If you are a fan of smooth and creamy desserts, you must have tried a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. But do you know how many calories a medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard serve has? Well, it's 600 calories, which is equivalent to a full meal. So, if you are counting your calories, you might want to know more about this dessert before indulging in it.

The Hawaiian Blizzard is made with vanilla soft-serve mixed with tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut, and banana. It's then blended with a generous amount of crushed Oreo cookies and topped with whipped cream. Sounds delicious, right? But before you grab one, let's take a closer look at its nutritional information.

In this article, we'll explore the calorie, fat, carbohydrate, protein, sugar content, serving size, ingredients, allergens, gluten-free, and vegetarian status of a medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard from Dairy Queen. By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need to decide whether this dessert is suitable for you or not.

Calories in Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

As mentioned earlier, a medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard from Dairy Queen serves you 600 calories. That's a lot of calories for a dessert, making it an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence. The recommended calorie intake per day varies from person to person, based on their age, gender, height, weight, and physical activity level. However, on average, an adult needs around 2000-2500 calories per day. So, a serving of Hawaiian Blizzard accounts for almost 1/3 of your daily calorie intake. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it's best to consume it in moderation or opt for smaller sizes. Besides, the fact that a Hawaiian Blizzard has a high glycemic index (GI) also means that its sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels. This can lead to cravings, hunger, and reduced satiety, making you eat more than you intended. Therefore, it's essential to be mindful of your portion size and frequency when it comes to desserts like the Hawaiian Blizzard.

Fat content in Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

One serving of Hawaiian Blizzard contains 28 grams of total fat, out of which 16 grams are saturated fat. Saturated fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and stroke. Therefore, it's wise to limit your intake of saturated fat to less than 10% of your daily calories. However, not all fats are bad for you. Unsaturated fats, like those found in nuts, seeds, and fish, are beneficial for your heart health and overall well-being. Therefore, if you choose to indulge in a Hawaiian Blizzard, try to balance it out with a healthy meal that includes fiber, protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Carbohydrate content in Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

A medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard contains 85 grams of carbohydrates, out of which 75 grams are sugar. This makes it a high-carb, high-sugar dessert, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and insulin resistance over time. If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or any other metabolic disorder, it's best to avoid such desserts altogether or consult a dietitian to get a personalized meal plan. If you don't have any underlying health conditions, you can still enjoy a Hawaiian Blizzard once in a while, but be mindful of its portion size and frequency.

Protein content in Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

A medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard contains 11 grams of protein, which comes from the milk used to make the soft-serve. Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in building and repairing your body's tissues, hormones, enzymes, and immune system. However, when it comes to desserts, the protein content is usually low compared to its fat and sugar content. Therefore, it's better to consume protein-rich foods like lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and legumes as part of your main meals and use desserts as occasional treats rather than a source of nutrition.

Sugar content in Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

As mentioned earlier, a medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard contains a whopping 75 grams of sugar, which is more than twice the recommended daily intake of added sugars for an adult (less than 30 grams). Added sugars are those that are added to foods and beverages during processing, cooking, or serving, and do not include the naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and milk. A high intake of added sugars is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the sugar content of your foods and beverages, check the labels, and choose healthy alternatives like whole fruits, unsweetened beverages, or homemade desserts that use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates.

Serving size of Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

The serving size of a medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard from Dairy Queen is 383 grams, which makes it a large dessert. It's important to know the serving size of your foods and beverages, as it can affect their calorie, nutrient, and sugar content. Sometimes, a single pack or bottle of food or drink may contain more than one serving, and if you eat or drink it all at once, you may end up consuming more calories and sugar than you intended. Therefore, it's wise to split the pack or bottle into appropriate servings or choose a smaller size whenever possible.

Ingredients of Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

The ingredients of a medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard from Dairy Queen include vanilla soft-serve ice cream, pineapple, coconut, banana, whipped cream, and Oreo cookies. While some of these ingredients are nutritious, like the fruits, others may contain added sugars, saturated fats, and artificial flavors and colors. Therefore, it's essential to read the labels of your foods and beverages carefully and choose those that contain whole, natural, and minimally processed ingredients. You can also make healthier versions of Hawaiian Blizzard at home using frozen fruits, plain yogurt, and natural sweeteners like stevia or agave nectar.

Allergens in Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium)

A medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard from Dairy Queen contains milk, soy, and wheat allergens. If you have food allergies or intolerances, it's vital to read the labels of your foods and beverages carefully and avoid those that contain the allergens you are sensitive to. You can also ask the staff at the restaurants or cafes about the allergens present in the foods you want to order and whether they have any suitable alternatives. It's also good to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if you have a severe food allergy and know how to use it in case of an emergency.

Is Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium) gluten-free?

A medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard from Dairy Queen is not gluten-free as it contains wheat in the form of Oreo cookies. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, and can cause digestive issues and inflammation in people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. If you have a wheat allergy, celiac disease, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you should avoid foods and beverages that contain gluten and opt for gluten-free alternatives like rice, quinoa, corn, and oats (if labeled gluten-free). You can also look for restaurants and cafes that offer gluten-free options or cook your meals at home using gluten-free ingredients.

Is Hawaiian Blizzard (Medium) suitable for vegetarians?

A medium-sized Hawaiian Blizzard from Dairy Queen is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat, fish, or animal-derived ingredients. However, it does contain dairy and eggs in the form of soft-serve ice cream and whipped cream. If you are a vegan, you should avoid such products and opt for plant-based alternatives like soy, almond, or coconut milk-based ice creams. You can also make your version of a vegan Hawaiian Blizzard at home using frozen bananas, coconut cream, and vegan cookie crumbs. It's essential to meet your daily nutrient requirements, including protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, through a balanced and diverse diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.