Dairy Queen (DQ) is known for its “Happy Tastes Good” slogan and creamy soft-serve ice cream. But it might surprise you to know DQ offers a range of delicious, diabetes-friendly options, too. 

From burgers to iconic Blizzards (soft-serve ice cream with your choice of mix-ins) to low-carb chicken BLT salad and rotisserie-style chicken bites bowl, DQ offers choices that satisfy cravings – while still keeping your blood sugar levels in check. 

Dairy Queen’s online nutrition calculator allows you to customize your meals based on your dietary needs. Adding fresh vegetables and substituting fried options with grilled ones can significantly improve the overall nutritional value of your meal. Keri Gans, a New York-based registered dietitian, author of The Small Change Diet, and podcast host of The Keri Report, shared her top diabetes-friendly choices from Dairy Queen.

Top diabetes-friendly Dairy Queen menu items

It’s important to note that everyone’s body responds differently to food, so monitoring blood sugar levels after meals and adjusting one’s diet is recommended. diaTribe suggests that to maximize your time in range, you should aim for 100-150 g of carbohydrates per day, breaking it down to about 30 g of carbs per meal or snack.

Hamburger

“Sometimes at a fast food establishment, you simply want a burger,” said Gans. “At DQ, skip the cheeseburger and opt for their plain burger to keep carbs in check. And with 20 grams of protein, it’s your best bet.” 

Adding a DQ side salad is a great way to complete the meal and boost your fiber intake. 

Hamburger: 350 calories, 14g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 7g sugar, 20g protein, 670 mg sodium 

Hotdog

“It’s not often you see a hotdog on a list of what to choose. But at DQ, with only 330 calories, 25 grams of carbs (one of the lowest on their menu), and 12 grams of protein, it’s making the list,” said Gans. Just be sure to skip the one with cheese, she added.

Hotdog: 330 calories, 19g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 3g sugars, 12g protein, 820 mg sodium 

Hash browns with two eggs

Gans suggested that if you’re in the mood for breakfast, order a side of hash browns with eggs. “With 20 grams of carbs and 13 grams of protein, you will fare way better than if you chose many of their other breakfast options,” Gans said.

Hash Browns: 180 calories, 12g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein, 360 mg sodium 

Two eggs: 150 calories, 9g fat, 2g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 12g protein, 340 mg sodium 

Chicken strips

“Chicken strips can be a better-for-you option as long as you pass on ordering them in the basket that comes with fries,” said Gans. “The carbs might be creeping up a bit, but with 19 grams of protein, it’s still a good choice.” 

Chicken Strips, two pieces (kids’ menu): 280 calories, 13g fat, 28g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 1g sugars, 13g protein, 640 mg sodium 

Grilled chicken sandwich

Unfortunately, this sandwich isn’t available at all DQs, but it’s higher up on the list of healthier DQ options. “If you are one of the lucky ones where it is, order it. Packed with 27 grams of protein and low in fat and added sugars, it makes you wonder why it isn’t available in all their restaurants,” Gans said.  

Grilled chicken sandwich: 310 calories, 8g fat, 32g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 6g sugars, 27g protein, 1100 mg sodium 

Ice cream cone

It might surprise you to see ice cream on the list, but as Gans pointed out: “What is DQ without ice cream?” And according to the American Diabetes Association, sweet treats can be eaten by people with diabetes when enjoyed in moderation. 

“To help keep blood sugars in check, order the kids-sized cone with only 25 grams of carbs. You’d be surprised that a smaller serving can indeed satisfy your cravings,” Gans said.

Ice cream cone: 160 calories, 4.5g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 18g sugars, 4g protein, 65mg sodium 

Curious about other fast food options? Check out our other guides here: 

Photo credits: Dairy Queen