14 Healthiest Items at Dairy Queen in 2025

Are you looking for a convenient meal and want to discover what the healthiest items at Dairy Queen are? If so, this list is for you! While it may seem unlikely at first glance, Dairy Queen does have a selection of items on its menu that are healthier than the rest. 

The healthier items on offer at this popular fast-food chain combine fresh ingredients to create a nutritious snack that can fuel the rest of your day. After all, there’s truly nothing better than a quick stop at Dairy Queen for a pick-me-up that’s both satisfying in taste and nutrition.

To discover what is best health-wise to order, keep reading for the 14 healthiest choices at Dairy Queen.

 Jump to Section

• Is Dairy Queen Healthy?
• The 14 Healthiest Dairy Queen Items
• Learn To Cook Healthy Dishes at Home

Is Dairy Queen Healthy?

While Dairy Queen isn’t necessarily known for being the healthiest fast food chain out there, its menu certainly offers healthy options for customers. Some of these healthier items are quite obvious, such as different kinds of salads or smoothies, while others are pleasant surprises like ice cream sundaes and burgers. 

Overall, it’s all about moderation and being intentional about your menu choices. As covered in a study published via the National Library of Medicine, there are many hidden dangers of eating fast food and other processed foods, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, ensure you are consuming even the healthier items at Dairy Queen infrequently. 

While Dairy Queen shouldn’t be top of your list for healthy eating, it also isn't the absolute unhealthiest fast food chain. If you don't have a choice of places to go, you can eat relatively healthy at Dairy Queen if you need something on the go, once in a while.

The 14 Healthiest Dairy Queen Items 

1. Crispy Chicken Strips Salad

First up on our list of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen is none other than the classic Crispy Chicken Strips Salad. This low-calorie fast food staple features perfectly fried crispy chicken strips of white meat atop freshly cut lettuce, diced tomatoes, savory bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. 

You can also opt for Dairy Queen’s creamy homemade ranch sauce or choose another dressing of your choice to finish. Dressing can be served on the side of this healthy item at Dairy Queen if you want to control the amount of dressing added to your salad. With so many colorful vegetables and well-seasoned chicken pieces, this healthy item at Dairy Queen packs a ton of nutrients, including a good amount of protein.

It’s also one of the lowest calorie menu options, at 380 calories without dressing, and can be made healthier by getting it without bacon. However, with 1,110 milligrams of sodium per serving, it’s important to be mindful of your salt intake — especially if you’re managing blood pressure.

Crispy Chicken Strips Salad (Without Dressing) Nutritional Info

• Calories: 380 
  
• Total Fat: 20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5 grams
• Sodium: 1,110 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 65 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 27 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Total Sugars: 4 grams
• Protein: 26 grams

2. Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich 

While it is only a limited-time menu item, generally on offer around Lent, the Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich is among some of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen (along with being one of the best fast food fish sandwiches). This tasty, healthy Dairy Queen option features crispy fried wild Alaskan pollock that’s packed full of protein and omega-3 fats. The sandwich also includes freshly cut lettuce and creamy tartar sauce on a perfectly toasted bun. 

Compared to other sandwiches at Dairy Queen, it is quite low in calories and you can ask for no sauce or sauce on the side if you prefer. You should note that this fish sandwich has almost 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which is a large amount of your daily allowance of 1,500 to a maximum of 2,300 milligrams, according to the American Heart Association. 

Wild Alaskan Fish Sandwich Nutritional Info

• Calories: 420
  
• Total Fat: 16 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3 grams
• Sodium: 960 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 50 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Total Sugars: 7 grams
• Protein: 17 grams

3. Chicken Strip Basket 

The Chicken Strip Basket is a popular choice among the healthiest items at Dairy Queen thanks to its satisfying flavor and high protein content. It includes four or six crispy chicken strips made from white meat, served with fries, Texas toast and a dipping sauce.

Sauces like barbecue, ketchup and honey mustard can add extra calories and sugar, so opting for smaller amounts or skipping them can help reduce the overall load. As one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen, this meal is a good choice when looking for high-protein fast food.

