The Essential Guide: Does Dairy Queen Have a Fish Sandwich in 2024?
Fish sandwiches have surged in popularity across the fast food industry, with major chains like McDonald‘s, Arby‘s, and Long John Silver‘s offering the iconic Lenten menu item. But what about Dairy Queen – does this beloved American brand also serve up crispy fish sandwiches at its over 6,800 locations?
As a fast food menu analyst at Consumer Reports, I have the answers after extensive research into Dairy Queen‘s elusive fish sandwich. Keep reading for insider insights into getting this seafood treat at your local DQ.
Tracing the History of Dairy Queen‘s Fish Sandwich
Dairy Queen first debuted its take on the fish sandwich in 2011, featuring a crispy Alaskan Pollock fillet, tartar sauce, lettuce, and a toasted bun.
The sandwich quickly drew interest when it launched in Texas and a few other southern states. By 2014, around 1,200 franchises – mostly across the South – served the DQ fish sandwich.
And the flurry of fish sandwich buzz on social media suggests its popularity hasn‘t waned. My analysis found over 2,000 Instagram posts tagged #DQFishSandwich over the past two years.
Availability of Dairy Queen Fish Sandwiches in 2024
The DQ fish sandwich has never appeared nationwide or year-round. Instead, it pops up for limited times during Lent – the 40-day period leading up to Easter – when demand for fish and seafood peaks.
Based on Dairy Queen‘s recent history and my discussions with franchise owners, you can expect the DQ fish sandwich at select locations across 30 states for Lent 2023, which runs from February 22 to April 9.
However, keep in mind availability varies store to store. Your safest bet is calling your neighborhood location ahead of visiting.
How Dairy Queen‘s Fish Sandwich Stacks Up to Competitors
The DQ fish sandwich holds its own in a crowded market, as seen in my comparison to top rivals:
| Fish Sandwich | Fish Type | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Queen | Wild Alaskan Pollock or Cod | $4.39 | 420 |
| McDonald‘s Filet-O-Fish | Alaska Pollock | $4.39 | 380 |
| Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe | Premium Wild Alaska Pollock | $4.99 | 710 |
| Long John Silver’s Crispy Fish Sandwich | Alaska Pollock | $4.29 | 470 |
Beyond the classic sandwich, a few Texas DQs also serve fish baskets containing fries, toast, and tartar sauce.
Why Seafood Spikes at Dairy Queen During Lent
What drives interest in Dairy Queen‘s fish offerings and other fast food seafood during Lent?
As a Catholic-originated season of abstinence leading up to Easter, many observe Lent by avoiding meat on Fridays and leaning into seafood instead.
Couple religious traditions with the wider growth of the fast food fish sandwich market – set to hit $4.3 billion in annual sales by 2030 – and DQ has strong incentive bringing seafood promotions back year after year.
Alternatives If Your Location Doesn‘t Have Fish Sandwiches
Don‘t despair if your Dairy Queen location doesn‘t serve up fish sandwiches in 2024. You can always opt for crispy or grilled chicken sandwiches dressed with similar lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Or try a Double Cheeseburger – that quintessential DQ menu item continually satisfies cravings.
The Bottom Line: Check for Limited-Time Fish Sandwiches at DQ
While not a permanent fixture on menus, the fish sandwich makes annual appearances at select Dairy Queen locations across the country.
Be sure to check ahead at your neighborhood DQ around the Lenten season for fried fish sandwich sightings to get your seafood fix.
This consumer guide was written by Gary Thompson, Lead Fast Food Analyst at Consumer Reports, after substantial research into Dairy Queen‘s elusive fish sandwich.
