Updated Dairy Queen Menu Prices: Too Expensive? (2023)

In 1940, the first Dairy Queen opened its doors in Joliet, Illinois. More than eight decades later, this iconic ice-cream shop expanded globally with thousands of locations serving up their signature Blizzard and mouth-watering burgers worldwide. There are more than 4,500 Dairy Queen locations scattered across the United States. 

You’ll find the latest menu prices at Diary Queen in 2023 below. I also share money saving tips to help you minimize the impact of rising menu prices.

DQ Grill & Chill Location.

Blizzard® Treats Menu Prices

Classic Treats Menu Prices

Sundaes Menu Prices

DQ Bakes Menu Prices

Shakes & Malts Menu Prices

Dairy Queen MooLatte® Menu

Dairy Queen Soft Drinks Menu Prices

Premium Fruit Smoothies Menu Prices

Orange Julius Originals Menu Prices

Burgers Menu Prices

Snack Melts Menu Prices

Chicken Strips Menu Prices

$5 Lunch Deal Menu Prices

Salads & Slides Menu Prices

Dairy Queen Kids Meal Menu Prices

How to Save Money at Dairy Queen

Here are some of the best ways to save money at Dairy Queen.

Join the Blizzard Fan Club 

All it takes is signing up for the “Blizzard Fan Club” which provides you with many worthwhile promotions and discounts. You can now enjoy and save your money at the same time. Joining this club also get you to claim a free medium size Blizzard on your birthday (a value of around $5). 

Take Advantage of DQ Happy Hour

Transform your everyday routine into a positive experience by treating yourself to these flavorsome pick-me-ups.  From 2 PM to 5 PM on weekdays, participating locations offer enticing discounts on refreshing smoothies, delectable frappes, and invigorating iced coffees. This is the best time of day to save. 

Military Discount 

Dairy Queen has much to offer those who have served in the military to protect and serve the nation. For those in the military or veterans are eligible for a 10% discount. Make sure to bring your military ID to take advantage of this discount. 

Related Reading: The Full Cookout Menu Prices & Hacks 

Students Discount 

Some Dairy Queen locations offer a 10% discounts to students. This deal is not available everywhere, however. Make sure to call ahead or ask an employee if this deal is available before ordering. 

Fill Out a Survey for a Free Dilly Bar

Don’t throw away that receipt from Dairy Queen! You’ll often find a phone number on the receipt that will direct you to a survey. As a reward for your feedback, the chain will provide you with a coupon for a free Dilly Bar. Choose from classic chocolate, cherry, or butterscotch for a tasty treat at no charge. 

Free Cone Day for the First Day of Spring 

On the first day of spring, DQ is giving away a free vanilla soft-serve cone on March 20th. While the offer has expired for the current year be sure to check the companies social media accounts for future announcements. I hope this is a promotion that will continue every year. 

85 cent small Blizzards are a real thing. For a limited time.

$0.85 Small Blizzard Offer – Limited Time 

Downloading the DQ App is another way to find out about limited-time deals that will save you money. For example, from April 10th – 23rd you can order an $0.85 Blizzard with the app. You can’t get much for less than a buck these days so signing up is a no brainer if you want to be notified about more deals like this that are released through the app every single week.

Flip or its free? Some Dairy Queen locations will give you their famous Blizzard for free if the employee doesn’t flip the desert upside down before handing it to you. Personally, I’ve never had an experience where an employee hasn’t flipped the treat. But you could try to call it out if you see it happen in the wild. Keep in mind it’s up to the discretion of each location whether or not they adhere to this practice.

Of course, Dairy Queen will also occasionally mail out coupons or include them in local newspapers to provide further discounts. You can usually find a Blizzard BOGO offer or discounts on combo meals or Fan Food as it is sometimes called.

Have Dairy Queen Menu Prices Gotten Too Expensive?

Some people on social media say that they can no longer afford to eat at Dairy Queen as much as they used to. Others say they are only go to Dairy Queen for special occasions now.

Here are some examples of Reddit posts complaining about the price hikes at Dairy Queen:

• “I used to love going to Dairy Queen, but it’s gotten too expensive. I can’t afford to eat there as often as I used to.”
• “I went to Dairy Queen the other day and was shocked at the prices. A Blizzard used to be $3.99, but now it’s $5.99. That’s just too much for me to pay.”
• “I’m only going to Dairy Queen for special occasions now. It’s just too expensive to eat there on a regular basis.”

It’s clear that many people on Reddit are unhappy with the rising prices of Dairy Queen. It remains to be seen whether Dairy Queen will be able to maintain its customer base if prices continue going up. Of course price increases are not unique to Dairy Queen restaurants.

