The banana split is an iconic ice cream sundae that has been satisfying sweet tooths for over a century. This classic dessert traditionally features a banana sliced lengthwise and served with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, whipped cream, nuts, and maraschino cherries. It‘s an over-the-top treat that is made for sharing.
While the banana split originated in drug store soda fountains of the early 1900s, today you can find delicious versions at many ice cream shops and fast food chains – including Dairy Queen. The DQ banana split captures all the flavors and textures that make this dessert so beloved but in the brand‘s signature style. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into the Dairy Queen banana split, from what‘s in it to how much it costs and beyond. Consider this your go-to resource before heading to your local DQ!
Anatomy of a Dairy Queen Banana Split
Let‘s start by breaking down exactly what you get when you order a banana split at Dairy Queen. According to the official Dairy Queen website, the DQ banana split contains:
- Banana
- Vanilla soft serve
- Chocolate topping
- Strawberry topping
- Pineapple topping
- Whipped topping
The foundation of the Dairy Queen banana split is the chain‘s iconic vanilla soft serve, known for its creamy texture and distinctive curl on top. The banana is sliced in half lengthwise to form a boat-like vessel for three generous mounds of soft serve.
The ice cream is then drizzled with ribbons of chocolate, strawberry, and pineapple toppings for a triple threat of flavor. A hefty dollop of whipped topping provides the crowning touch. While the classic banana split formula also includes nuts and a maraschino cherry, the DQ version appears to leave those out by default.
One key difference between Dairy Queen soft serve and traditional ice cream is the milkfat content. The FDA requires ice cream to contain at least 10% milkfat, but DQ soft serve falls below that threshold. While it can‘t legally be called ice cream, the soft serve still has the richness and flavor to anchor a decadent dessert like the banana split.
Dairy Queen Banana Split Nutrition Facts
Before we dive into prices, let‘s pause and assess the nutritional profile of the Dairy Queen banana split. Here‘s the scoop on what‘s inside this sweet treat, according to the DQ website:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 14 g (22% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 9 g (46% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg (12% DV)
- Sodium: 210 mg (9% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 95 g (32% DV)
- Fiber: 2 g (10% DV)
- Sugar: 74 g
- Protein: 7 g
With 520 calories and 74 grams of sugar, the DQ banana split is definitely an indulgence to be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. For reference, the American Heart Association recommends a daily added sugar limit of 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women. However, the banana split‘s calorie count is still lower than many of DQ‘s famously decadent Blizzards (some of which top 1000 calories) and it at least contains some real fruit in the form of banana!
Dairy Queen Banana Split Price & Sizes
Now let‘s get to the question on everyone‘s mind: How much does a banana split cost at Dairy Queen? The answer is a bit tricky since prices may vary between franchise locations, but here‘s what we know:
According to a recent check of the Dairy Queen website and app, most locations currently offer just one size of banana split. There‘s no mini, small, medium or large to choose from – the default size comes with the standard ingredients served in a disposable plastic boat dish.
The average price for this one-size-fits-all DQ banana split is $4.39. That‘s fairly reasonable considering the generous portion size and the fact that it includes three different ice cream flavors plus toppings. For comparison, a small DQ sundae with a single topping costs around $2.69, so you‘re getting a lot more bang for your buck by upgrading to the banana split.
It‘s worth noting that some Dairy Queen locations may occasionally run promotions that discount the price of the banana split. For example, in the past certain locations have offered the banana split for just $1.99 during limited time windows. To stay in the loop about any deals at your local DQ, consider downloading the Dairy Queen mobile app and turning on notifications. You can also check the location‘s Facebook page or other social media accounts where they may announce special offers.
How Dairy Queen‘s Banana Split Compares to Other Chains
Dairy Queen isn‘t the only major chain that serves banana splits. Here‘s a quick overview of how DQ‘s version compares to a few other prominent fast food joints and ice cream shops:
McDonald‘s: The Golden Arches used to have a banana split on the menu at some locations, but it appears to have been discontinued. The McDonalds banana split had a similar makeup to DQ‘s, with vanilla soft serve, a split banana, strawberry & pineapple toppings, and whipped cream. When available, the price was around $2.
