Dairy Queen Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Dairy Queen cooks with: Fries, onion rings and fried chicken cooked in a soybean/vegetable oil blend (high PUFA); soft serve itself is dairy (very low PUFA) but candy mix-ins add 2-4g.. Across the 49 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Dairy Queen
| Misty Slush (medium) | 0.0g PUFA |
| Small Vanilla Soft Serve Cone | 1.0g PUFA |
| Vanilla Cone (medium) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Hot Fudge Sundae (medium) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Chocolate Shake (medium) | 1.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Dairy Queen
| Chicken Strip Basket (6 pc, with fries) | 25.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Strip Basket (4 pc, with fries) | 20.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Strip Basket (4 pc) | 16.0g PUFA |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 14.0g PUFA |
| 3pc Chicken Strip Basket | 12.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Dairy Queen use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Dairy Queen cooks with: Fries, onion rings and fried chicken cooked in a soybean/vegetable oil blend (high PUFA); soft serve itself is dairy (very low PUFA) but candy mix-ins add 2-4g.. Across the 49 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Dairy Queen cook with?
Our research indicates: Fries, onion rings and fried chicken cooked in a soybean/vegetable oil blend (high PUFA); soft serve itself is dairy (very low PUFA) but candy mix-ins add 2-4g.. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Dairy Queen use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Dairy Queen cooks with Fries, onion rings and fried chicken cooked in a soybean/vegetable oil blend (high PUFA); soft serve itself is dairy (very low PUFA) but candy mix-ins add 2-4g., not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Dairy Queen seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Dairy Queen cooks with Fries, onion rings and fried chicken cooked in a soybean/vegetable oil blend (high PUFA); soft serve itself is dairy (very low PUFA) but candy mix-ins add 2-4g., which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Dairy Queen?
Misty Slush (medium) is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Dairy Queen, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Dairy Queen?
Chicken Strip Basket (6 pc, with fries) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Dairy Queen, at an estimated 25.0g PUFA. Fried items and creamy, mayo-based sauces are usually the heaviest.
What are seed oils?
Seed oils — canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, and similar vegetable oils — are extracted from seeds using high heat and chemical solvents. They are very high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which are unstable at cooking temperatures and can oxidize easily. Many health-conscious eaters choose to minimize seed oils and prefer foods cooked in beef tallow, butter, coconut oil, or olive oil instead. This page shows estimated PUFA grams per menu item to help you make more informed choices. These are estimates — actual values vary by preparation and location. Curious why people avoid them? Read the evidence.
Compare other chains
Culver's · Cupbop · Daddy's Chicken Shack · Dairy Queen (Treats) · Daphne's California Greek · Dave's Hot Chicken
See where Dairy Queen lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.