Indulging Your Sweet Tooth with Keto Treats at Dairy Queen
When following a ketogenic diet, it can seem challenging to find ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without kicking yourself out of ketosis. With its traditional ice cream treats and blizzard creations loaded with sugar and carbs, Dairy Queen may seem off-limits. However, the popular fast food chain actually offers a surprising number of keto-friendly options for those looking to curb cravings without the guilt.
Keto-Friendly Blizzard Creations
TheBlizzard is Dairy Queen's signature thick, creamy soft serve treat blended with your choice of candy, cookies, brownies, and other decadent mix-ins. While classic options like the Oreo Blizzard clock in at 63g net carbs, there are several flavors that can fit into a low-carb lifestyle:
- Heath Blizzard - 10g net carbs
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard - 16g net carbs
- Snickers Blizzard - 18g net carbs
- Butterfinger Blizzard - 20g net carbs
Opting for a small size and asking them to go light on the mix-in will reduce the carb count even further. You can also request sugar-free syrups as a lower carb topping option.
Create Your Own Keto Blizzard
If none of the standard Blizzard flavors quite fit your macros, you can also build your own custom creation. Start with a junior or small sized soft serve as your base then mix in one of these keto-approved add-ins:
- Sugar free syrup (caramel, chocolate, strawberry)
- Fresh strawberries
- Sugar free chocolate chips
- Sugar free peanut butter cups
- Cocoa nibs
- Pecans
- Walnut pieces
Adding a sprinkle of chia seeds can also lend a fiber and nutrition boost. Stay away from sugary candies, cookies, cake pieces, and fruity swirls, which can quickly spike your carbs into non-keto territory.
Low-Carb Shake Options
If you're in the mood for something lighter than a Blizzard, Dairy Queen's line of Breeze frozen dairy shakes includes several keto-approved picks:
- Caramel Shake - 9g net carbs
- M&M Shake - 13g net carbs
- Oreo Cookies & Cream Shake - 14g net carbs
For the lowest carb counts, order a small or junior size. Asking them to go light on the candy mix-in can also help reduce carbs.
Grill Items For Low-Carb Eating
In addition to sweet treats, the Dairy Queen grill menu has some savory options that can work for a keto diet:
- Classic burger or cheeseburger lettuce wrapped - 4g net carbs
- Chicken sandwich lettuce wrapped - 2g net carbs
- Grilled chicken salad - 10g net carbs
- Side salad with ranch dressing - 3g net carbs
Load up your burger or chicken sandwich with all the keto friendly toppings like cheese, bacon, avocado, and sauteed mushrooms. For the grilled chicken salad, ask them to swap out sugary dressings or high carb toppings for ranch, cheese, almonds, and other keto compliant add-ons.
Tips for Ordering Keto at Dairy Queen
Making your treat keto-friendly at DQ is all about knowing what to choose and how to customize:
Size Matters
Pay attention to sizes - a junior blizzard or small shake will have significantly fewer carbs than a large. For blizzards, the smallest size they offer will be your best bet.
Skip the Classic Toppings
Pass on standard blizzard mix-ins like cookies, cake pieces, gummy bears, and sugary fruit swirls. Opt for nuts, sugar free chocolate chips, fresh berries, and other low carb add-ins instead.
Easy on the Mix-Ins
Ask them to go light on candy pieces or other higher carb mix-ins to cut back the carbs. A mostly chocolate or peanut butter base with just a sprinkle of candy pieces is a good option.
Make It a Shake
The Breeze shakes tend to be slightly lower in carbs than the thicker Blizzards, so opt for a shake if you want to maximize this.
Lettuce Wrap It
Ordering your burgers or sandwiches lettuce wrapped instead of with a bun is an easy way to slash the carbs.
Sugar Free Syrups
Opt for sugar free chocolate, caramel, strawberry, or other syrups as a topping to add flavor without the extra sugar.
Decadent Keto Blizzard Creations to Try
Here are some drool-worthy keto blizzard ideas to inspire your next trip to Dairy Queen:
S'mores Blizzard
Layers of rich chocolate soft serve with marshmallow sauce, graham cracker pieces, and sugar free chocolate chips capture the classic campfire treat in blizzard form. Just ask them to go very light on the graham cracker pieces.
Chocolate Caramel Blizzard
A chocolate and caramel lover's dream. Mix sugar free caramel syrup into chocolate soft serve and top with more syrup and a sprinkle of cocoa nibs.
Turtle Blizzard
Chocolate and pecan turtle candy flavors in blizzard form. Mix chocolate soft serve with a bit of caramel, chopped pecans, and sugar free chocolate chips.
Chocolate Cherry Blizzard
Tart cherries balance rich chocolate in this blizzard. Ask them to blend fresh cherries into chocolate soft serve then top with more cherries.
Mint Chocolate Chip Blizzard
A keto take on a classic flavor. Mix a few drops of sugar free mint syrup into chocolate soft serve then add Lily's sugar free chocolate chips and cacao nibs.
Keto Dairy Queen Tips
Here are some final tips for sticking to your keto diet goals on a trip to Dairy Queen:
- Check carb counts online so you know what to expect.
- Bring your own keto friendly toppings to add even more customization.
- Opt for dairy free soft serve if lactose is an issue.
- Skip the cone! Get your blizzard or shake in a cup to avoid the carby cone.
- Ask for sugar free syrup or caramel sauce on the side to control portion size.
- Feel free to give special instructions like "very light on the candy pieces."
Yes, you absolutely can still enjoy the occasional DQ treat while following a keto diet! With a few adjustments and smart customizations, you'll find there are more options than you think.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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