Drive-thru bacon cheeseburgers rarely win awards for being “healthy,” but some are clearly better choices than others. Dairy Queen and Sonic both have a classic bacon cheeseburger on their menus, and when you line up the actual nutrition numbers, the gap between them is bigger than you might expect.
Calories: Dairy Queen comes out noticeably lighter
Dairy Queen’s Bacon Cheddar GrillBurger comes in at 710 calories, while Sonic’s classic Bacon Cheeseburger with mayonnaise clocks in significantly higher at 930 calories. That’s a 220-calorie gap between two burgers marketed as a similar classic bacon cheeseburger, largely driven by Sonic’s mayo-based sauce adding extra fat and calories to the build.
Fat and saturated fat tell a similar storyNutrition CategoryDQ Bacon Cheddar GrillBurgerSonic Bacon Cheeseburger (w/ Mayo)Calories710930Total Fat42g60gSaturated Fat16g20gSodium1,490mg1,330mgProtein36g44gCarbohydrates41g56g
Sonic’s burger carries notably more total fat and saturated fat than Dairy Queen’s version, with 60 grams of total fat compared to DQ’s 42 grams. Since saturated fat is the type most closely tied to raised cholesterol and heart disease risk when eaten in excess, that’s a meaningful difference if you’re ordering regularly rather than as an occasional treat.
Sodium flips the advantage back toward Sonic
This is where the comparison gets more interesting. Despite its higher calorie and fat content, Sonic’s bacon cheeseburger actually has less sodium than Dairy Queen’s, at 1,330mg compared to DQ’s 1,490mg. Both numbers are high on their own — more than half of the recommended daily sodium limit for most adults — but it shows neither burger has a clear win across every category.
Protein favors Sonic’s larger build
Sonic’s burger also delivers more protein, with 44 grams compared to Dairy Queen’s 36 grams, which tracks with its larger overall size and higher calorie count. If protein intake is your main priority, Sonic’s version technically offers more per burger, though it comes attached to meaningfully more fat and calories to get there.
So which one actually wins?
If your priority is managing total calories, fat, and saturated fat, Dairy Queen’s Bacon Cheddar GrillBurger is the better pick by a clear margin. If sodium is your bigger concern, Sonic edges ahead slightly, and if protein-per-burger matters most, Sonic again comes out on top. A few tips either way if you’re trying to lighten up the order:
Skip or ask for less mayo or sauce to cut back on added fatOrder without cheese if sodium is a bigger concern than tastePair the burger with a side salad or smaller portion of fries instead of a large sideSplit the burger or order a junior-size version if your location offers oneFAQs
Q: Which bacon cheeseburger has fewer calories, Dairy Queen or Sonic?
Dairy Queen’s Bacon Cheddar GrillBurger has fewer calories at 710, compared to Sonic’s classic Bacon Cheeseburger with mayo at 930 calories.
Q: Which burger has more sodium?
Dairy Queen’s burger actually has more sodium, at 1,490mg, compared to Sonic’s 1,330mg.
Q: Which burger has more protein?
Sonic’s Bacon Cheeseburger has more protein, with 44 grams compared to Dairy Queen’s 36 grams.
Q: Is either of these burgers a healthy option?
Neither is considered a health food — both are high in calories, fat, and sodium — but Dairy Queen’s version is the lighter choice if calories and saturated fat are your main concern.