Quick Answer
Yes, Dairy Queen does offer gluten-free ice cream cakes. Dairy Queen’s ice cream cakes are made with gluten-free ingredients, so they are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The cake part of the ice cream cake, which is a fudge or chocolate crunch coating, is made without wheat or gluten. So you can enjoy Dairy Queen ice cream cakes even if you follow a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients in Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cakes
Dairy Queen uses high-quality ingredients to handcraft their famous ice cream cakes. Here is an overview of the main ingredients:
Ice Cream
The ice cream used in Dairy Queen cakes is gluten-free. It’s made with milk, cream, liquid sugar, egg yolks, and natural flavorings. Dairy Queen notes their ice cream does not contain any gluten ingredients.
Cake Layer
The cake layer in Dairy Queen ice cream cakes provides a layer of texture and crunch between the layers of ice cream. Traditional ice cream cakes have a chocolate crunch coating or fudge coating made with cocoa, sugar, milk, butter, and natural flavors. Dairy Queen confirms that none of the coatings or cakes contain gluten ingredients, like wheat.
Decorations
Dairy Queen ice cream cakes are beautifully decorated for birthdays or special occasions. The decorations are made from icing or fondant and do not contain sources of gluten like wheat. The icing is made from sugar, milk, and colors. The fondant decorations are rolled out from fondant that contains sugar, water, gelatin, glycerine, and natural flavors.
How Dairy Queen Makes Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cakes
Dairy Queen has developed a special process for handcrafting ice cream cakes that are gluten-free:
Managing Cross-Contamination
While the ingredients are all gluten-free, Dairy Queen takes extra steps to prevent cross-contamination during manufacturing and custom cake decoration. Employees thoroughly clean and sanitize work areas and tools before preparing gluten-free cakes.
Following Food Safety Processes
In addition to allergen controls, Dairy Queen follows careful food safety, storage, and quality standards when producing gluten-free ice cream cakes. This ensures the cakes maintain quality and safety.
Training Employees
Employees who prepare and decorate the cakes receive special training on gluten-free processes. They follow protocols to keep gluten-free items separate from other items during preparation and storage.
Using Dedicated Tools
In stores, employees use dedicated tools and decorating supplies specifically for gluten-free cakes. This prevents cross-contact with sources of gluten from other cakes.
What To Order from Dairy Queen
When ordering a gluten-free ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, here are some tips:
- Request an ice cream cake with chocolate crunch or fudge coating, as these are gluten-free.
- Ask for no added wheat/gluten decorations.
- Verify with the store that they follow precautions for gluten-free cakes.
- State that the cake is for someone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Some popular gluten-free Dairy Queen ice cream cake options include:
Blizzard Cake
Choose two Blizzard flavors to create a layered cake with vanilla soft serve in between. Popular gluten-free Blizzard flavors include Oreo, Heath Bar, and Snickers.
Chocolate or Vanilla Ice Cream Cake
Select chocolate or vanilla ice cream for a classic Dairy Queen ice cream cake. Get it with the chocolate crunch coating to make it gluten-free.
Custom Cake
Design your own custom cake with gluten-free ice cream flavors and toppings. Brownie batter and cotton candy ice creams make fun gluten-free choices.
Questions To Ask at Dairy Queen
If you need to avoid gluten, make sure to have an open conversation with the staff at Dairy Queen when ordering your ice cream cake. Here are some suggested questions to ask:
Are all the ingredients in this ice cream cake gluten-free?
Double check that the cake base, ice cream flavors, and decorations are all made without wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients.
Can you prepare my ice cream cake separately to prevent cross-contact?
Ask if they can use fresh gloves, tools, and surfaces to prepare the gluten-free cake away from other items with gluten.
What precautions do you take for gluten-free orders?
Understand their process and training for keeping gluten-free orders safe. Ensure they are aware it is for a gluten-free diet due to celiac or intolerance.
Do you have experience decorating gluten-free cakes?
Choose a store where the decorator knows how to keep gluten-free cakes safe from cross-contact with gluten decorations or frosting colors.
Can I see the ingredients list for the ice cream flavors/toppings?
Review the ingredient lists yourself to verify gluten-free ingredients are used. Look for mention of wheat, barley, rye or ambiguous terms like “natural flavors.”