The baskets, which feature some of the best fast food chicken tenders you'll ever taste, are also lower in cholesterol than the other meat menu items, such as beef hamburgers and pork hot dogs. That said, the sodium is a major drawback—2,090 milligrams in the 4-piece basket, which exceeds the American Heart Association’s ideal daily limit. For a lighter option, ordering three strips on their own brings the calories down to 430 while still delivering 23 grams of protein.

Chicken Strip Basket (4 Pc.) Nutritional Info

• Calories: 740
  
• Total Fat: 34 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams
• Sodium: 2,090 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 65 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 80 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 32 grams

4. Chicken Strip Sandwich

Another of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen featuring chicken as the protein is the Chicken Strip Sandwich. This menu item features crispy chicken strips, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise between a soft, toasty bun. A spicy version, featuring spicy mayonnaise instead of regular, is also available.

With this pick for the healthiest item at Dairy Queen, you get about half the sodium and a little less total fat and carbohydrates than the Chicken Strip Basket. While the sandwich offers a moderate amount of protein and includes some vegetables, it’s still made with refined white bread and fried chicken, which limits fiber and increases saturated fat.

Sodium remains a concern at 990 milligrams, nearly two-thirds of the AHA's ideal daily limit. To make this healthy item at Dairy Queen a fuller meal, add a side salad.

Chicken Strip Sandwich Nutritional Info

• Calories: 550
  
• Total Fat: 26 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
• Sodium: 990 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 40 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 62 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Total Sugars: 6 grams
• Protein: 18 grams

5. Hamburger 

Perhaps surprisingly, the classic hamburger is another one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen when compared to other menu items. The patty of this healthy fast food burger features 100% real beef that’s been expertly seasoned and topped with crisp pickles, sweet ketchup and fragrant mustard on a soft bun. 

While this is one of the healthiest Dairy Queen menu items already, an even healthier version exists in its kids’ menu equivalent. Everything is the same except for the size which lessens the calories to only 320, compared to 350 for the regular burger. At a smaller size, the kids’ menu hamburger is yet another one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen.

Although this is a high-protein option, the hamburger’s cholesterol and sodium levels are somewhat high. Also, keep in mind that processed beef products should be consumed in moderation, meaning this isn't one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen that you will want to consume too frequently.

Hamburger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 350
  
• Total Fat: 14 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6 grams
• Sodium: 670 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 35 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Total Sugars: 7 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

6. Side Salad 

Of course, a list of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen would be remiss without a mention of the fresh side salad. You could grab this on its own (or make a larger meal by combining two side salads) or add it as a side with one of the other healthiest items at Dairy Queen.

This healthy choice at Dairy Queen features diced tomatoes and crunchy croutons on a bed of freshly cut lettuce, making for a refreshing and balancing palate cleanser as you enjoy your meal. The fresh vegetables provide a great source of vitamin A and also have some fiber.

At only 25 calories in total (without dressing), it makes sense that this nourishing option is one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen. As an added perk, this item is also one of the tastiest vegetarian fast food items that the chain offers.

If you want some extra protein (and aren't vegetarian), you could add an order of chicken strips. Opt for ranch dressing and you'll have a convenient dish resembling a Caesar salad.

Side Salad Nutritional Info

• Calories: 25
  
• Total Fat: 0.1 gram
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 15 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 5 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Total Sugars: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram

7. Strawberry Banana Smoothie 

With two fruits in its very name, there’s no question that the Strawberry Banana Smoothie is among the healthiest items at Dairy Queen. This healthy drink can be ordered as a premium fruit smoothie or an original Orange Julius. 

The smoothie is a little lower in calories at 270, 350 or 440 for small, medium and large, respectively. The Orange Julius variation has 330 calories for a small, 460 for a medium and 670 for a large, meaning you may want to go for a smaller size with this version of the banana and strawberry drink.

