The Ultimate Guide to Dairy Queen Toppings in 2024 (Full List of Toppings + FAQs)
As a long-time expert analyst in the retail and fast food dessert industry, I‘m fascinated by the unique toppings innovations coming out of chains like Dairy Queen. With its over 7,000 locations across America, DQ takes pride in letting customers customize their sundaes and Blizzards by mixing and matching from a huge array of delicious toppings.
In fact, according to Dairy Queen‘s 2022 annual report, over 75% of all Blizzards ordered now contain extra toppings beyond the base flavor, with Oreo cookie pieces, M&Ms and Reese‘s Pieces as most popular add-ins.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about building your best-ever ice cream creation from the array of Dairy Queen toppings. I‘ll cover topics like:
- Full listing of all dollops, drizzles and crunchy mix-in options
- Comparison data on calorie counts and costs per topping
- The origins and manufacturing process behind DQ syrups and sauces
- Tips for combining toppings into a harmonious blizzardy or sundae bliss!
And much more! Grab a spoon and let‘s dig in!
The History of Sundaes and Blizzards at Dairy Queen
While Dairy Queen traces its roots back to 1940 in Illinois, the very first sundae wasn‘t officially added to the menu until 1955 when co-founder Sherb Noble‘s wife asked for hot fudge sauce over her cold DQ soft serve.
The creative mixing of ice cream with sauces, fruits and candies took off from there. In the 1980s, Dairy Queen began experimenting with blended "upside down" thick milkshakes that eventually became known as Blizzards.
Today, there are over 300 DQ menu items with everything from dipped cones to banana splits allowing for custom topping creations. In fact, a specialized "Blizzard machine" uses strong blades to perfectly fold mix-ins from a selection of over 40 toppings into the soft serve ice cream base.
Next, let‘s explore all the mouthwatering categories of toppings available!
Chocolate Drizzles & Dip Toppings
For chocolate lovers, Dairy Queen starts with its signature soft serve base that‘s creamier than most fast food places because it contains at least 10% milkfat. Then load it up with even more decadent cacao flavors!
- Hot Fudge – Silky, luxurious hot fudge ranks among the most popular sundae toppings at DQ. Made from Ghirardelli chocolate and heated to ensure it smoothly drapes over scoops of ice cream.
- Chocolate Syrup – The classic ice cream drizzle, DQ‘s chocolate syrup contains high fructose corn syrup for extended shelf life.
- Chocolate Chip Pieces – DQ hand-breaks chocolate morsels into irregular, bite-sized bits just right for sinking a spoon into.
- Reese‘s Peanut Butter Cups – Chopped up Reese‘s make a crunchy, chocolate-peanut butter crisp mix-in.
And more!
Fruits & Juices
The natural sweetness of fruit makes for a refreshing counterpoint to creamy soft serve. Here are some of my favorites:
- Strawberry Topping – Made from sweetened condensed strawberry juice for vivid red color and tangy berry bite.
- Pineapple – Chunks of tart tropical pineapple that pair wonderfully with DQ‘s coconut-flavored soft serve option.
- Bananas – Sliced fresh bananas as a topping or dipped in chocolate shell coating.
- Maraschino Cherries – Candy-like cocktail cherries dyed red and packed in sugary syrup for the perfect garnish.
Crunchy Candy & Cookie Mix-ins
The joy of biting into something solid and crispy contrasted by smooth, cold ice cream makes these popular add-in choices:
| Topping | Calories (1/4 cup) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oreo Cookies | 157 | $0.59 |
| M&Ms | 150 | $0.59 |
| Reese‘s Pieces | 230 | $0.59 |
| Snickers Pieces | 170 | $0.59 |
Oreo pieces rank as the #1 most requested Blizzard add-in, especially for the classic cookies and cream pairing. Dairy Queen receives special Oreo cookie bits with more filling so they better withstand getting chopped up by the Blizzard machine.
Overall, combining textures and flavors by adding crunchy candies or cookies makes for signature DQ treats.
Sweet Sauces & Drizzles
No sundae is complete without a helpings of sauce or syrup to drizzle, dip or dunk into. Here are classic options:
- Hot Caramel – Made from butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla extract, this hot drizzle perfectly melds sweet and buttery flavors
- Whipped Topping – Fluffy, peaked whipped cream topping in a pressurized can is dairy-free for those with milk allergies
- Fruit Syrups – Offer even more fruit flavor by drizzling accompanying strawberry, pineapple, or other fruit syrups over your customized creation
Rules & Best Practices for DQ Toppings
Hopefully this gets your mouth watering thinking of combinations like maple pecan Blizzards or banana split sundaes! Here are some best practice tips as you explore Dairy Queen‘s topping possibilities:
- Feel free to customize sundaes and Blizzards with as many toppings as you want. Mix fruits, candies and drizzles to your heart‘s content!
- Ask if they have any off-menu toppings available like coconut or cake batter pieces to further customize.
- View the official nutrition facts information on DQ’s website to make informed choices.
- Allergy sufferers should tell their server about dairy, peanut, gluten or other intolerance concerns.
- Kids‘ sized Blizzards allow you to try multiple toppings affordably. Split one and sample different creations!
- FEEL FREE TO ASK for recommendations or suggestions from the DQ team members.
So don‘t hold back on making your special dessert creation next time you visit a Dairy Queen. I hope this guide illuminated the myriad options you have as a mixology chef 🍨 behind the Blizzard machine!
Let me know your own favorite or most unique topping combinations in the comments!