According to the CPI number from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that tracks prices of food and other goods, the price of ice cream and related products increased more than 15% from March 2022 – March 2023. Dairy products went up 16% over the same time period. Clearly, Dairy Queen has had to pass along the increased ingredient costs to the consumer.

Is there a secret menu at Dairy Queen?

Yes, there’s a secret menu at Dairy Queen. When something can’t be ordered directly off the regular menu, it seems to taste better. Why is that? Try these secret menus for some grill and chill the next time you visit Dairy Queen.

The non-dairy Dilly Bar is a new menu item.

Marshmallow cream, Coffee Blizzard, Frozen Hot Chocolate, Macho Meal, Midnight Truffle Blizzard, Jack and Jill Sundae, Chili Cheese Fries, Hawaiian Blizzard, Grilled Cheese, Peanut Butter, and Jelly Shake, Chocolate Chip blizzard, Samoa Blizzard, and 1950s-style Chocolate soda are just a few of their secret menus.

Here are some more secret menu items in several categories worth ordering. 

Dairy Queen Blizzards Secret Menu

1. Caramel Pie Delight
2. Sugar Cookie
3. French Silk Pie
4. Puppy Chow
5. Chocolate Cheesecake
6. Raspberry Cheesecake
7. Cookie Jar Blizzard
8. New York Cheesecake
9. Kit Kat with Caramel and Banana
10. Cinnamon Toast Crunch
11. Chunky Monkey
12. Fruity Pebbles
13. Oreo Hot Cocoa
14. Payday
15. Trail MIx
16. Key Lime Pie Butterbeer
17. PB&J
18. Tiramisu
19. Banana Cream Pie
20. Peanut M&M
21. Thin Mint
22. Caramel Mocha
23. Cosmic Brownie
24. Lemon Meringue Pie
25. Pina Colada
26. Cookie MOnster
27. Grasshopper Mousse
28. Coconut Cream Pie
29. Ferrero Rocher
30. Wonder Woman Cookie Collision
31. Mud Pie
32. Whopper
    

Dairy Queen Sundaes Secret Menu

1. Ultimate Cotton Candy Sundae
2. Jack & Jill
3. Dirty Rotten Sundae
4. Chocolate Pineapple
5. Throwback Fiesta Sundae
6. Brownie Oreo Cupfection
7. Triple Chocolate Utopia
8. Chocolate Rock
9. Cake Batter
10. Parent Trap
11. DQ Cupcake
12. Cotton Candy
13. Strawberry Banana
14. Chunky Monkey Shake
15. Shamrock Shake
16. Brownie Batter
17. Cinnamon Roll
    

Dairy Queen Food Secret Menu

1. Cinnamon Soft Pretzels
2. Cheesy Pretzels
3. S’mores Soft Pretzels
4. Cheeseburger Fries
5. Triple Cheeseburger
6. Grilled Cheese

Dairy Queen Secret Menu Chillers, Slushies, Smoothies, & Coolers

1. Jolly Rancher
2. Lemonade Chiller
3. Strawberry Lemonade Chiller
4. Cherry Lemonade Chiller
5. Boston Cooler
6. Mango Tango Smoothie
7. Frozen Coffee
8. Frozen Hot Chocolate
9. Creamsicle Cooler

Why is Dairy Queen so popular in the Midwest?

Dairy Queen menu flyer.

Dairy Queen is an extremely popular chain the the Midwest. There are a few reasons for this. The first is history. Dairy Queen was founded in Joliet, Illinois in 1940, so it has deep Midwest roots.

Related Reading: Culver’s Menu with Prices: Why So Expensive?

There’s also the community aspect. Dairy Queen is seen as a part of the community in many Midwest towns. It’s a place where people go to celebrate special occasions like a birthday or graduation, or to catch up with friends and enjoy a special treat.

This is certainly the case in my own home town too. Dairy Queen was only one of 3 restaurant options in a rural town of about 3,000 people in Northern Minnesota. Customers travels from all the small towns within a 20-mile radius to enjoy soft serve from the location that was only open from May – September.

How Much is a DQ Log Cake?

With the choice of your favorite style, the Dairy Queen log cake offers you a tempting fudge and crunch center surrounded by vanilla and chocolate soft serve. Measuring a generous 9×4 inches this DQ Log Cake serves up to 8 people making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

Bear in mind that cake designs and pricing will vary based on your local DQ Restaurant location, but rest assured each creation is worth trying. 

The “Minis” start at $13.99, while the “Small,” “Medium,” and “Large” ice cream log cakes cost $19.99, $24.99, and $29.99, respectively, if you prefer a larger cake. Just make sure to keep the cake in a freezer until you’re ready to serve. The cake starts to melt quickly when you place it in room temperature. 