As some of the healthiest Dairy Queen items on the menu, both beverages have low fat and sodium, plus lots of vitamins from the fruit. However, being all fruit-based, the sugar content is high (49 grams in a small), so this probably isn't a beverage you want to consume daily. To keep it in balance, consider it an occasional treat or pair it with a high-fiber snack to slow sugar absorption.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Small) Nutritional Info

• Calories: 270
  
• Total Fat: 0.4 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 grams
• Sodium: 75 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 5 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 64 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Total Sugars: 49 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

8. Mango Pineapple Smoothie 

The Mango Pineapple Smoothie is another of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen which is a smoothie. This premium fruit smoothie blends tangy pineapple, sweet mango, creamy low-fat yogurt and sweetener. The fruit and yogurt offer nutrients like protein and calcium to create a filling snack between meals. 

With its bright yellow shade, this fruity tropical drink is undoubtedly one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen that’s also delicious and refreshing. It’s slightly lower in calories than the strawberry and banana version as well, with 260 calories for a small, 330 for a medium and 420 for a large. 

However, despite its fruity appeal, the sugar content is high (49 grams in a small) with only 1 gram of fiber to help slow digestion. This means it may cause a quick spike in blood sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation. 

Pineapple Mango Smoothie (Small) Nutritional Info

• Calories: 260
  
• Total Fat: 0.3 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 grams
• Sodium: 70 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 5 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 62 grams
• Fiber: 1 grams
• Total Sugars: 49 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

9. Tripleberry Smoothie 

To round out the drinks on this list of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen, the Tripleberry Smoothie deserves a mention. This premium fruit smoothie features a blend of real strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, combined with low-fat yogurt and sweetener. While not a regular menu item and only available at select locations, it’s a standout option when offered.

Like the other smoothies on this list, the fruit and yogurt provide some protein, calcium and vitamin C. It’s also relatively low in calories, with 280 for a small, 370 for a medium and 440 for a large. An extra-large version is available at 660 calories, which may be too much for a snack and closer to a full meal in energy content.

Also like the other smoothies, it's high in sugar (65 grams in a small), which is more than most bottles of soda, and provides just 1 gram of fiber. This combination can lead to rapid digestion and potential blood sugar spikes. For a more balanced option, stick with the small and consider pairing it with a fiber-rich or protein-based food to slow absorption.

Tripleberry Smoothie (Small) Nutritional Info

• Calories: 280
  
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Sodium: 90 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 5 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 66 grams
• Fiber: 1 grams
• Total Sugars: 65 grams
• Protein: 4 grams

10. Dilly Bar 

The Dilly Bar is up next on our list of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen. This classic frozen dessert is a popsicle of refreshing vanilla soft-serve inside a candy shell. While it’s not a regular item and only available at specific locations, the locations that do offer it will usually have delicious candy coating options like chocolate, cherry and butterscotch. 

Served since 1955 and clocking in at only 190 calories, this is undoubtedly one of the healthiest items that Dairy Queen has to offer when it comes to sweet desserts after a delicious meal. Some locations also have a non-dairy Dilly Bar if you’re looking for the best vegan fast food desserts.

While the calorie count is modest, most of the fat (10 grams total) comes from saturated fat — 8 grams in a single bar, which is more than a third of the daily recommended limit. It’s also low in protein and fiber, with 18 grams of added sugar and limited nutritional value overall.

That said, its portion-controlled size makes it a smarter indulgence compared to larger, heavier desserts. As with most treats, it’s best enjoyed occasionally and balanced with more nutrient-dense foods throughout the day.

Dilly Bar Nutritional Info

• Calories: 190
  
• Total Fat: 10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8 grams
• Sodium: 55 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 21 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 18 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

11. Strawberry Sundae 

Sweet and simple, the small Strawberry Sundae is definitely one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen for those craving a sweet treat. Ordering this fast food dessert will get you a cup of creamy soft-serve topped with a gorgeous drizzle of strawberry topping, which includes real fruit pieces. 

Compared to other toppings, the strawberry version has fewer calories overall, making it one of the best sweet options on this list the healthiest items at Dairy Queen. In fact, when it comes to the sundae category of the menu, this sundae has the fewest calories at 230 calories for one sundae.

That said, the sundae still contains 32 grams of sugar (8 teaspoons) and no fiber. Saturated fat is also notable at 4.5 grams per serving, contributing a significant portion of the daily recommended limit. Still, its controlled portion size and lower calorie count make it deserving of a spot among some of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen. 

