and flavorful treat without the heavier, higher-calorie mix-ins found in other Blizzards.

Other Low-Calorie Blizzard Options

While the Banana Split Blizzard may hold the top spot, other flavors offer relatively lower-calorie profiles compared to options loaded with fudge and brownie pieces. The Butterfinger Blizzard, for example, is also reported to be around 460 calories for a small size, making it a viable alternative for those who prefer a candy mix-in. The Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard is another good choice, coming in at approximately 520 calories for a small. Seasonal or limited-time Blizzards can vary, but generally, those with simpler mix-ins or more fruit tend to be lower in calories.

Comparison of Popular Small Blizzards

To make an informed choice, here is a comparison of some popular small Blizzard flavors based on available nutritional information:

Blizzard Flavor Calories (Small) Key Ingredients Notes
Banana Split 460 Bananas, pineapple, strawberry, chocolate sauce Lowest calorie option
Butterfinger 460 Butterfinger pieces Candy-based alternative
Strawberry Cheesecake 520 Cheesecake pieces, strawberries Fruit and cake-based
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup 580 Reese's PB cups Higher in fat and sugar
Oreo Cookie 620 Oreo cookie pieces Classic but higher calorie

How to Further Reduce Blizzard Calories

Even when choosing a lower-calorie flavor, there are several ways to decrease the total calories and sugar in your Blizzard. These small changes can add up to a more diet-friendly indulgence.

  • Choose a Mini Size: Opting for the mini size over the small is one of the most effective strategies. A mini can have significantly fewer calories, sometimes nearly half the amount of a small.
  • Ask for Light Mix-ins: Request a lighter hand with the more calorie-dense ingredients, such as chocolate sauce, Reese's pieces, or brownie bits. A store might be able to accommodate this simple request.
  • Prioritize Fruit: Focus on fruit-based Blizzards like the Banana Split or customize a simple vanilla soft serve with fruit toppings. Fruit toppings and syrups are often lower in calories than candy or cookie mix-ins.
  • Hold the Whip: Many Blizzards are topped with whipped cream, which adds extra calories and sugar. Simply asking to omit this topping can help shave off some excess.
  • Stick to the Basics: Consider ordering a regular soft-serve cone or cup instead of a Blizzard. A small vanilla cone, for instance, contains around 230 calories, a significantly lower-calorie alternative.

Conclusion

For those seeking the lowest calorie small blizzard, the Banana Split Blizzard is the best option on the standard menu. It provides a satisfying and flavorful experience while being the lightest choice. However, savvy consumers can also use simple customization strategies like downsizing to a mini, holding the whipped cream, and prioritizing fruit mix-ins to enjoy any Blizzard flavor with fewer calories. By being mindful of your choices, you can still treat yourself to a delicious Dairy Queen dessert without derailing your dietary goals. For specific nutritional information, always consult the official Dairy Queen nutrition guide online for the most current data. You can find the latest information on the official Dairy Queen website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While 'healthy' is subjective, the Banana Split Blizzard is often considered one of the 'healthiest' choices due to its fruit content and status as the lowest-calorie standard small Blizzard, at 460 calories.

Calories in a mini Blizzard vary by flavor, but they are significantly lower than a small. For example, a mini Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard is 390 calories compared to 680 for a small, showing the benefit of downsizing.

Yes, many mini-sized Blizzards have fewer than 400 calories. For example, the mini Summer Berry Cheesecake Blizzard is 320 calories, and mini Heath is around 360.

To reduce sugar, opt for a mini size, choose Blizzards with simpler or fruit-based mix-ins, and skip any extra sauces or whipped cream. Some people also order plain soft serve with a minimal mix-in.

The Banana Split Blizzard is generally a standard menu item at most Dairy Queen locations, not a limited-time offering. However, it's always wise to check with your local store for availability.

A great lower-calorie alternative to a Blizzard is a small Strawberry Sundae, which contains only 230 calories. A small vanilla cone is also a lighter option at around 230 calories.

Yes, you can request custom Blizzards to reduce calories. Examples include asking for a 'light' version with less mix-in or creating a fruit-only combination with vanilla soft serve to control sugar and calories.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.