Dairy Queen, also known as DQ, is a popular chain of fast food restaurants that serves a variety of treats, including ice cream. Many people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease may wonder if Dairy Queen’s ice cream is gluten free. The answer to this question is not straightforward and depends on the specific product being considered.
Gluten Free Options at Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, but they do offer some options that are suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities. These include:
Soft serve cones and cups
Dairy Queen’s classic soft serve ice cream is gluten free. However, it’s important to note that the cones used to serve the ice cream may not be gluten free. If you’re unsure about the cone, you can ask for your ice cream in a cup instead.
Blizzard treats
Dairy Queen’s Blizzard treats are not gluten free as they use cookies, cakes and other gluten-containing ingredients as mix-ins.
Dairy Queen Sundaes
Dairy Queen sundaes are made with gluten free ingredients but they are not gluten free as they are prepared in the same area where gluten-containing products are also prepared, cross contamination is possible.
DQ cakes
Dairy Queen cakes are not gluten free, as they may contain gluten in the cake and icing ingredients.
It’s important to note that Dairy Queen’s products are not certified gluten-free, so individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should exercise caution when consuming Dairy Queen’s ice cream.
The nutritional value of Dairy Queen ice cream
The nutritional value of Dairy Queen ice cream can vary depending on the specific product and serving size. However, here is some general nutritional information for their popular soft-serve ice cream products:
Small vanilla cone
Approximately 230 calories, 9 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 130 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.
Small vanilla sundae
Approximately 320 calories, 13 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 150 milligrams of sodium, 47 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein.
Small vanilla Dilly Bar
Approximately 150 calories, 6 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 15 milligrams of cholesterol, 60 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
Small Blizzard Treat
The nutritional value of Blizzard Treats can vary widely depending on the flavor and ingredients. A small Blizzard Treat can contain anywhere from around 300 to 600 calories, 15 to 30 grams of fat, and 40 to 80 grams of sugar.
It’s important to note that these nutritional values are approximate, and the actual nutritional content may vary depending on the location and the ingredients used. Also, these values are based on small serving sizes. Larger servings or adding additional toppings can greatly increase the calorie, fat, and sugar content.
So, It’s always recommended that you check the nutritional information provided by Dairy Queen or contact them directly for more specific nutritional information. Additionally, remember that consuming high amounts of added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium can be detrimental to your health and should be consumed in moderation.
Ingredients used in Dairy Queen ice cream
The ingredients used in Dairy Queen ice cream can vary depending on the specific product and location. However, here is a general list of ingredients that are typically used in Dairy Queen’s soft serve ice cream:
- Milk
- Cream
- Nonfat milk
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Whey
- Mono and diglycerides
- Cellulose gum
- Guar gum
- Carrageenan
- Vitamin A Palmitate
- Artificial flavor
It’s important to note that some Dairy Queen locations may use different ingredients or preparation methods, so it’s always best to check with your local Dairy Queen or contact them directly for more information about the ingredients used in their products.
It’s also important to note that Dairy Queen’s Blizzard treats and sundaes may contain additional ingredients such as cookies, cakes, candy, and other ingredients that may contain gluten, nuts or other allergens. Therefore, people with allergies or sensitivities should check the ingredients list or ask the staff before purchasing.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, while Dairy Queen’s soft serve ice cream is gluten-free, the cones and other treats may not be. Individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should be aware of this and take appropriate precautions when ordering from Dairy Queen. It’s always recommended that you ask for a list of ingredients or contact Dairy Queen directly for more information. Remember, cross-contamination can happen easily in a fast-food setting, so make sure to ask about preparation methods and ingredients when ordering.