Dairy Queen Nutrition Facts: Menu Choices & Calories

Did you know that you can eat off the DQ menu for 500 calories or less? It's true. If you follow a few smart Dairy Queen nutrition tips, you can even find treats for under 300 calories. While it isn't the healthiest fast food restaurant for dieters, there are still plenty of ways to keep your Dairy Queen calories in check if you go.

If you are trying to cut fat and calories,  your best bet is to eat a diet-friendly meal at home and visit DQ for a post-meal treat. That way you can prepare a healthy low calorie, high protein dinner and keep your total Dairy Queen calories low. But you should check the DQ menu online before you go and know what you're going to order in advance.

Once you're at the ice cream counter, order without looking at the menu. It's easy to get distracted by some of the photos of sundaes and high-calorie Blizzards posted on the wall and end up ordering more than you need.

As you might imagine, the best low-calorie Dairy Queen menu items come in smaller serving sizes. For example, the calorie difference between a large Blizzard and a small Blizzard can add up to 500-600 calories. So keep in mind that you can satisfy your craving, as long as you keep portion control in mind. 

DQ cones are extremely popular at Dairy Queen. The calories and fat are reasonable as long as you only indulge in a small treat. A small Vanilla Cone provides just 230 calories. But if you choose a large size the number jumps to 460 calories. A large Vanilla Cone dipped in chocolate provides 640 calories and 30 grams of fat.

Other ice cream treats are popular at DQ. The Chocolate Dilly Bar provides 220 calories and 12 grams of fat. A small Chocolate Sundae provides 280 calories and 7 grams of fat.

More Dairy Queen Nutrition Facts

• Small Banana Shake: 470 calories, 19 grams of fat, 64 grams carbohydrate, 13 grams protein
• Small Chocolate Shake: 530 calories, 19 grams of fat, 77 grams carbohydrate, 13 grams protein
• Peanut Butter Shake: 640 calories, 34 grams of fat, 67 grams carbohydrate, 16 grams protein
• Banana Split: 520 calories, 14 grams of fat, 92 grams carbohydrate, 9 grams protein
• Triple Chocolate Brownie Dessert: 540 calories, 24 grams of fat, 75 grams carbohydrate, 8 grams protein
• Small Strawberry Sundae: 230 calories, 7 grams of fat, 37 grams carbohydrate, 6 grams protein

Each of the treats listed below has less than 300 calories and less than 10 grams of fat. Some are even fat-free. Keep in mind, however, that the sundaes and low-calorie Blizzard treats come without whipped topping or other additions. Whipped topping adds 90 calories and 7 grams of fat.

• Cherry StarKiss Bar: 80 calories, 0 grams fat
• Fudge Bar: 50 calories, 0 grams fat
• Child's Vanilla Cone: 170 calories, 4.5 grams fat
• Misty Slush (small): 200 calories, 0 grams fat
• DQ Sandwich: 190 calories, 5 grams fat
• Light Smoothies (small): 150 to 170 calories, 0 grams fat
• Premium Fruit Smoothie (small): 240 to 280 calories, 0 to 1 grams fat
• Pineapple Sundae (small): 230 calories, 7 grams fat
• Strawberry Sundae (small): 230 calories, 7 grams fat
• DQ Treatzza Pizza (Heath or M&Ms): 190 to 200 calories, 9 grams fat
• Banana Split Blizzard (mini): 280 calories, 8 grams fat

If none of those treats seems enticing, there are other options that are slightly higher in calories that might not ruin your diet if you eat a small portion size and eat a low-calorie lunch or dinner. But there are some DQ treats you'll want to avoid altogether. These items have shockingly high calorie and fat counts. Check this list for your favorite treat. You might be surprised what's on (and not on) the list.

• Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard (large): 1470 calories, 82 grams fat
• Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard (large): 1430 calories, 67 grams fat
• Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Smash Blizzard (large): 1500 calories, 69 grams fat
• Brownie Cookie Dough Blizzard (large): 1510 calories, 63 grams fat
• Hot Fudge Shake (large): 970 calories, 36 grams fat
• Peanut Butter Malt (large): 1350 calories, 72 grams fat

Are you surprised that the Peanut Buster Parfait isn't on the list? It's one of the most popular menu items and contains 710 calories and 31 grams of fat. So, if you're going to fall off the wagon and indulge, it's not the worst option.

If you find yourself at Dairy Queen for a full meal, it is possible to dine for 500 calories or less. But again, your options are limited. Here are a few combinations that will get you out the door with minimal damage.

Meal 1:

• Kids' Grilled Chicken Wrap: 250 calories
• Side Salad (lemon wedge instead of dressing): 25 calories
• DQ Treatzza Pizza: 190 to 200 calories
  Total: 440 to 450 calories

Meal 2:

• Chicken BLT Salad—Grilled (lemon wedge instead of dressing): 270 calories
• Vanilla Cone (Kids') 170 calories
  Total: 440 calories

Meal 3:

• Cheeseburger: 370 calories
• Vanilla Orange Bar: 60 calories
  Total: 430 calories

No matter what you choose to eat at Dairy Queen, it is likely that your meal or treat will be high in sugar, fat, and calories. To keep your healthy eating plan on track, choose more nutritious foods at your other meals during the day. For example, eat plenty of healthy lean protein for breakfast, fiber-rich fruits and veggies for lunch and then indulge at dinner time. Your Dairy Queen calories will taste better if you know they aren't derailing your diet.