Navigating Dairy Queen: What to Avoid and How to Make Healthier Choices

When considering items to avoid at Dairy Queen, it often depends on your dietary preferences and health goals. However, some items are generally high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Here are a few categories to be cautious about:

High-Calorie and Unhealthy Dairy Queen Items

Blizzards: Many Blizzards can be very high in calories and sugar due to their mix-ins and toppings. For example, the larger sizes can exceed 1,000 calories. Fries and Onion Rings: These sides can be high in calories and unhealthy fats, especially if consumed in large quantities. Burgers with Heavy Toppings: Some burgers, particularly those with multiple patties or rich sauces, can be quite calorie-dense. Ice Cream Treats: While delicious, many ice cream treats can have excessive sugar content and calories.

For healthier choices, consider smaller portions, opt for items with fewer toppings, or choose salads. Remember to check the nutritional information if available.

Insider Tips from a Former Dairy Queen Employee

As someone who managed a DQ for a few years, my experience suggests that it is not a specific item you should avoid; most everything is good. What you should avoid is simply placing an order and hoping for the best. Here are some key tips:

Ask for Fresh Orders: One thing you should always do is ask for your food to be made fresh. In the drive-thru, ensure that the staff waits until you are at the window to start making any soft serve products. Ensure Fresh Fries: To guarantee fresh fries, ask for "no salt" fries. This ensures that the staff will drop a fresh basket of fries because they normally salt their fries. If you want salted fries, simply ask for salt packets and salt them yourself. White Gravy Caution: As someone who used to work there, I would say it's best to avoid the white gravy. It can sit all day, often not temperature-checked, and can be lumpy and cold. Avoid Nightly Ice Cream: All ice cream before about 2 PM. Products containing ice cream were often made with any remaining ice cream from the night before. Sometimes, we would throw it out, such as when a rat had gotten stuck in the soft serve ice cream in a 5-gallon bucket. Rats or other pests could easily contaminate food not properly safeguarded.

While some of these practices may have been updated, it's essential to be cautious and verify any concerns about food safety.

Conclusion

Understanding what to avoid and how to make healthier choices at Dairy Queen can help you enjoy your visit without compromising your health goals. Always ask for fresh orders and fresh fries to ensure you're getting the best quality. And don't forget to check the nutritional information if you're health-conscious.