Understanding Gluten and Gluten-Free Diets
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. It helps foods maintain their shape and texture, which is why it is commonly added to baked goods. A gluten-free diet strictly avoids gluten, which is important for managing celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten because it triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This causes symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. The only treatment is adhering to a 100% gluten-free diet.
When preparing gluten-free foods, it’s important to avoid cross-contact with gluten-containing ingredients. Even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and damage. Following gluten-free labeling laws, foods must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten to be labeled gluten-free.
Dairy Queen’s Allergen and Nutrition Information
Dairy Queen aims to provide allergen and nutritional information to help guests make informed choices:
Allergen Information
Dairy Queen indicates major food allergen information for menu items online or on store menus. Guests can check for the presence of wheat/gluten and other major allergens. Stores can also access ingredient lists for menu items.
Nutrition Information
Complete nutrition facts for Dairy Queen menu items are available on their website. The information includes calories, fat, carbs, sugar, protein and other nutrition facts.
Food Allergen Requests
Guests are encouraged to ask questions or make special requests regarding food allergies. Dairy Queen staff receives training on safely handling allergen requests.
Other Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Treats
In addition to ice cream cakes, Dairy Queen offers other sweet treats that can be prepared gluten-free:
Ice Cream Cones and Sundaes
Get a gluten-free cone or cup and fill it with gluten-free ice cream flavors and toppings. Popular options include Oreo, Heath Bar, butterscotch dip, hot fudge, and nuts.
Blizzard Treats
Blend a gluten-free Blizzard made with candy pieces or cookies like Heath Bar, Reese’s, Oreo, M&M’s, Butterfinger or chocolate chip cookie dough.
Frozen Yogurt Options
Dairy Queen also offers several frozen yogurt flavors that are gluten-free, like cotton candy, brownie batter, and carrot cake. Top it off with fresh fruit or gluten-free candies.
Dilly Bars
Enjoy Dairy Queen’s famous Dilly Bars on a stick. These chocolate-dipped vanilla ice cream treats coated in crunchy peanuts are gluten-free.
| Gluten-Free Dairy Queen Menu Items | Description |
|---|---|
| Oreo Blizzard | Vanilla soft serve blended with Oreo cookie pieces |
| Heath Blizzard | Vanilla soft serve blended with Heath Bar candy pieces |
| Ice Cream Cake with Chocolate Crunch | Layered ice cream cake with a gluten-free chocolate crunch coating |
| Chocolate Dipped Cone | Gluten-free ice cream cone hand dipped in chocolate shell |
| Brownie Batter Yogurt | Gluten-free frozen yogurt flavor |
Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet at Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen offers many tasty options for enjoying gluten-free treats. Here are some tips for safely eating at Dairy Queen with celiac disease or gluten intolerance:
- Review the menu online in advance and identify gluten-free choices.
- Tell the staff you need to avoid gluten due to an allergy or celiac disease.
- Ask which options can be prepared gluten-free.
- Request food prep surfaces, scoops, and tools to be cleaned before your order.
- Ask for certain gluten-free menu items like ice cream cakes and Blizzards.
- Check ingredient lists for dressings, toppings, and mixes.
- Aim for whole, unprocessed menu items like ice cream and frozen yogurt.
- Be aware that specialty flavors rotate, so always ask about new or seasonal items.
Eating out while gluten-free means being well-informed and asking questions. Dairy Queen offers flexible customization, so you can feel confident enjoying gluten-free frozen treats. With good communication and awareness, Dairy Queen can be a delicious option for those with celiac disease or NCGS.
Conclusion
In summary, Dairy Queen uses high-quality gluten-free ingredients to create their popular ice cream cakes. The ice cream, chocolate crunch coating, and decorations are all made without wheat, barley, rye, and gluten. With proper precautions by trained staff, the cakes can be safely prepared for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Dairy Queen also offers many other frozen treats that are gluten-free, providing delicious options for those on a gluten-free diet. Being aware of menu choices, asking questions, and requesting dedicated tools and prep areas are key to safely enjoying Dairy Queen with gluten-related concerns. Their customization and ingredient information make it possible to indulge in favorites like ice cream cakes despite dietary restrictions. With the right modifications, Dairy Queen can be a tasty option for gluten-free eating.
