As a lover of ice cream myself, I can appreciate the appeal of a good ol‘ fashioned banana split, especially Dairy Queen‘s take on this classic dessert. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about DQ‘s banana split – from what‘s in it and how much it costs to whether it‘s gluten-free.
Banana Split Ingredients: A Sweet Combination
The foundation of the banana split at Dairy Queen is their signature soft serve ice cream. While not technically ice cream according to FDA guidelines due to its lower milkfat content, DQ‘s soft serve has that sweet vanilla flavor we all know and love.
On top of the soft serve, you‘ll find the classic banana split ingredients:
- Sliced banana
- Pineapple topping
- Strawberry topping
- Chocolatey fudge
- Whipped topping
It‘s a fruity, chocolatey, creamy combination that‘s hard to resist! The whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch.
Serious About Sugar? How Much Is in a DQ Banana Split
I won‘t sugarcoat it – the banana split isn‘t the most diet-friendly dessert option on the Dairy Queen menu. A standard sized banana split contains 74 grams of sugar.
To put that into perspective, that‘s nearly 5 times the American Heart Association‘s recommended daily limit for added sugars!
However, when you consider DQ‘s other ice cream treats like Blizzards which can contain over 100 grams of sugar, the banana split doesn‘t seem quite as shocking. It‘s still a splurge, but hey – you only live once!
Nuts About Nuts? You Won‘t Find Them Here
Unlike the Peanut Buster Parfait, DQ‘s banana split does not come with nuts. Those with nut allergies can enjoy this nut-free frozen treat. However, it‘s worth noting that nuts may be present in the store‘s preparation area, so cross-contamination is possible.
If you really want to add some crunch, you can request chopped nuts be added to your banana split. Just expect an upcharge!
One Satisfying Serving Size
The banana split from Dairy Queen only comes in one size – but it‘s certainly enough! You‘ll get three generous mounds of soft serve topped with a sliced banana, pineapple, strawberries, fudge, and whipped cream. I don‘t know about you, but that‘s more than enough for me!
Blizzard Lovers Can Enjoy a Twist on the Classic
Can‘t get enough of DQ‘s famous Blizzards? Well you‘re in luck! Some locations offer a Banana Split Blizzard which blends all the fruity flavors of the original banana split into frozen, creamy perfection.
Ask your local DQ if they offer this special treat. And if not, you can always create your own by asking them to blend banana, pineapple, strawberries into a vanilla Blizzard. Delicious!
Not Your Average Soft Serve
The ice cream used in Dairy Queen‘s banana splits isn‘t technically ice cream. Due to its lower milk fat percentage, the FDA categorizes DQ‘s soft serve as a milk-based dessert rather than ice cream. But one spoonful of that signature creamy vanilla soft serve sure tastes like ice cream to me!
This lighter, fluffier soft serve makes the banana split a bit less heavy. You still get plenty of flavor without overdoing it on the indulgence.
Counting Calories? What You Need to Know
Alright, let‘s talk numbers. A banana split from Dairy Queen contains approximately 520 calories. So while it‘s not the most diet-friendly option, a banana split also won‘t completely blow your daily calorie budget either. Split one with a friend or opt for a kiddie cone if you‘re watching your waistline!
Easy on the Wallet
Priced at $4.39 at my local DQ, the banana split offers some serious bang for your buck. That‘s the same price as the ever-popular Peanut Buster Parfait yet with more fruit and toppings. It‘s an affordable way to treat yourself to something fun and different!
Can Gluten-Free Folks Enjoy This Treat?
The banana split itself is gluten-free, containing no ingredients with gluten. However, DQ does state that cross-contamination is possible during preparation and service. So those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may want to exercise some caution.
On the plus side, DQ offers the new dairy-free Dilly Bar which is guaranteed gluten-free. Nice to have options!
Satisfy That Sweet Tooth Craving
Sometimes you just need to treat yourself to an overflowing mound of fruity, chocolately ice cream goodness – aka a classic banana split! Dairy Queen offers a satisfying version of this indulgent dessert. With its variety of flavors and textures in every bite, it‘s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Split one with your family or friends for some old-fashioned bonding over this classic American ice cream treat!
