Most people walk into Dairy Queen thinking about Blizzards and cheeseburgers, but the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food lineup quietly does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s the part of the menu that turns a single treat into an actual meal, and it’s what a lot of regulars order without even glancing at the burger section.
Demand for this corner of the menu is smaller than for Blizzards or combos, but it’s steady and real: fries, onion rings, cheese curds, poutine, tacos, and salads all have loyal fans who order them on repeat. This guide breaks down the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu item by item, with 2026 pricing and calorie counts for every entry, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re eating before you get to the counter.
Whether you’re pairing a side with a Chicken Strip Basket, building a meal around the Dairy Queen sides menu prices on their own, or just curious what a small order of cheese curds costs these days, this Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food guide has you covered. We’ll go through each item, note portion sizes where they exist, and finish with a full FAQ section answering the questions people ask most about DQ’s non-treat menu.
What’s Included in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food Menu?
The Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food category covers everything that isn’t a burger, a chicken entrée, or a frozen treat. That includes classic fried sides like fries and onion rings, regional favorites like cheese curds and poutine, lighter options like side salads, and the occasional limited-time item like tacos that show up at select locations.
Not every item on this list is available at every DQ. Cheese curds and poutine, for example, lean toward Midwest and Canadian locations, while tacos tend to be a rotating or regional add rather than a permanent national fixture. Prices and calories below reflect 2026 national averages pulled from DQ menu boards and menu-tracking sources; your local store may run a few cents higher or lower, and portion sizes can vary by market. One more availability note: sides are a Grill & Chill thing. Locations that only serve frozen treats don’t carry fries, cheese curds, or the rest of the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food lineup, so confirm your local store is a Grill & Chill before you go.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food category before we go item by item.
Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food Quick Overview
| Item | Starting Price | Calories (Small/Regular) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Fries | $2.19 – $2.49 | 280 – 370 |
| Onion Rings | $3.29 – $4.19 | 360 – 400 |
| Cheese Curds | $3.49 – $4.99 | 470 – 510 |
| Poutine | $4.99 – $5.99 | 590 – 650 |
| Tacos (2-pack) | $3.99 – $4.99 | 340 – 400 |
| Side Salad | $1.99 – $2.99 | 25 – 150 |
| Pretzel Sticks with Queso | $2.99 – $3.69 | 330 – 440 |
Dairy Queen Fries Prices & Calories
Fries are the single most-ordered item in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food lineup, mostly because they show up bundled into combos, chicken baskets, and the $7 Meal Deal. Ordered on their own, they’re also one of the cheapest things on the whole menu, which makes them the default add-on for anyone rounding out a burger order.
A small order runs a couple hundred calories, and DQ’s fries scale up in size the same way most fast-food fries do: small, medium/regular, and large, with a kid’s portion at some locations. They’re salted, cut thin, and fried to the same crisp DQ has used for decades, which is part of why they’re such a reliable pairing with everything else on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu.
Fries are also the item most likely to show up “free” in disguise, since they’re baked into the price of nearly every combo meal on the DQ menu. A 4-piece Chicken Strip Basket, a 6-piece basket, and every sauced basket variation all include a fries portion at no extra charge, and the $7 Meal Deal treats fries as one of its four required components. That’s a big part of why fries outsell every other item in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food lineup by volume: most people aren’t ordering them separately at all; they’re just eating the ones that came with their meal. If you are ordering fries on their own, the Mix & Match deal is usually the best value, since pairing a regular fries order with a chili dog or Original Cheeseburger brings the total to a flat $5.00, which is typically cheaper than buying either item individually at full price.
Fries Price & Calorie Chart
| Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Kids | $2.19 | 170 |
| Small | $2.49 | 260 – 280 |
| Regular/Medium | $2.99 | 330 – 370 |
| Large | $3.49 – $4.19 | 450 – 480 |
Dairy Queen Onion Rings Prices & Calories
On the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, onion rings sit just above fries on the price ladder, and they carry a noticeably heavier calorie count thanks to the batter and breading. They’re a popular swap for anyone who wants something with more crunch and a bit more richness than a standard fry order, and they show up as an option in several combo and Mix & Match deals.
Like fries, onion ring portions on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu can vary in size depending on the location, with a regular and a large size being the most common split. Fat content runs higher here too, so if you’re watching that number specifically, this is one to check before ordering.
