Dairy Queen is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a deal that’s hard to ignore: small Blizzards for just 85 cents, from March 24 to April 6, with any $1 purchase via the DQ app. With flavors like the new Mixing Bowl Mashup and Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake, it’s a tempting offer—especially when the usual price tag is around $6.
But before you dig out that spare change from your car’s cupholder, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s inside that affordable frozen treat. While Dairy Queen’s soft serve looks and tastes like ice cream, it doesn’t legally qualify as such in the U.S., since it contains only 5% milkfat—well below the FDA’s 10% threshold. That’s why DQ calls it “soft serve,” not “ice cream.”
The ingredient list includes milkfat, nonfat milk, sugar, corn syrup, whey, artificial flavors, and a host of stabilizers and emulsifiers like mono and diglycerides, polysorbate 80, guar gum, and carrageenan. While these ingredients are FDA-approved, some—like carrageenan and corn syrup—have raised health concerns, particularly for those with digestive sensitivities or those watching their sugar intake.
If you’re craving a frozen treat but want more control over the ingredients, try making a healthier version at home. Blend frozen bananas, Greek yogurt, a splash of vanilla, and your favorite mix-ins like dark chocolate chips or fresh berries for a creamy, naturally sweet “blizzard” alternative. You’ll skip the additives, cut back on sugar, and still satisfy your sweet tooth.
So, is the 85-cent Blizzard a good deal? Financially, yes. Nutritionally? Not so much!
