A Dairy Queen small hot fudge sundae contains around 560 calories. This is based on the standard recipe and serving size at most Dairy Queen locations.
Serving Size
A small hot fudge sundae at Dairy Queen consists of:
- 1 scoop of vanilla soft serve ice cream
- 2 oz hot fudge sauce
- Whipped cream
- Cherry
The exact serving size in ounces may vary slightly by location, but a typical small sundae contains around 1/2 cup ice cream and 2 oz hot fudge sauce.
Calories in Each Ingredient
Here is a breakdown of the approximate calories in each component of a Dairy Queen small hot fudge sundae:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup vanilla soft serve | 140 |
| 2 oz hot fudge sauce | 200 |
| Whipped cream | 50 |
| Cherry | 10 |
| Total | 400 |
As you can see, the majority of calories come from the ice cream and hot fudge sauce.
Exact Nutrition Information
The exact nutrition information on a Dairy Queen hot fudge sundae can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes at each location. However, according to Dairy Queen’s official nutrition data, a small hot fudge sundae contains the following:
| Serving Size | 12 oz (336g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 86g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 77g |
| Protein | 6g |
As you can see, the official data shows a small hot fudge sundae contains 560 calories. This validates our initial calorie estimate based on the standard ingredients and serving sizes.
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
There are a few factors that can alter the calorie count of a Dairy Queen hot fudge sundae:
- Size – A mini or regular sundae will have fewer calories than a small or large.
- Ingredients – Adding mix-ins like peanut butter or cookie pieces will increase calories.
- Portion sizes – Getting extra hot fudge or whipped cream adds more calories.
- Soft serve type – Chocolate soft serve has slightly more calories than vanilla.
- Location – Ingredients and portion sizes may vary between DQ restaurants.
But in general, a small hot fudge sundae made according to standard Dairy Queen recipes contains about 560 calories.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the 560 calories in a small Dairy Queen hot fudge sundae into context, here is an overview of general daily calorie needs:
| Gender | Age | Daily Calorie Needs* |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Child 4-8 years | 1,200 to 1,600 |
| Female | Child 9-13 years | 1,400 to 2,000 |
| Female | Teen 14-18 years | 1,800 to 2,400 |
| Female | Adult | 1,600 to 2,400 |
| Male | Child 4-8 years | 1,200 to 1,600 |
| Male | Child 9-13 years | 1,600 to 2,200 |
| Male | Teen 14-18 years | 1,800 to 3,200 |
| Male | Adult | 2,000 to 3,000 |
*Ranges based on age, height, weight, and activity level according to USDA guidelines.
As you can see based on standard calorie requirements, a 560 calorie hot fudge sundae constitutes about 25-50% of a child’s recommended daily intake and about 15-30% for teens and adults. For most people, a small sundae would be considered a high calorie treat.
Ways to Make it Healthier
If you want to enjoy a Dairy Queen hot fudge sundae while reducing the calorie count, here are some tips:
- Order a mini (150 calories) or junior (250 calories) size
- Ask for low-fat or nonfat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream
- Get just 1 oz of hot fudge instead of 2 oz
- Skip the whipped cream topping
- Order the cherry on the side and don’t eat it
- Split the sundae with a friend
- Substitute fresh fruit like strawberries or pineapple for the cherry
Implementing some of these substitutions or downsizing portions can help significantly reduce the calorie content while still allowing you to enjoy the delicious treat.
Burning Off the Calories
Here is an estimate of how much physical activity would be required to burn off the 560 calories in a small Dairy Queen hot fudge sundae, based on a 125 pound person:
| Activity | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Walking (moderate pace) | 2 hours |
| Jogging (5 mph) | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Hiking | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Biking (moderate effort) | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| elliptical Machine | 50 minutes |
| Swimming laps | 50 minutes |
As you can see, enjoying a hot fudge sundae requires burning a fair bit of energy to compensate for the high calorie intake. Keep that in mind when deciding how often to treat yourself to this sweet indulgence.
Conclusion
A Dairy Queen small hot fudge sundae contains about 560 calories, with the majority coming from the soft serve ice cream and hot fudge sauce. While an occasional sundae can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, the high calorie count means it is best enjoyed in moderation. There are also ways to tweak a sundae order to reduce the calorie content for those looking for a lighter option. Keeping an eye on portion sizes of treats like this can go a long way towards maintaining good nutrition and your desired weight.