Sonic: Banana splits are a staple of the menu at Sonic Drive-In. Sonic‘s version has real ice cream (not soft serve) in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry nestled in a sliced banana and topped with pineapple, strawberry, and chocolate syrups finished with whipped cream and a cherry. The regular size costs around $3.99, about 40 cents less than DQ‘s. Select locations also offer a Mini Banana Split for about a dollar less.
Baskin-Robbins: As one of the top ice cream chains, Baskin-Robbins is known for decadent banana splits customizable with your choice of any three ice cream flavors. Other ingredients include three syrups (chocolate, pineapple, marshmallow), whipped cream, chopped almonds, and maraschino cherries. The price for a Baskin-Robbins banana split hovers around $6.99, meaning you‘ll shell out a couple bucks more compared to DQ but the portion size is also more generous.
Overall, Dairy Queen falls solidly in the middle of the pack when it comes to banana split pricing. You can certainly find cheaper options, but DQ delivers strong value between its high-quality soft serve, ample toppings, and the brand‘s general reputation.
What Do Customers Say About the DQ Banana Split?
We‘ve analyzed the Dairy Queen banana split in terms of ingredients, nutrition, and cost – but what do real customers think? Let‘s take a pulse check on some recent ratings and reviews from across the web:
On Tripadvisor, many reviewers praise the DQ banana split as a refreshing, tasty treat. Several customers call out the freshness of the banana, the creaminess of the soft serve, and the generous portion size as highlights. The average customer rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
A glance at posts under the #dqbananasplit hashtag on Instagram reveals similar enthusiasm. Customers share pics of towering scoops of DQ soft serve perched atop thick-cut bananas and drenched in glistening ribbons of sauce. Positive captions call the DQ banana split "my favorite dessert ever," "absolutely delicious," and "big enough to share…or not!"
Of course, taste is subjective and not every customer raves about the DQ banana split. A few negative reviews on sites like Yelp critique the dessert for being "too sweet," "nothing special," or skimping on toppings. But the vast majority of online feedback suggests that the DQ banana split delivers on flavor, freshness, and value for your money.
Dairy Queen Banana Split FAQs
Still have questions about the Dairy Queen banana split? Let‘s finish up with a lightning round of frequently asked questions:
1. Does the DQ banana split contain any allergens?
The Dairy Queen website lists the banana split under the category of treats "made without peanut or tree nut products." However, it does contain dairy and soy. As always, if you have any allergies, it‘s best to consult the ingredient information in-store or online and talk to your server about your dietary needs.
2. Is the DQ banana split gluten-free?
According to Dairy Queen, both the traditional banana split and Banana Split Blizzard Treat are considered gluten-free. Just be aware that products are prepared in a shared kitchen space, so there is always a small risk of cross-contamination.
3. Are there any seasonal or limited-time versions of the DQ banana split?
Dairy Queen has been known to offer special seasonal Blizzard flavors inspired by the classic banana split. Past varieties have included the Summer Berry Banana Split Blizzard, which added strawberries and raspberries to the usual mix. Keep an eye out for any new banana split spinoffs on the DQ menu!
4. Can I customize my Dairy Queen banana split?
Most Dairy Queen locations allow for some customization of the banana split. For example, you can likely substitute a different syrup or request an extra topping for an additional charge. If you have any special requests, just ask your server and they‘ll let you know what‘s possible.
5. Does Dairy Queen offer any coupons for banana splits?
Dairy Queen has been known to release coupons redeemable for discounted or buy-one-get-one-free banana splits. In 2018, DQ celebrated its "Fanniversary" by giving away free banana splits to DQ mobile app users. For the best shot at banana split deals, sign up for the DQ e-mail newsletter and app.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks – the complete scoop on the Dairy Queen banana split. This classic treat definitely lives up to the hype, combining creamy DQ soft serve with sweet banana and a trifecta of decadent toppings. Considering the quality, portion size, and overall value, the average price of $4.39 feels like a fair deal. Whether you‘re looking for a post-Little League pick-me-up or just craving an old-fashioned ice cream indulgence, the DQ banana split is sure to hit the spot. The only question is, will you dig in with a spoon or a straw?
