The next time you stop at Dairy Queen for a sweet treat or quick meal, you might want to reconsider certain menu items. While this beloved fast-food chain has been satisfying customers for decades, some offerings pack such an overwhelming punch of sugar, sodium, or calories that they might leave you with more than just a brain freeze.
Massive blizzards that pack a sugar overload
The Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Blizzard in large size contains a staggering 1,650 calories and 148 grams of sugar – that’s equivalent to drinking nearly four cans of soda at once. Not far behind is the Brownie Batter Blizzard, weighing in at 1,390 calories with 139 grams of sugar.
If you still want to enjoy these flavors, opt for a mini or small size instead. You’ll get the same great taste without consuming nearly an entire day’s worth of calories in one sitting.
Triple burgers that break the sodium bank
The Triple FlameThrower Burger might sound tempting, but with 910 calories and 1,820 mg of sodium, it’s not doing your body any favors. Even more concerning is the Backyard Bacon Ranch Burger (Triple) which contains 2,310 mg of sodium – that’s more than the recommended daily limit in just one burger.
Consider ordering a single patty version instead. You’ll still get the same great taste while keeping the sodium levels more reasonable.
Snacks and sides with hidden sodium surprises
The Pretzel Sticks with Zesty Queso might seem like a harmless snack, but they pack over 2,000 mg of sodium. That’s more than 80% of your recommended daily intake, just from one appetizer.
Consider splitting this item with friends or opting for a side salad instead. If you’re craving something salty, the regular fries contain significantly less sodium while still satisfying that craving.
Basic burgers that miss the mark
Sometimes simpler isn’t better. Non-deluxe sandwiches often disappoint due to their bland taste and basic toppings. Without cheese and additional ingredients, these basic burgers can leave you wishing you’d spent the extra dollar on their deluxe counterparts.
What if you’re trying to save money? Add some personality to your basic burger by requesting extra toppings or a special sauce – most locations will accommodate these simple modifications.
Chicken strip combinations to skip
The Chicken Strip Basket and Crispy Chicken Strip Salad might sound like polar opposites, but they share one thing in common – high calorie and fat content. The salad, despite its healthy appearance, often contains as many calories as the fried basket option when topped with ranch dressing.
If you’re in the mood for chicken, request grilled instead of fried strips and opt for a lighter dressing on the side. This simple switch can save you hundreds of calories while maintaining protein content.
Making informed choices at Dairy Queen doesn’t mean avoiding the restaurant altogether. By knowing which items to skip and how to modify others, you can still enjoy your visit without regret. Remember – portion size matters most with desserts, watch the sodium in burger combinations, and don’t be afraid to customize your order to better suit your preferences.