What’s the Best Selling Item at Dairy Queen?

The Blizzard has been the best-selling item at Dairy Queen since its introduction in 1985 and its enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors.

Range of Flavors: The extensive range of flavors, including classic favorites and limited-time seasonal offerings, ensures a Blizzard for every taste and preference. Famous for its signature Blizzards, Dairy Queen is known for serving ice cream with a variety of delicious toppings, including cookies, chocolates, marshmallows, and brownies.

Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard, S’mores Blizzard, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard, Oreo Blizzard, Candy Cane Oreo Blizzard, Heath Blizzard, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and Royal New York Cheesecake are their top 8 most popular flavors in order of popularity.

There are so many Blizzard flavors.

Customers also appreciate the ability to customize their dessert with their favorite candy or cookie mix-ins, creating a personalized experience. The Blizzard’s unique texture, achieved by blending Dairy Queen’s soft serve with mix-ins at a high speed, results in a dense yet smooth, satisfying, and indulgent consistency.

Creaminess: Blizzards are made with soft serve ice cream, which makes them extra creamy.

The memories: Blizzards are often associated with happy memories like going to Dairy Queen with friends or family on a hot summer day. They can also be a reminder of childhood. I know this is certainly the case with me. I remember going to Dairy Queen as a kid with my parents and ordering an Oreo Blizzard. Fast forward a few decades and I now take my own children there for a special summer treat. And the circle continues.

Blizzard Treats

1. Blizzard Treat in Mini – $2.89
2. Blizzard Treat in Small – $3.69
3. Blizzard Treat in Medium – $4.09
4. Blizzard Treat in Large – $4.69
5. Blizzard Treat in Cone – $3.89
6. Extra Stuff – $0.69

Are the burgers at Dairy Queen any good?

While taste comes down to personal preferences, I think DQ burgers are pretty good, but not great. The patties are flame-broiled and juicy. DQ executes a classic fast-food burger that’s topped with mustard and ketchup unless otherwise specified. The census among my friends is that DQ burgers are totally average. 

Constructive criticism I found on Reddit include comments that the meat is sometimes dry and overcooked or the toppings are skimpy.

For your reference, here’s a list of the DQ Combos – combos that include a burger, fries & drink.

1. Bacon cheese GrillBurger – $3.99
2. Bacon Cheese GrillBurger Combo – $6.29
3. FlameThrower  GrillBurger – $5.39
4. FlameThrower  GrillBurger  Combo – $7.59
5. Mushroom Swiss GrillBurger  – $3.99
6. Mushroom Swiss GrillBurger Combo – $6.19
7. ½ lb. Cheese GrillBurger – $4.79
8. ½ lb. Cheese GrillBurger Combo – $6.99
9. ¼ lb. Cheese GrillBurger – $3.59
10. ¼ lb. Cheese GrillBurger Combo – $5.79
11. Original Cheeseburger – $2.19
12. Original Cheeseburger Combo – $4.39
13. Original Double Cheeseburger – $3.19
14. Original Double Cheeseburger Combo – $5.39
15. Chili Cheese Dog – $2.49
16. Chili Cheese Dog Combo – $4.69
17. Chicken Sandwich (Grilled or Crispy) -$3.89
18. Chicken Sandwich (Grilled or Crispy) Combo – $6.19
19. Chicken Bacon Ranch – $4.89
20. Chicken Bacon Ranch Combo – $6.99
21. Chicken Mozzarella – $4.89
22. Chicken Mozzarella Combo – $6.99
23. Turkey BLT – $4.89
24. Turkey BLT Combo – $6.99
25. Alaskan Pacific Cod Sandwich (Limited Time) – $3.19
26. Alaskan Pacific Cod Sandwich Combo (Limited Time) – $5.39

What Dairy Queen Toppings are Gluten Free?

Dairy Queen offers gluten-free options on its menu in addition to treats with lots of calories.

Gluten-Free Blizzards

1. Candy Cane Chill Blizzard – 460-1340 calories
2. Cotton Candy Blizzard – 390-1150 calories 
3. Snickers Blizzard – 350-1060 calories
4. Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard – 400-110 calories
5. Very Cherry Chip Blizzard – 320-920 calories

Gluten-Free Sandwiches, Salads, and Wraps

1. Grilled Chicken BLT Salad – 280 calories
2. Side Salad – 25 calories

Gluten Free Ice Cream Sundaes

1. Caramel Sundae – 300-600 calories
2. Chocolate Sundae – 400- 560 calories
3. Hot Fudge Sundae – 300-610 calories
4. Peanut Butter Sundae – 380-780 calories
5. Pineapple Sundae – 230-480 calories
6. Strawberry Sundae – 240-340 calories

