For the lactose intolerant, ordering ice cream can be tricky. Will that tempting sundae or milkshake leave you feeling miserable later? If Dairy Queen is your go-to spot for frozen treats, you‘re probably wondering: is DQ ice cream lactose free?
The short answer is no, Dairy Queen‘s famous soft serve ice cream is not lactose free. But don‘t give up on your Blizzard dreams just yet! There are still plenty of tasty options for lactose-free treats at this popular ice cream chain. Let‘s dive into the creamy details.
What‘s in Dairy Queen Soft Serve?
According to the Dairy Queen website, their signature vanilla soft serve ice cream is made with:
- Milkfat and nonfat milk
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Whey
- Mono and diglycerides
- Artificial flavor
- Guar gum
- Polysorbate 80
- Carrageenan
With milk as the first ingredient, standard DQ soft serve is high in lactose. In fact, the FDA requires products labeled "ice cream" to contain at least 10% milkfat. Dairy Queen‘s soft serve just barely skirts this requirement at 5% milkfat, which is why they don‘t call it ice cream.
But less milkfat doesn‘t mean lactose free. There‘s still plenty of regular milk and whey (a milk protein) in the mix. So if you‘re steering clear of lactose, it‘s best to avoid DQ‘s signature soft serve – and any treats made with it like Blizzards, milkshakes, and cones.
The Dairy Queen Blizzard Lowdown
Wondering if your favorite Blizzard flavor might be the lactose-free exception? Sorry, but no such luck. The Dairy Queen website confirms that all Blizzard treats contain milk. That‘s because each Blizzard starts with a base of that classic lactose-filled DQ soft serve before mix-ins are added.
So whether you go for Oreo, M&M, Butterfinger, or any other variety, Dairy Queen Blizzards are never lactose free. The same goes for their other soft-serve based goodies like sundaes, banana splits, and parfaits.
What About Dairy Queen Cakes?
Need an ice cream cake for a birthday party or special occasion? Unfortunately, you won‘t find any lactose-free options in Dairy Queen‘s cake catalog. All DQ cakes feature layers of that signature high-lactose soft serve and crunchy chocolate fudge. The frosting also contains dairy in the form of whey protein.
However, many local cake shops and bakeries now offer dairy-free and vegan ice cream cakes that would be perfect for lactose-intolerant party guests. Some national ice cream brands like So Delicious and Tofutti also sell lactose-free ice cream cakes in grocery stores.
Dairy Queen‘s Vegan Dilly Bar
But wait – there IS one ice cream option for the lactose averse at Dairy Queen: the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar. This chocolate-coated coconut milk treat is fully vegan and milk free. It‘s not made with soft serve or any other dairy-based ice cream.
Instead, Dairy Queen uses coconut cream as a base and coats it in dairy-free chocolate. The Dilly Bar is made in a facility that also processes dairy, so there‘s a small contamination risk. But overall, it‘s a deliciously safe bet for most lactose concerns.
The catch? You can‘t order this treat in the drive-through. It‘s only sold in pre-packaged boxes in the DQ freezer at participating locations. But for a ready-to-eat lactose-free dessert, the Dilly Bar definitely delivers.
Other Dairy-Free DQ Treats
If something fruity sounds good, you‘re in luck. Dairy Queen‘s Star Kiss bars and Misty Slush drinks are refreshing, lactose-free options. The Star Kiss pop features a water and fruit juice base. Meanwhile, the Misty Slush comes in several flavors like Cherry and Blue Raspberry, all dairy free.
Just be sure not to confuse the lactose-free Misty Slush with DQ‘s "Misty Freeze" treats, which DO contain soft serve. When in doubt, always ask before you order.
Lactose-Free Savory Eats at Dairy Queen
Need something more substantial than a Dilly Bar or slushie? Though DQ is famous for ice cream, they also serve up hot food. And with a few modifications, you can get a satisfying lactose-free lunch or dinner.
Most Dairy Queen locations offer hamburgers that you can order without the usual cheese slice. The bun and beef patty are dairy free. Just be sure to hold the butter if your location adds it to the bun!
Pair your burger with a side of fries for a lactose-free fast food classic. DQ fries are cooked in vegetable oil, not butter, so you‘re good to go. And their side salads are always a safe bet too, as long as you choose a dairy-free dressing.
Kid-Friendly Lactose-Free Choices at DQ
If you‘ve got a lactose-intolerant kiddo, Dairy Queen‘s children‘s menu includes a few milk-free choices. The applesauce, banana, and fries are all safe bets. And the kid‘s hamburger or hot dog can be served without cheese or butter.
Of course, the Star Kiss bars and boxed Dilly Bars are great handheld desserts for little ones too. And for sippable treats, go for 100% juice, soda, or a Misty Slush instead of the milkshakes.
Tips for Ordering Lactose-Free at Dairy Queen
Ordering at Dairy Queen when you‘re avoiding lactose doesn‘t have to be a minefield. Just keep these tips in mind:
- Skip DQ‘s signature soft serve and any items made with it
- Ask if hamburger buns contain butter
- Look for pre-packaged Dilly Bars, Star Kiss pops, and juice/soda
- Choose fruit, fries, or a side salad instead of ice cream sides
- When in doubt, ask a manager about the ingredients before ordering
The Bottom Line on Lactose at Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen may have the word "dairy" in its name, but not everything on their menu is off limits for the lactose intolerant. Though their famous soft serve DOES contain lactose, DQ offers a surprising variety of milk-free options.
You can stick to treats like Dilly Bars, Misty Slushes, and Star Kiss pops. Or go for a classic burger and fries – hold the cheese. With a little knowledge and smart ordering, there‘s no reason to skip DQ just because of a lactose sensitivity.