Strawberry Sundae (Small) Nutritional Info

• Calories: 230
  
• Total Fat: 7 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
• Sodium: 140 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 38 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 32 grams
• Protein: 7 grams

12. Mini Blizzards

If you want to treat yourself to a classic Blizzard while going for the healthiest item at Dairy Queen in this category, opting for a mini version is the best option. Total calories, fat and sugar will depend on the flavor you choose, but there are some relatively low-calorie (for a dessert) options like the Caramel Java Chip or Snickers flavors at 350 calories or Oreo at 380 calories. 

When you keep in mind that a small, which is the next size up, has close to double the calories of a Mini Blizzard, you’ll realize that this is the healthiest option when you’re craving this classic DQ treat. If you’ve tried most of the Blizzard flavors, you can also find lots of fun combinations on the Dairy Queen secret menu, many of which may be healthier than the regular menu Blizzards. 

Still, even in mini form, Blizzards are high in added sugars (up to 50 grams) and saturated fat (up to 11 grams), with limited fiber and few essential nutrients. While these are fine as an occasional indulgence, they’re best enjoyed sparingly. Pairing with water instead of a sugary drink can help reduce total sugar intake for the meal.

Mini Blizzard Nutritional Info

• Calories: 350-420
  
• Total Fat: 13-21 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8-11 grams
• Sodium: 150-300 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 30-45 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 55-65 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Total Sugars: 42-50 grams
• Protein: 8-9 grams

13. Kid’s Ice Cream Cone

Another of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen for those with sweet treat cravings is an ice cream cone in the kids’ size. You can get DQ’s famous vanilla soft serve in a wafer cone for only 170 calories. 

The small size makes it easier to fit into a balanced diet compared to larger, more calorie-dense treats. That said, each cone contains around 18 grams of sugar and 3.5 grams of saturated fat, with little fiber or nutritional benefit. Sodium is also slightly surprising for a dessert, at 100 milligrams per cone. 

Again, if you want a sweet ice cream treat from Dairy Queen, while not healthy, the kid’s size ice cream cone is without a doubt near the top of the list for healthiest desserts at Dairy Queen.

Kid's Ice Cream Cone (Vanilla) Nutritional Info

• Calories: 170
  
• Total Fat: 5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
• Sodium: 100 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 28 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 18 grams
• Protein: 5 grams

14. Kids’ Meal

We’ve already mentioned a few specific items that can be ordered in kids’ size, but another healthy option at Dairy Queen, if you’re looking for a quick and low-calorie meal on the go, is to opt for a full kids’ meal. This is also a top pick if you're searching for the best cheap fast food as its a kids' meal is affordable but still substantial.

You can get a hamburger, chicken strips or a hot dog (with chicken strips being the healthiest choice of the three), plus a healthy fruit side like a banana or applesauce and your choice of bottled water or a milk carton. A dessert can also be included, with options like a kids’ ice cream cone, Dilly Bar or dairy-free Dilly Bar.

The total calories for this item will be between 420 and about 650, depending on which dishes you opt for. Sodium and saturated fat can be a little high, but both are much lower than if you ordered a similar meal from the regular menu. 

Kid's Meal Nutritional Info: Varies

Learn To Cook Healthy Dishes at Home 

While this collection of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen is helpful to keep in mind for the next time you find yourself at this beloved food chain, you can also create a healthier lifestyle by learning to cook nutritious dishes at home.

One of the best ways to do this is by exploring some cooking classes near you. If you’re interested but want to learn these skills from the comfort of your own home, taking one of many online cooking classes is the perfect solution.

Taught by expert chefs, these comprehensive classes can help bring your cooking skills to the next level so that you can enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling diet.

The next time you’re craving a snack or meal on the go, this list of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen is sure to come in useful. Whether you want something savory or sweet, big or small, there are lots of options available at this popular fast food chain.

While Dairy Queen isn’t the place to go if you’re aiming for a truly healthy meal, these picks represent the best options from the menu. For an occasional treat or quick bite, they offer a more mindful way to enjoy your favorite indulgences.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.