When you think of Dairy Queen, the first things that likely come to mind are soft serve ice cream, Blizzards, and maybe burgers and fries. But does this classic American fast food chain have a fish sandwich on the menu? As a curious consumer and fast food aficionado, I decided to do a deep dive to get to the bottom of this question once and for all.
The Basics: Dairy Queen‘s Menu Offerings
First, let‘s start with an overview of what Dairy Queen typically offers. Founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, Dairy Queen has grown to over 6,800 locations in more than 25 countries. Known for its delicious frozen treats, the chain actually has an extensive food menu as well, including various burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and sides. The availability of some items can vary by location, as Dairy Queen restaurants are almost all independently owned and operated franchises.
However, one notable absence on the permanent, year-round menu at most locations is a fish sandwich. That‘s right – if you walk into a Dairy Queen on a random day hoping for a fried fish filet on a bun, you‘ll likely be out of luck. But don‘t lose hope just yet, seafood lovers. There‘s more to this story.
Something Smells Fishy: The History of Dairy Queen‘s Seafood Offerings
Dairy Queen‘s history with seafood dates back decades, but it‘s always been a limited offering. The company first introduced a fried fish sandwich nationally back in 1962 for the Lenten season. It was such a hit that it became an annual tradition, popping up for a few weeks every spring at participating locations.
Over the years, the specific fish used and recipe has varied. In the early days, Dairy Queen used halibut before eventually switching to wild-caught Alaskan Pollock, which is now the standard for most fast food fish sandwiches. At times, cod has also made an appearance.
The menu items have evolved as well, from a simple fried fish sandwich to more elaborate offerings like popcorn shrimp baskets, complete with fries, toast, and slaw. But the constant has been the seasonal, fleeting nature of Dairy Queen seafood. Blink and you might miss it!
The Elusive Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich
Here‘s where things get interesting. While not a permanent menu item, Dairy Queen does offer a fish sandwich on a seasonal basis at select locations. Called the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich, this elusive offering typically makes an appearance during the Lenten season in the spring.
So what exactly is the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich? It features a crispy-fried, wild-caught Alaskan Pollock filet topped with fresh lettuce and tartar sauce, all served on a warm, toasted bun. Prices may vary, but it typically goes for around $4-5.
When it comes to nutrition, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich clocks in at 420 calories, 20g of fat, 60g of carbs, and 960mg of sodium according to Dairy Queen‘s website. While not a health food by any means, it‘s fairly standard for a fast food fried fish sandwich. For comparison, McDonald‘s classic Filet-O-Fish has 390 calories and 560mg of sodium.
The limited-time nature of the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich has actually created quite a buzz among fans, with many taking to social media to express their excitement when it returns each year. Its scarcity seems to have only increased its appeal. Fans have even started online petitions to make the fish sandwich a permanent menu item!
Something‘s Fishy: Dairy Queen‘s Other Seafood Offerings
The Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich isn‘t the only fish in the sea when it comes to Dairy Queen‘s menu. Some locations, particularly in the South, also offer a Popcorn Shrimp Basket. This features breaded and fried popcorn shrimp served with fries, cocktail sauce, and coleslaw. A full basket runs about $6 and has 710 calories.
Even more elusive is the Alaskan Pacific Cod Sandwich, which has been spotted at select locations. Similar to the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich, it features a fried cod filet but is even more rare. According to Dairy Queen‘s website, the Alaskan Pacific Cod Sandwich was last seen on menus in 2019 for a limited time.
To further complicate matters, Texas Dairy Queens often have their own unique menu with additional items not found at other locations. The Texas Dairy Queen company actually operates separately from the national chain, with a slightly different logo and branding. This can include a Steak Finger Country Basket or even an Alaskan Pollock Fish Basket complete with fries, Texas toast, and tartar sauce for around $8. Everything‘s bigger in Texas, right?
Reeling in the Competition
So how do Dairy Queen‘s fish sandwich offerings stack up to the competition? Pretty much every major fast food chain, from McDonald‘s to Wendy‘s to Culver‘s, offers a fried fish sandwich, often made with pollock or cod.
What sets Dairy Queen apart is the limited availability of its fish sandwich and other seafood items. You certainly won‘t find a Popcorn Shrimp Basket at most other fast food joints. The seasonal nature makes Dairy Queen‘s seafood options feel a bit more special and highly anticipated.
However, Dairy Queen seems to be missing an opportunity by not having a permanent fish sandwich on the menu that‘s consistently available. Brands like Arby‘s have used a fish sandwich to stand out from the crowd and bring in customers who might not normally consider their restaurant. Captain D‘s and Long John Silver‘s have staked their entire business on fast food seafood! With seafood consumption on the rise, more and more consumers are seeking out fast food fish options.
The numbers back this up. According to market research firm Datassential, 66% of consumers eat seafood at least occasionally at fast food restaurants and 45% said they would order fish more often at fast food chains if it was available. A report from the National Fisheries Institute found that approximately 300 million fried fish sandwiches were sold at fast food chains in 2021 alone.
Sea it to Believe it: The Sustainability Story
For environmentally-conscious consumers, the sourcing and sustainability of the seafood used in fast food sandwiches is a growing concern. Fortunately, Dairy Queen seems to be doing pretty well in this area.
The wild-caught Alaskan Pollock used in Dairy Queen‘s fish sandwich is actually considered a "Best Choice" by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, which evaluates the sustainability of seafood products. Alaskan Pollock is carefully managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations as one of the largest certified sustainable fisheries in the world.
