Know Which Treats to Leave Behind
Dairy Queen has plenty of treats that can make a drive-thru stop worth it, especially when a Blizzard is involved. But between all those dipped cones and Dilly bars come a few not-so-great menu items that we’re good to leave behind. We’re here to break down which treats are worth your time and which ones will only leave you disappointed.
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1. Fries
You need to have good spuds to stand out among the competition, and Dairy Queen’s aren’t it. Though, to be fair to them, it’s not what they’re known for! Either way, when they aren’t fresh from the fryer, they can turn soft quickly and lose the crisp texture you expect. Even when they are fresh, the flavor isn’t much to write home about either.
2. Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard
Mm, we love Turtles! Or do we? The Blizzard option has a lot going on: caramel, pecans, chocolatey pieces, and soft serve. Sadly, that doesn’t always come together as well as it should. More often than not, you end up with a cup that’s mostly sweet without enough texture to make it memorable.
3. Original Cheeseburger Signature Stackburger
Again, to be fair to DQ, hot eats aren’t their bread and butter. But on the flip side, it’s not hard to make a decent burger, so imagine our surprise when simple things like patties and cheese just aren’t enough to hide the weaknesses. The beef is dry, the seasoning tastes a little off, and the whole burger feels plain.
4. Cheese Curds
Cheese Curds should be warm, crisp, and gooey, right? Well, Dairy Queen didn’t get the memo. Their version can be inconsistent depending on the location. The reality is that the texture can shift from perfectly melty to heavy and salty pretty fast. For the price, it’s not worth wishing you’d picked a more reliable snack.
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5. Misty Slush
The Misty Slush can taste more like syrupy ice than a balanced drink. Not to mention, the overloaded sweetness wears out its welcome before you reach the bottom. It’s a fine pick for someone who likes their drinks to have some punch, but it’s easy to regret if you wanted something lighter.
6. Original Chicken Strip Sandwich
The Original Chicken Strip Sandwich is exactly what it sounds like: Dairy Queen’s strips instead of a single chicken fillet—and it doesn’t quite work the way we wanted. The strips slide around as you eat, and the breading makes each bite drier than expected.
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7. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat
We know we shouldn’t, but we’ve all sampled cookie dough straight out of the mixing bowl. Looks like DQ tried to capture some of that naughty indulgence, only to bring a lackluster dessert. Because the flavor is so familiar, even a small change in the dough or mix-in balance stands out way too quickly.
8. Chili Cheese Dog
Despite its reputation for being an American favorite, DQ’s Chili Cheese Dog can be one of the messier and less dependable choices. More often than not, the bun is too soft, the chili tastes flat, and we aren't huge fans of the sprinkled cheese that doesn't melt; the whole thing is more filling than flavorful. Unless your local DQ has a good track record with hot dogs, don’t rush to order this one.
9. Sauced & Tossed Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Basket
The recently introduced Sauced & Tossed Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Basket takes a solid base and covers it in a sweet glaze that just…isn’t for us! The sauce only softens the breading, so you don’t always get the crisp bite that makes strips satisfying in the first place.
10. Pretzel Sticks with Zesty Queso
Pretzel sticks sound like an easy win, but they also depend heavily on freshness and sauce quality. So, when the pretzels are warm, they’re pleasant enough, but once DQ’s dough starts to cool, they get chewy and less appealing. The queso doesn’t do much to save it either.
That’s not to say it’s all a lost cause! These next picks lean into what DQ does well: creamy soft serve, candy-packed Blizzards, and a few old-school desserts that still hold up.
1. Oreo Cookie Blizzard
It’s Oreos and ice cream—you can’t go wrong! You get the familiar crunch of everyone’s favorite cookie blended into soft serve, which keeps every spoonful simple but satisfying. It’s also a safe order when you don’t want to overthink dessert and still want something that feels like a classic.
2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in a Blizzard? Yes, please! This one brings a stronger flavor than a basic mix-in, but don’t let that fool you. The peanut butter and chocolate still hold their own against all that soft serve, so the whole thing tastes rich instead of just sugary.
3. Chicken Strip Basket
We’re not saying the strips are bad—we’re saying to well enough alone! The original tenders are one of the better hot food orders at Dairy Queen; they offer a full meal without asking too much from the menu. The strips are made with all-white meat chicken, and the basket comes with fries and your choice of dipping sauce. It’s not fancy, but it’s tasty and reliable.
4. Peanut Buster Parfait
Sorry, we’re not done with peanut butter just yet! The parfait delivers a classic DQ experience in a taller, more generous format. We’re talking soft serve, hot fudge, and crunchy peanuts all working together in a way that’s not only nostalgic but also modern. Basically, it’s your new go-to when you want an upgraded sundae.
5. DQ Cake
Why else are we going to DQ other than for the cake? It’s one of the best orders when you want a trifecta of perfection: creamy vanilla soft serve, chocolate soft serve, and the brand’s signature fudge and crunch center. We’re getting excited just thinking about it!
6. Chocolate Dipped Cone
Look, no one does the chocolate-dipped cone better than Dairy Queen! You get the straightforward delight you’re expecting: vanilla soft serve covered in a crisp chocolatey shell. It’s comforting, it’s delicious, and it makes us feel like kids again.
7. Mint Oreo Blizzard
What’s better than Oreos? Mint ones, of course! The best thing about it is that it’s a little more refreshing than a heavier candy Blizzard. The mint keeps the cookie pieces from feeling too dense, while the Oreo still gives it enough crunch to give you your money’s worth. It’s especially good for anyone who doesn’t want a sugar overload.
8. Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger
There aren’t many things in life that can’t be improved with some bacon—and DQ’s Stackburger is one of them! Bacon and ranch give it a much richer taste, too, so it doesn’t feel as bare-bones as the simplest burger on the menu. It’s also a smart pick when you’re hungry enough for a meal but still planning on a Blizzard afterward.
9. Buster Bar
Do you want the flavor of a sundae without needing a spoon? Look no further than the Buster Bar, a mouth-watering snack that combines soft serve, fudge, and peanuts on a stick. Call us crazy, but there’s something satisfying about getting those classic DQ flavors in a grab-and-go format.
10. Hot Fudge Sundae
At the end of the day, DQ nails its ice cream treats, and its hot fudge sundae deserves a place on the table. If anything, they just prove that Dairy Queen doesn’t always need candy pieces, cereal bits, or limited-time toppings to land the order. You get what you pay for: warm fudge over soft serve for a simple combo that still feels indulgent every time.
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