Dairy Queen’s chili cheese fries are a popular menu item that combines crispy french fries, cheese sauce, and chili. But this indulgent snack also packs a lot of calories. So how many calories are actually in an order of DQ chili cheese fries?
Calories in Regular DQ Chili Cheese Fries
A regular order of Dairy Queen chili cheese fries contains approximately 770 calories.
This is based on the Chili Cheese Fries nutrition information on the Dairy Queen website:
- Calories: 770
- Total Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 80g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 21g
A regular order provides a large portion of crispy fries topped with chili and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty snack with 39g of fat and 80g of carbs.
So if you’re keeping track of calories, that one regular order delivers nearly 800 calories.
Calories in a Small Chili Cheese Fry
Dairy Queen also offers chili cheese fries in a smaller size.
The small chili cheese fries have 470 calories.
Factors that Affect Chili Cheese Fry Calories
There are a few factors that can alter the calorie count of DQ chili cheese fries:
Fry Portion Size
The regular size provides a larger portion of fries than the small size. More fries means more calories, carbohydrates, fat, etc. Sticking with the smaller chili cheese fry order can save you about 300 calories.
Added Toppings
Adding extra toppings like bacon pieces or sour cream will tack on additional calories. Load up your fries, and you’ll also boost the calorie count.
Dipping Sauces
Pairing chili cheese fries with a fatty, calorie-dense dipping sauce also increases the overall calorie content. Using ketchup or mustard as dipping sauces instead can limit unnecessary calories.
Healthiest Ways to Order DQ Chili Cheese Fries
If you want to indulge in chili cheese fries but limit calories, here are some ways to order a healthier version:
Choose the Small Size
Opt for the smaller portion of chili cheese fries. You’ll shave off about 300 calories compared to the regular order.
Hold the Bacon and Sour Cream
Skip any extra bacon pieces or sour cream toppings to avoid those added calories.
Ask for Less Cheese
Request less cheddar cheese sauce to trim some fat and calories. Cheese is one of the higher calorie toppings.
Dip in Ketchup or Mustard
Use condiments like ketchup and mustard rather than ranch dressing or other heavy dipping sauces.
Split Your Order
If dining with a friend, consider splitting one order of chili cheese fries. You’ll get to enjoy this tasty snack in moderation.
Nutritional Value of Chili Cheese Fries
Beyond just calories, here is a look at the full nutritional value in a regular order of DQ chili cheese fries:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 39g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 1190mg | 52% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 80g | 30% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g | 18% |
| Sugars | 5g | |
| Protein | 21g |
As you can see, chili cheese fries provide a lot of fat, sodium, and saturated fat. The protein and fiber content help balance some of those nutritional negatives. Overall, this menu item should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.
Ways to Burn Off Chili Cheese Fry Calories
Chili cheese fries aren’t the most diet-friendly menu choice. But here are some activities that can help burn off those indulgent calories:
Brisk Walking
Going for a brisk 60-minute walk will burn around 300 calories for a 160-pound person. So double up on your walking time, and you can offset a regular order of chili cheese fries.
Jogging
Lace up your running shoes! Jogging at 5mph for 60 minutes burns approximately 595 calories for a 160-pound person.
Swimming
Hit the pool for some laps. An hour of leisurely swimming burns 423 calories. Pick up the intensity by doing laps of front crawl stroke, and you can burn over 700 calories.
Aerobics Class
Take a high energy aerobics class for 60 minutes to torch 570-630 calories. Zumba, step aerobics, and kickboxing are great options.
HIIT Workout
Try a high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that combines bursts of intense exercise with recovery periods. This can burn over 500 calories in 30 minutes.
Healthier Alternatives to Chili Cheese Fries
If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, chili cheese fries may not be the best option. Here are some healthier items to order instead:
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
A classic grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato has around 320 calories. Pair it with a side salad instead of fries.
Chili
A bowl of chili provides protein, fiber, and many vitamins. Get it plain or over a baked potato for a meal under 500 calories.
Yogurt Parfait
Make your own yogurt parfait with chopped fruit, low-fat yogurt, and cereal or granola for a calcium-rich breakfast or snack.
Baked Potato
Order a baked potato with chili and veggies instead of chili cheese fries. This provides fewer calories and fat.
Grilled Chicken Salad
Choose a grilled chicken salad with light dressing and you’ll get a filling meal for around 400 calories. Load up on the veggies for more fiber.
Conclusion
A regular order of Dairy Queen chili cheese fries contains about 770 calories. Choosing the smaller portion or ordering with fewer toppings can reduce the calorie count. While chili cheese fries make for an indulgent, crave-worthy treat every once in a while, eating them too often can lead to weight gain given the high amount of fat and calories. Balance out your chili cheese fries splurge with plenty of healthy foods and physical activity. Or choose lighter menu options like grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, baked potatoes, or yogurt parfaits to manage your daily calorie intake.