I had a chance to speak with a representative from the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP), who shared more insights. "Dairy Queen is one of our valued partners who features wild-caught Alaskan Pollock on their menus," he explained. "By sourcing sustainably-caught seafood and making it accessible to the masses through their restaurants, Dairy Queen is supporting the livelihoods of American fishermen and coastal communities as well as protecting the marine environment for future generations."
Some of Dairy Queen‘s other seafood products have had a bit more of a murky history. The popcorn shrimp, for example, was called out by Greenpeace back in 2016 for not having transparent sourcing information available. However, Dairy Queen has made efforts in recent years to improve traceability and work with sustainable suppliers.
Casting a Wide Net: Who‘s Eating Fast Food Fish?
So who‘s actually ordering these fast food fish sandwiches? Interestingly, it‘s a pretty wide range of consumers.
Families with kids are one key demographic, as fish sandwiches are often seen as a healthier alternative to burgers and chicken nuggets. A study by researchers at the NPD Group found that families with kids are 34% more likely to order fish at fast food restaurants compared to adult-only parties. For health-conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers, fish can be an appealing option as well.
Of course, there‘s the religious component too. During the Lenten season leading up to Easter, many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays, leading to a surge in demand for fish sandwiches. McDonald‘s Filet-O-Fish was actually created in 1962 specifically for Catholic customers in Cincinnati who wanted a meatless option. Many chains see a notable uptick in fish sandwich sales during Lent, which likely contributes to the seasonal nature of some offerings like Dairy Queen‘s.
But you don‘t have to be observing Lent to enjoy a good fried fish sandwich. As someone who admittedly doesn‘t eat a lot of fast food fish, I had to see what all the fuss was about with Dairy Queen‘s offerings. On a road trip through Texas last year, I made a point of stopping at one of the famed Texas Dairy Queens to try both the Alaskan Pollock Fish Basket and the Popcorn Shrimp Basket.
The verdict? Pretty darn tasty! The fish was crispy and flakey, and the popcorn shrimp were salty and addictive. The Texas toast and fries were a nice touch compared to just a standard fish sandwich too. While I wouldn‘t necessarily go out of my way to seek out fast food seafood regularly, I can understand the appeal and the excitement when the limited-time offering rolls around each year.
The One That Got Away: When the Fish Sandwich Isn‘t on the Menu
So what‘s a pescatarian to do if they find themselves at Dairy Queen when the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich isn‘t available? Don‘t worry, there are still some solid options to curb your hunger.
Dairy Queen offers a crispy chicken sandwich and a grilled chicken sandwich, both of which feature a white meat chicken fillet on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. While not quite the same as fish, the crispy chicken sandwich offers a similar fried crunch as the fish sandwich if that‘s what you‘re after. The grilled version is a bit lighter but still satisfying.
You could also opt for a side salad and a Blizzard or sundae to get a nice mix of fresh vegetables and an indulgent treat. Just don‘t expect to find any seafood salads on the menu at most locations.
Another route is to check and see if you‘re near one of the fabled Texas Dairy Queens with its own expanded menu. You never know what exciting options you may find. When in Rome, or in this case, the Lone Star State!
The Future of Fast Food Fish
As fast food chains continuously vie for customers‘ attention and dollars, seafood remains an area of opportunity and expansion. Dairy Queen finds itself in an interesting position, with popular seasonal seafood offerings but no permanent options.
I had the chance to speak with a Dairy Queen franchise owner who shared some insights into the company‘s strategy. He noted that the limited-time offerings like the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich drive excitement and urgency, giving customers a reason to visit now before it‘s gone.
It also allows Dairy Queen to take advantage of seasonal supply chains for wild-caught seafood. Pollock is at its peak in terms of availability and quality during the late winter and early spring, so it makes sense to feature it then. The same goes for shrimp, which is more widely available in the summer months.
However, he did hint that Dairy Queen is exploring options for more seafood offerings throughout the year, either as permanent menu items or more frequent limited-time offerings. "We know there‘s demand out there for fast food seafood options beyond just the Lenten season," he said. "It‘s something we‘re actively working on and hoping to test in select markets in the coming years."
The future looks bright for fish fans at Dairy Queen. But for now, we‘ll just have to keep our eyes peeled for that elusive Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich or take a road trip down to Texas for a full fish basket experience. The thrill of the chase makes that first bite of flaky fried fish all the more satisfying. And if your local Dairy Queen doesn‘t have any seafood options when that craving hits, you can still experience a bit of summer at the beach with a classic hot fudge sundae or Blizzard. Life‘s a catch!
Final Thoughts: The Reel Deal on Dairy Queen‘s Fish Sandwich
So does Dairy Queen have a fish sandwich? The answer is a resounding sorta, sometimes, and it depends. While no permanent fish sandwich graces the menu, that hasn‘t stopped the chain from becoming a favorite seasonal destination for fast food seafood lovers in the know.
The Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich may be hard to catch, but it‘s gained an almost cult-like following for its appearance each spring, letting customers enjoy a taste of the sea along with their Blizzards. And in certain regions, additional offerings like the Popcorn Shrimp Basket and regional exclusives add to the intrigue.
While some may lament the lack of a consistent fish sandwich option, there‘s something to be said for the excitement and buzz Dairy Queen has drummed up around its limited-time seafood specialties. Absence makes the heart (and stomach) grow fonder, and that certainly seems to be the case here.
The future looks promising for more seafood offerings at Dairy Queen and other fast food chains, as customers seek out more varied options. But for now, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich remains the supreme catch at Dairy Queen for fish filet fans in the know. Just don‘t forget the napkins – that crispy battered fish can be a deliciously messy affair!
