Sonic drive-in has been feeding hungry customers for more than 50 years, and with approximately 3,300 restaurants in the United States, it has become an American pastime. While many patrons dine at Sonic for lunch or dinner, it’s also a hot spot for tons of cool dessert items. Featuring dozens of flavors, Sonic Slush is consumed both as a dessert item and as a beverage with meals. However, beware- the Sonic dessert items aren’t exactly healthy. In fact, some of the items may contain more calories and fat than you would have thought- so read on.
Worst Choices
1. Large Butterfinger Sonic Blast
This one is a real doozie. It’s not just the Butterfinger variety, but all Sonic Blast’s that are literally hoards of calories and fat condensed into one dessert that may seem a little less harmful than you’d think. With 980 calories and 45 grams of fat, this dessert has the same nutritional makeup as a giant burger. Don’t be fooled by the smaller sizes, either- those still contain upwards of 550 calories each.
2. Large Peanut Butter Shake
Much like the Blast, it’s not just the peanut butter variety that is bad, it’s all of them. Again, you knew milkshakes weren’t a great idea, but did you know that the large contains 1,120 calories and 63 grams of fat? Bet you didn’t.
3. Large Lemon Berry Slush
It’s not the fat in this drink that makes it raise eyebrows, but the calories- all of which come from high fructose corn syrup and sugar.
It’s fat free, but don’t be fooled- drinks like this, when consumed regularly, can induce diabetes after long periods of time (along with sugary sodas). This drink contains 680 calories- that’s 170 grams of pure sugar carbohydrates. What does that mean for you? Two things. Number one, you’re putting a huge amount of stress on your pancreas. Number two, a couple of hours after consuming it, you are sure to feel terrible as your blood sugar levels fall faster than an airplane without wings. Ick.
4. Hot Fudge Cake Sundae
A classic dessert, this dish features a slice of chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce. It’s extremely delicious- and extremely fattening. Clocking in an impressive 530 calories and 23 grams of fat, there are definitely better options for dessert.
Best Choices
1. Vanilla Ice Cream Cone
Soft serve vanilla in a crunchy cone is a good choice for most fast-food restaurant desserts, and Sonic is no different. However, it’s still got more fat and calories than a similar McDonald’s cone- coming in with 180 calories and 6 grams of fat.
2. Junior Banana Split
A smaller version of this classic, ice cream, bananas, strawberries, pineapple and chocolate come together for a delicious experience. And with just 200 calories and 4.5 grams of fat, it gets a green light.
3. Barq’s Regular Root Beer Float
Another classic that is a better choice than many others. With 300 calories and 8 grams of fat, this is a delicious combination of signature root beer soda and creamy vanilla soft serve ice cream. Yum!
4. Small Cherry Slush
Doesn’t have to be cherry, but cherry has a few less calories than other flavors. No fat, and 200 calories, it still provides 50 grams of pure sugar carbohydrates, which is not good- but nonetheless much better than a large.