Unlike fries, onion rings aren’t automatically bundled into most combos on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, which is part of why they carry a slightly higher price tag. Ordering them usually means paying full price rather than getting them folded into a meal deal. They’re best thought of as an upgrade rather than a default, and a lot of regulars treat them as the item they order when they want something a bit more indulgent than the standard fries side.
Onion Rings Price & Calorie Chart
| Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.29 – $4.19 | 360 – 400 |
| Large | $4.99 – $5.19 | 450 – 540 |
Dairy Queen Cheese Curds Prices & Calories
Cheese curds are one of the more regional entries in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, and they show up most reliably at Midwest and Canadian locations where curds are a local staple to begin with. They’re breaded, fried, and served hot, which makes them one of the richest sides on the whole menu both in flavor and in calorie count.
Because cheese curds aren’t a nationwide standard item on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu the way fries are, availability is the biggest variable here, more than price. If your local DQ carries them, expect to pay a premium compared to fries or onion rings, since the ingredient itself costs more.
Cheese curds also tend to be one of the more searched-for items in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food category, specifically because of that limited availability: people who’ve had them at one location often go looking for the same thing elsewhere and are surprised to find it missing from the menu board. If curds are a must-have for your order, it’s worth checking DQ’s app or calling ahead, since a wasted trip is more likely here than with any other side on this page.
Cheese Curds Price & Calorie Chart
| Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.49 – $4.99 | 470 – 510 |
| Large | $6.99 – $7.69 | 900 – 1,000 |
Dairy Queen Poutine Prices & Calories
Poutine fries topped with cheese curds and gravy is the most Canadian item on this entire list, and it shows up far more consistently at Canadian DQ locations than at U.S. ones. Where it is available, it’s priced as a shareable or heartier single-serve side rather than a small snack, and the calorie count reflects that: it’s easily the richest item in the whole Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food category.
If you’re in a U.S. market, it’s worth calling ahead or checking your local DQ’s app listing before planning a trip around poutine specifically, since it isn’t a guaranteed national item on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu the way fries or a side salad are.
Because poutine combines two of the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food category’s richest items, fried cheese curds and gravy-topped fries, it’s realistic to treat it as a meal on its own rather than a side to something else. Pairing it with another heavy item, like a chicken basket or a shake, will push a single order well past a full day’s worth of fat in one sitting, so it’s one to order with that trade-off in mind.
Poutine Price & Calorie Chart
| Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.99 – $5.99 | 590 – 650 |
| Large | $7.49 – $8.49 | 950 – 1,050 |
Dairy Queen Tacos Prices & Calories
Tacos are the least permanent fixture on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu; they tend to appear as a limited-time offer or a regional add-on rather than a standing national item. When they do show up, they’re usually sold in a two-pack, priced closer to a snack-size combo than a full entrée.
Because Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food availability rotates, pricing and calories for tacos can shift more than any other item on this list from one promotional run to the next. Treat the numbers below as a general range rather than a fixed year-round price.
If tacos are the reason for your visit, the safest move is to check your specific location’s current menu, either through the DQ app or by phone, before heading over, since a store running the promotion this month might not be running it again by the next. Of everything in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food category, tacos are the item most likely to disappear and reappear without much notice.
Tacos Price & Calorie Chart
| Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Pack | $3.99 – $4.99 | 340 – 400 |
| 4-Pack | $6.99 – $7.99 | 680 – 800 |
Dairy Queen Salads, Pretzel Sticks & Other Extras
Salads are the lightest option in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu by a wide margin, and they’re the go-to pick for anyone trying to balance out a Blizzard or a burger elsewhere in the order. A plain side salad without dressing sits well under 50 calories, while a full chicken salad built with grilled or crispy strips turns into a legitimate stand-alone meal. Dressing choice matters a lot here: a side salad with a full serving of ranch or a creamy dressing can add well over 100 calories on top of the base salad, so it’s worth checking dressing options if you’re tracking totals closely.
The chicken salads in particular are one of the better-value entries in the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu once you factor in what you’re getting: a full portion of grilled or crispy chicken, mixed greens, and toppings for a price close to what a basket or combo would cost anyway. For anyone trying to keep a DQ order lighter without giving up the trip entirely, this is generally the strongest option on the whole list.