Gluten Free Royal Treats

1. Banana Split – 520 calories
2. Peanut Buster Parfait – 710 calories

Gluten Free Novelties

1. Buster Bar – 480 calories
2. Chocolate Dilly Bar – 220 calories
3. No sugar Added Dilly Bar – 200 calories
4. Non-Dairy Dilly Bar – 240 calories

Gluten Free Toppings

1. Banana Slices – 40 calories

Gluten Free MooLattes

1. Caramel MooLatte – 490-780 calories
2. Mocha MooLatte – 500-780 calories
3. Vanilla MooLatte – 450-700 calories

Gluten Free Shakes & Malts

1. Banana Shake – 470-750 calories
2. Caramel Shake – 550-980 calories
3. Chocolate Shake- 530-920 calories
4. Hot Fudge Shake – 430-990 calories
5. Peanut Butter Shake – 640-1250 calories
6. Strawberry Shake – 490-800 calories
7. Vanilla Shake – 520-860 calories

Gluten Free Kids’ Meals

1. Applesauce – 45 calories
2. Banana – 110 calories
3. Kids fries -280 calories

Gluten Free Side Items

1. Bacon Queso Fries – 260 calories
2. French Fries – 280-470 calories
3. Lay’s BBQ Potato Chips – 230 calories
4. Lay’s Potato Chips – 240 calories
5. Oven Baked Lay’s Potato Crisps -130 calories

Gluten Free Condiments

1. BBQ Dipping Sauce – 90 calories
2. Light Italian Dressing -15 calories

Gluten Free Breakfast Options

1. Bacon – 390 calories
2. Ham – 60 calories
3. Hash Browns – 180 calories
4. Sausage – 190 calories

Gluten Free Julius originals

1. Orange Julius – 200 – 400 calories
2. Strawberry Banana Julius – 330 – 670 calories

Gluten Free Boosts

1. Antioxidant Boost – 20 calories
2. Banana – 25-50 calories
3. Energy Boost – 20 calories
4. Protein oost – 50 calories
5. Vitamin C Boost – 20 calories

Gluten Free Misty Slushes

1. Mango Mist Slush – 200-340 calories
2. Pink Punch Misty Slush – 200-343 calories
3. Poolside Punch Misty Slush – 200-380 calories
4. Tropical Lemonade Twisty Misty Slush – 280-500 calories

Dairy Queen VS Cold Stone: What Ice Cream Shop is Better?

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, Dairy Queen and Cold Stone, Creamery are two iconic ice cream shops that come to mind. With their rich histories and diverse menus, choosing between the two can be tough. Let’s do a close comparison between the two options to determine the right choice for your situation. 

Dairy Queen: The Soft Serve Sensation

Dairy Queen has long been a fan favorite in ice cream, boasting greater brand recognition than Cold Stone Creamery. Though technically not ice cream, Dairy Queen’s soft serve is famous for its low-fat content. One of Dairy Queen’s strengths lies in its significantly better gluten-free and vegan-friendly options, catering to a broader range of dietary preferences. The franchise also has more than 6,000 locations globally so you can find a convenient location almost anywhere. 

However, Dairy Queen falls short in some areas, with worse vegetarian menu options and delivery options than Cold Stone Creamery. Additionally, Dairy Queen does not accept debit and prepaid card support or offer in-store pickup.

The Blizzard Menu.

Cold Stone Creamery: Master of Mix-Ins

On the other hand, Cold Stone Creamery prides itself on its diverse menu and unique blending process, which involves mixing extra ingredients into the ice cream. Cold Stone Creamery stands out by offering a more engaging ordering experience when you enter a store. The employees at Cold Stone Creamery will mix your ice cream with your chosen mix-ins and toppings right in front of you. 

Cold Stone Creamery employees are known for singing to their customers too. The songs they sing are usually upbeat and fun, and they often have something to do with ice cream or the customer’s order. Songs you might hear include: Happy Birthday, The Sprinkle Song, and the Cookie Dough Song. If I were going on a date with someone, I’d choose Cold Stone since it could be a more memorable experience.

However, it’s worth noting that Cold Stone has worse gluten-free and vegan-friendly options compared to Dairy Queen. So if your companion has dietary restrictions, keep that point in mind. Cold Stone Creamery also has less locations so it may be impossible to get in your town. 

The Verdict

I don’t think you can go wrong with either ice-cream destination. If you’re looking for a classic fast food ice cream experience then Dairy Queen is the right choice. You won’t get a show, but employees will still flip the Blizzard cup upside down to demonstrate product quality. If you’re looking for a more unique presentation and customizable ice cream experience then Cold Stone Creamery is a safe bet.