Dairy Queen is known for its ice cream and classic fast food. With “dairy” in the name, it might not seem like a vegan-friendly place. But as more people look for plant-based options, Dairy Queen has started offering a few vegan-friendly choices you can enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, a salty snack, or a refreshing drink, this guide covers everything vegans can eat at DQ—and how to order smart.
Why Consider Dairy Queen?
Founded in 1940, Dairy Queen (DQ) is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world. It’s famous for soft-serve cones, Blizzards, and comfort foods like burgers and fries. While most of the menu contains dairy or meat, DQ has responded to growing demand by adding vegan desserts and customizable sides.
While it’s not the best spot for a full vegan meal, with a little effort, you can still find vegan options at Dairy Queen.
Vegan Desserts at Dairy Queen
1. Non-Dairy Dilly Bar
This is the most well-known vegan dessert at DQ. It’s made with a coconut cream base and coated in a dairy-free chocolate shell.
- 100% Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free
- Made with coconut oil, soy lecithin, and natural flavors
- Available in many U.S. locations (call ahead to check)
Nutrition (approx.):
80 calories | 12g carbs | 5g fat | 3g protein
Tip: Ask to confirm it’s the non-dairy version. Regular Dilly Bars contain milk.
2. Star Kiss Frozen Treat
This fruity, colorful popsicle is made from fruit juices and purees. It comes in cherry, watermelon, and blue raspberry flavors.
- Vegan-friendly and dairy-free
- Fun for kids and a refreshing option in summer
- Not always on the menu—ask your local store
Desserts to Avoid
The following DQ treats contain milk or eggs and are not vegan:
- Blizzards
- Shakes
- Moolattes
- Soft-serve cones
- Most smoothies
If you’re craving a dairy-free Blizzard, there isn’t one yet—but you can support campaigns calling for more vegan ice cream options in the future.
Vegan-Friendly Snacks and Sides
Dairy Queen’s food menu is mostly meat and dairy, but there are still some plant-based sides you can enjoy.
French Fries & Hash Browns
- Made with vegetable (soybean) oil
- Contain no animal products
Important: They may be cooked in the same fryer as meat items. If that’s a concern for you, ask the staff before ordering.
Nutrition (Medium Fries):
290 calories | 13g fat | 43g carbs | 4g protein
Pretzel Sticks (No Butter or Cheese)
- Ask for no butter topping
- Skip the queso dip (it contains dairy)
- Dip in BBQ, mustard, ketchup, or Wild Buffalo sauce
Note: Some pretzel dough contains L-Cysteine, which may be animal-derived. Ask the location for details.
Side Salad (No Cheese)
A simple but fresh vegan option made with:
- Romaine and iceberg lettuce
- Tomatoes, carrots, and red cabbage
Vegan Dressings (Marzetti Brand):
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Light Italian
- Fat-Free California French
- Asian Sesame (may vary by store)
Tip: Ask for no cheese and add extra veggies like onions or pickles for more flavor.
Kids’ Menu Sides
You can also grab:
- Banana (50 calories, no additives)
- Musselman’s Applesauce (unsweetened, 50 calories)
Lay’s Chips
- Plain, BBQ, and Baked Lay’s are vegan
- Avoid cheese-flavored or sour cream versions
Vegan Drinks at Dairy Queen
DQ has several dairy-free drink options to help you cool off.
Misty Slushes
These fruit-flavored frozen drinks are 100% vegan and come in flavors like:
- Cherry
- Blue Raspberry
- Mango
- Lemon-Lime
- Strawberry Kiwi
- Grape
Limited-Time Option: Twisty Misty Slush (mango + strawberry kiwi)
Nutrition (16 oz):
150 calories | 0g fat | 38g carbs
Avoid Misty Freezes – they contain dairy.
Sodas and Brewed Coffee
Safe, vegan drinks include:
- Coke
- Diet Coke
- Sprite
- Root Beer
- Brewed black coffee
Custom Smoothies (With Caution)
Some stores can make smoothies without yogurt by blending with water.
- Ask for a light smoothie
- Confirm no dairy is added
- Watch for blender cross-contamination
How to Make a Vegan Meal at DQ
Since DQ doesn’t have a vegan burger or sandwich, you’ll need to customize your order.