Salads Price & Calorie Chart
| Item | Price | Calories (no dressing) |
|---|---|---|
| Side Salad | $1.99 – $2.99 | 25 – 35 |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | $6.99 – $7.99 | 320 – 380 |
| Crispy Chicken Salad | $6.99 – $7.99 | 420 – 480 |
Pretzel Sticks with Zesty Queso round out this part of the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, and they’ve become one of the more popular snack-sized add-ons in the last few years. They’re priced close to fries, land in the middle of the calorie range for the category, and pair well with almost anything else on the menu, sweet or savory. These extras are also the pieces most often bundled into the 2-for-$5 Mix & Match deal, alongside fries and a chili dog or cheeseburger, which is worth checking if you’re trying to stretch a small order further. Like most of the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food lineup, pretzel sticks are meat-free, which makes this corner of the menu a friendly place to build a vegetarian order.
Pretzel Sticks Price & Calorie Chart
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Pretzel Sticks with Zesty Queso | $2.99 – $3.69 | 330 – 440 |
How to Build a Full Meal Using Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food
If you’re building a meal entirely from this part of the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, the easiest combo is a Chicken Strip Basket (which already includes fries) plus a side salad or pretzel sticks for extra volume, finished with a small treat. For something lighter, a grilled chicken salad on its own covers protein and vegetables in one order without needing anything else added.
Budget-conscious orders tend to lean on the 2-for-$5 Mix & Match, since it lets you pair two smaller items like fries, a chili dog, pretzel sticks, or a cheeseburger for a flat $5.00. This is generally the cheapest way to combine two Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food items into something that feels like a real meal rather than a snack.
For bigger appetites, stacking cheese curds or poutine alongside a chicken basket pushes the total calorie count well past 1,500, so it’s worth checking the numbers above before committing to a combo like that. Anyone building a full DQ order around the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu prices listed here should also factor in a drink, since sides alone rarely fill a full meal on their own.
FAQs
Are Dairy Queen’s cheese curds available at every location?
No. On the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, cheese curds are more common at Midwest and Canadian DQ locations, where curds are a regional favorite to begin with. Availability outside those areas varies by store, so it’s worth checking your local DQ’s app listing before planning a visit around them.
Is poutine on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu at U.S. locations?
On the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, poutine shows up far more consistently at Canadian DQ locations than U.S. ones. Some U.S. stores carry it as a regional or seasonal item, but it isn’t guaranteed nationwide, so calling ahead is the safest bet if it’s the main reason for your trip.
What’s the cheapest item on the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu?
On the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, a side salad or a small order of fries are typically the least expensive options, both usually landing under $3.00. Fries also come bundled free into several combos and the $7 Meal Deal, which makes them the most cost-efficient side overall.
Are Dairy Queen tacos a permanent menu item?
Not generally. On the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu, tacos tend to appear as a limited-time or regional offering rather than a year-round national item, so pricing and availability can shift more than other sides on this list.
Which Dairy Queen side has the fewest calories?
A plain side salad without dressing is the lowest-calorie item in the entire Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food category, typically sitting in the 25 to 35 calorie range. Adding dressing raises that number, so ordering it on the side is the easiest way to keep the total low.
Do prices for Dairy Queen sides vary by state or region?
Yes. Like most fast-food chains, DQ pricing is set at the franchise level, so the same Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food side can cost noticeably more or less depending on the state, city, and even the specific store. The prices in this guide reflect 2026 national averages rather than a single fixed number.
Final Thoughts
The Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food menu doesn’t get the same attention as Blizzards or burgers, but it’s where a lot of the real meal-building happens fries and onion rings for the classic pairing, cheese curds and poutine for the richer regional picks, salads for anyone keeping things lighter, and tacos for whoever catches them during a limited-time run. Prices stay affordable across the board, with most items landing well under $5, and calorie counts range widely enough that there’s something here whether you’re going all-in or keeping it light.
Before your next visit, it’s worth checking your specific location’s app listing, since availability for Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food items like cheese curds, poutine, and tacos shifts more than fries or salads ever will.
Once you know what’s actually on your local menu, the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food prices and calorie counts in this guide should make it easy to plan a full meal or just decide what to add on next to your usual order. You can also browse our Dairy Queen breakfast menu and secret menu guides for the rest of the Dairy Queen Sides & Other Food lineup, or check the official Dairy Queen website for the most current nutrition details.
