Quick Answer
Yes, most Dairy Queen ice cream cakes are gluten-free. The ice cream and cake layers used in Dairy Queen ice cream cakes do not contain gluten ingredients. However, some locations may use cake layers or decorations that contain gluten, so it’s important to check with your local Dairy Queen if you need a gluten-free option.
Ingredients in Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cakes
Dairy Queen uses a proprietary ice cream recipe for the layers of ice cream in their cakes. According to the company, this ice cream recipe does not contain any gluten ingredients. The common allergens contained in the ice cream are dairy (milk), egg, and soy.
The cake layers used in Dairy Queen cakes are standard chocolate or vanilla cakes made from a gluten-free cake mix. The mixes do not contain wheat, barley, rye, or any derivatives that contain gluten. The common allergens contained in the cake mixes are dairy (milk), eggs, and soy.
Many Dairy Queens decorate their ice cream cakes with icings and confections that are gluten-free, such as:
– Chocolate icing made from cocoa powder, confectioner’s sugar, milk/cream, and butter
– Colorful decorative icings made from confectioner’s sugar, water, and food coloring
– Chocolate drizzle made from melted chocolate or cocoa powder
– Sprinkles and jimmies that do not contain gluten-based ingredients
– Whipped cream
So in summary, the main ingredients of ice cream and cake used in Dairy Queen ice cream cakes are gluten-free. However, some locations may use decorations or accessories that contain gluten, like cookie crumbs or brownie pieces.
Risk of Cross-Contamination at Dairy Queen Locations
While the ice cream cake ingredients themselves are gluten-free, there is some risk of cross-contamination occurring in individual Dairy Queen locations.
Some factors that can increase the risk of gluten exposure include:
– The cakes are assembled in store by employees, not in a dedicated gluten-free facility
– Decorations like cookie crumbs may be added on top of the cake
– Tools for prepping and storing ice cream cakes could be exposed to gluten
– Airborne particles containing gluten may transfer from other baked goods like cones
So even though the ingredients are gluten-free, there is a possibility that trace amounts of gluten could make contact with the ice cream cakes during the in-store preparation and customization process. The level of risk can vary depending on the protocols each location has in place.
How to Order a Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake
The best way to ensure you receive a gluten-free Dairy Queen ice cream cake is to inquire directly with the location you plan to purchase from. Here are some tips for ordering:
– Tell them you need a gluten-free cake due to an allergy or celiac disease – this makes sure they take precautions.
– Ask specifically if the ice cream and cake layers they use are gluten-free.
– Request no additional decorations or accessories on top that may contain gluten.
– Ask if they prep and store gluten-free cakes separately from other items, to reduce cross-contact.
– See if you can customize and build your own cake using gluten-free ingredients.
– Ask if they have a special order form to mark your order as gluten-free.
– When picking up your cake, remind them it must be gluten-free. Check for any decorations added on top.
Ordering ahead provides them time to plan for your gluten-free cake. Reach out to the manager directly if needed to review their allergen processes. With some advance notice and clear instructions, most locations should be able to fulfill a gluten-free Dairy Queen ice cream cake special order.
Ingredients to Avoid on a Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Cake
When customizing a gluten-free Dairy Queen ice cream cake, there are certain ingredients and decorations you’ll want to avoid:
- Crushed cookies or cookie crumb topping – Most cookies contain gluten.
- Brownie chunks – Brownies are made with wheat flour.
- M&M candies – May contain gluten, depending on the variety.
- Oreo cookie pieces – Oreo cookies contain gluten.
- Cake layers or icing with gluten-containing wheat flour.
- Add-in mix-ins that contain glutenous ingredients or cookie pieces.
- Edible cake decorations that list glutenous grains like wheat, barley, rye.
- Anything identified as being made in a facility that also processes wheat.
Stick to ice cream layers, vanilla and chocolate cake layers, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, chocolate icing, and sprinkles or jimmies made in a dedicated facility. Check all ingredients before requesting them to be added to your gluten-free Dairy Queen order.
Recommended Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake Options
Here are some recommended options for ordering a gluten-free Dairy Queen ice cream cake:
Ice Cream Layers
– Chocolate or vanilla soft serve ice cream
– Royal fudge or chocolate extreme ice cream
Cake Layers
– Chocolate or vanilla cake made with gluten-free cake mix
Icing
– Chocolate fudge icing
– Vanilla buttercream icing
Decorations
– Rainbow sprinkles
– Chocolate drizzle
– Whipped cream
– Maraschino cherries
The Blizzard Cake and select seasonal options are also typically gluten-free choices. Again, confirm with your specific location on the ingredients being used for your order.
Dairy Queen Gluten-Free Menu Items
In addition to ice cream cakes, Dairy Queen also offers some gluten-free menu items at their restaurants. These items are based on the standard recipes and ingredients. Always check at your location in case variations exist.
Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Treats
- Soft serve ice cream cones and cups
- Blizzards made with gluten-free ingredients
- Misty Slushes
- Smoothies without glutenous mix-ins
- Sundaes with gluten-free toppings
- Dipped cones with chocolate or other gluten-free coatings
Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Food Options
- Hot dogs with bun substituted for lettuce wrap
- Hamburgers with gluten-free bun
- Grilled chicken sandwich without bread or with gluten-free bun
- Fries
- Onion rings
So people who must follow a gluten-free diet can enjoy ice cream, frozen treats, and other menu items at Dairy Queen. Just be sure to check labels and disclose your dietary needs to staff when ordering.
Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet at Dairy Queen
Here are some tips for safely meeting your gluten-free needs when dining at Dairy Queen:
– Review the company allergen information online so you are familiar with which menu items are higher risk.
– Always tell staff you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy when ordering. Make sure they pass this on to all employees handling your food.
– For ice cream cakes, give the store advance notice and provide gluten-free instructions. Order 1-2 days ahead when possible.
– Ask for your ice cream, toppings, and shakes to be made in fresh containers to avoid cross-contact.
– Request sauces, sprinkles, and mix-ins be added by spoon rather than dispenser if shared with wheat-based items.
– Check ahead to see if the location has gluten-free buns, and if they prepare burgers and hot dogs separately from others.
– Avoid breaded items and fried foods where ingredients are unclear. Stick to grilled or baked options.
– Inspect your order carefully and return any items that seem unsafe or were exposed to gluten.
Being vigilant about cross-contamination and educating staff on your needs goes a long way in dining safely with celiac disease or gluten intolerance at a Dairy Queen.
Traveling with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance
For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, being on the road or traveling can present some challenges. Here are tips for eating gluten-free when dining out at any Dairy Queen location during your trips:
- Do some scouting online to identify Dairy Queen spots along your route or at your destination. Look at their menus and allergen guides.
- Call your selected locations ahead of time to ask about gluten-free options. See how accommodating they seem.
- Use the Dairy Queen mobile app to order food for takeout or pick-up when you arrive. This minimizes mix-ups.
- Pack safe gluten-free snacks, treats, and meals to have on hand as backups.
- Bring wipes and hand sanitizer to quickly clean tables, trays, and seats which may have been contaminated.
- Travel with a chef’s card describing your dietary restrictions to show staff.
- Know the phrases to explain your celiac disease or gluten allergy in the local language.
- Try downloading translation apps so you can better communicate your gluten-free needs.
- Seek out grocery stores to buy fresh produce, meat, dairy and other naturally gluten-free items.
While eating gluten-free on the road takes extra planning and care, it is possible to manage at Dairy Queen locations with the right precautions. Research and preparation is key to safe gluten-free travel.
Dairy Queen Gluten-Free Kids Meals
For parents needing to feed gluten-free children at Dairy Queen, you can customize a meal with these safer menu options:
– A vanilla soft serve cone, cup, or blizzard. Request no cookies/toppings that may have gluten.
– a plain hamburger or grilled chicken sandwich with a gluten-free bun. Serve plain fries or apple slices on the side.
– A chili dog with no bun. Substitute fries or a side salad without croutons.
– A gluten-free smoothie with no cookie pieces or crisps blended in.
– A simple sundae with just ice cream and your choice of gluten-free toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or maraschino cherries.
The key is keeping it simple and not adding any risky bakery items. For younger kids, having some safe packaged snacks on hand is smart for before or after the Dairy Queen meal.
People Also Ask
Are Dairy Queen blizzards gluten free?
Most Dairy Queen blizzards are gluten-free as they are made with soft serve and your choice of mix-in ingredients. For gluten-free blizzards, opt for candies, cookies, and pie fillings that do not contain wheat, barley, rye, or malt. Oreo cookie blizzards have gluten due to the cookies. The Snickers and Butterfinger blizzards are okay. Blizzards made with the chocolate chip cookie dough or chocolate brownie mix-ins contain gluten.
What desserts at Dairy Queen are gluten free?
Popular gluten-free desserts at Dairy Queen include:
- Soft serve ice cream cones and sundaes
- Blizzards made without glutenous ingredients
- Misty Slushes
- Ice cream cakes customized to be gluten-free
- Smoothies made without glutenous baked goods as mix-ins
Always customize orders by requesting no cookie or brownie pieces blended in.
Is the Dairy Queen ice cream gluten free?
Yes, the soft serve ice cream used in Dairy Queen treats is gluten-free. Their basic ice cream contains milk, cream, sugar, and natural flavors. It is churned fresh in store. The ingredients and production follow gluten-free protocols. But beware of toppings, cookies, sauces, and other mix-ins added into sundaes and blizzards that may contain gluten.
Do Dairy Queen fries have gluten?
Dairy Queen uses standard fries that are made from potatoes, vegetable oil, and other gluten-free ingredients. CC’s Real Fries are also gluten-free. However, you need to request no seasoning salt, which contains wheat flour in the spice mix. For gluten-free fries, ask for no seasoning or just salt added. Their chili and cheese topped fries may be cross-contaminated.
Is Dairy Queen gravy gluten free?
No, the standard country gravy sold at Dairy Queen for biscuits and fries is not gluten-free. The gravy contains wheat flour as a thickening agent. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance will need to avoid Dairy Queen’s country gravy and stick to other sauce options for dipping.
The Bottom Line
Dairy Queen serves a variety of menu items that are naturally gluten-free, especially when it comes to ice cream treats. Their soft serve cones, sundaes, misty slushes and blizzard flavors made without glutenous ingredients are all safe bets for gluten-free diets. People with celiac disease can even order custom ice cream cakes that are prepared gluten-free by requesting allergen-friendly ingredients and advance notice at your local DQ. But some risk of cross-contact still exists when dining at a Dairy Queen, so precautions need to be taken and staff should be informed about gluten-free needs when ordering. By knowing the menu and getting confirmation that your meal is safely prepared, you can enjoy DQ’s frozen delights while living gluten-free.