Vegan “Burger” Hack
- Order a cheeseburger without the meat, cheese, or mayo
- Add extra lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles
- Use ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce for flavor
Pair with: Fries, side salad, and a Misty Slush for a satisfying, plant-based combo.
Sample Vegan Meal Ideas
Light Meal
- Side Salad + Banana + Cherry Misty Slush
Filling Combo
- Vegan “Burger” + Fries + Pretzel Sticks (no butter) + Blue Raspberry Slush
Sweet Treat Set
- Non-Dairy Dilly Bar + Applesauce + Hot Coffee
Ordering Vegan at DQ: Tips to Remember
- Check Availability
Not all locations offer the same vegan items—especially the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar or Star Kiss. - Ask About Cross-Contamination
If you’re strict vegan, ask if fries or other items are cooked separately from meat. - Use the Allergen Guide
Visit Dairy Queen’s website or ask staff to view the ingredient and allergen list. - Be Clear with Staff
Say “no butter,” “no cheese,” or “no dairy” when ordering to avoid confusion. - Watch for New Items
Seasonal drinks and sides may be vegan—check the app or website regularly.
Nutritional Highlights (Vegan Options)
| Item | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Dairy Dilly Bar | 80 | 5g | 12g | 3g |
| Medium Fries | 290 | 13g | 43g | 4g |
| Side Salad (No Dressing) | ~25 | 0g | 5g | 1g |
| Misty Slush (16 oz) | 150 | 0g | 38g | 0g |
| Banana | 50 | 0g | 13g | 1g |
How DQ Compares to Other Fast-Food Chains
Dairy Queen’s vegan options are more limited compared to some other chains:
- Burger King offers the Impossible Whopper
- Taco Bell allows easy vegan swaps with beans, rice, and tortillas
- Wendy’s has vegan salads and baked potatoes
DQ stands out with its Non-Dairy Dilly Bar, one of the few vegan frozen desserts in fast food, but it still lacks vegan entrées.
Final Thoughts
Dairy Queen isn’t a full vegan restaurant, but it does offer plant-based snacks, desserts, and drinks if you know what to look for. With options like the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar, fries, Misty Slushes, and custom salads, you can still enjoy a visit to DQ without breaking your vegan lifestyle.
✅ Keep an eye on seasonal items
✅ Always double-check ingredients
✅ Ask staff politely for custom requests
FAQs:
Q: Are DQ fries vegan?
Yes, but they may be cooked in shared oil. Ask your local store.
Q: Can I order a vegan Blizzard?
No. All Blizzards contain dairy. Try a Non-Dairy Dilly Bar instead.
Q: What dressings are vegan?
Balsamic Vinaigrette, Light Italian, Fat-Free French, and sometimes Asian Sesame.
Q: Is the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar everywhere?
It’s available at many U.S. locations. Call your nearest DQ to check.
Q: How do I build a vegan meal at DQ?
Try a vegan “burger” with veggies, fries, salad, and a Misty Slush.
Maple Scoop is a trusted voice when it comes to Dairy Queen Canada menus and quick-service restaurant insights. She’s the founder of DQMenuCanada.com, a site that gives Canadians clear, accurate, and updated information about DQ menu items, prices, deals, and seasonal favorites.
What makes Maple different is her real-world research. She personally visits Dairy Queen locations across Canada, tries the food herself, talks to staff, and checks changes in menu availability, portion sizes, and customer service. She doesn’t just rely on online sources — she verifies everything directly. This hands-on work helps make DQMenuCanada.com a reliable and helpful guide for anyone planning a visit to Dairy Queen.
With a background in food service reviews and content writing, Maple understands what Canadian customers are looking for — from value meal options and Blizzard flavors to limited-time offers and diet-friendly choices. Her goal is to share honest and easy-to-understand information that helps people enjoy their DQ experience with confidence.
Maple is committed to keeping DQMenuCanada.com up to date and trustworthy. Whether you’re checking prices, looking for new menu items, or wondering about holiday hours, her site helps you stay informed — before you walk into Dairy Queen.