Sonic Drive-In, known for its nostalgic carhop service and creative frozen treats, caters to millions of customers every year. But for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, dining out requires more than just taste—it demands clarity, safety, and trust.
In this article, we’ll explore Sonic’s allergen menu, what type of oil Sonic uses, the full range of Sonic Blast flavors available in 2024, and whether you can mix flavors to create your own customized dessert experience.
Understanding Sonic’s Allergen Menu
Their menu includes detailed information on major allergens such as
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat/Gluten
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame
Each item in Sonic’s menu has been carefully documented for allergen presence. For example, their shakes and Blasts contain dairy and soy, while breakfast sandwiches may include gluten, eggs, and sometimes sesame.
Cross-Contamination Warning
Even though Sonic provides allergen information, their food is prepared in shared kitchens. This means cross-contact is possible. So if you have a severe allergy, it’s crucial to inform the staff before placing your order and, where possible, avoid complex items with multiple allergens, like Blasts with nut toppings.
What oil does Sonic Use?
Sonic uses high-stability canola oil or soybean oil for frying purposes, depending on the location. This oil is typically trans-fat-free, making it a relatively healthier option for deep-fried menu items like tater tots, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks.
However, because soybean oil is technically derived from soy, those with soy allergies should be cautious, even though highly refined oils usually do not trigger allergic reactions in most people.
Sonic Blast Flavors 2024
Sonic Blasts are a signature dessert that combines creamy vanilla soft serve with various candy, cookie, or brownie mix-ins. These frozen treats are thicker than shakes and are eaten with a spoon.
Here’s a full breakdown of Sonic Blast flavors you can enjoy in 2024:
Regular Blast Flavors
- Oreo® Cookie Pieces Blast
- Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cups Blast
- M&M’s® Chocolate Candies Blast
- Butterfinger® Blast
- Snickers® Blast
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blast
- Chocolate Chunk Brownie Blast
- Turtle Truffle Nut Blast
Each of these flavors is built on the same soft-serve base but varies depending on your choice of mix-ins.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Flavors (2024)
Throughout the year, Sonic introduces special and seasonal Blasts to keep things exciting. Some of the popular ones seen recently or expected in 2024 include
- Oreo Big Scoop Cheesecake Blast
- Heath® Toffee Blast
- Turtle Pecan Blast
- Peanut Butter Brownie Blast
- Red Velvet Cake Blast (Valentine’s season)
- Pumpkin Pie Blast (Fall season)
- Trick-Or-Treat Blast (Halloween edition with mixed candies)
These limited-time flavors are often announced with seasonal promotions and are only available for a few weeks or months.
Yes, you can absolutely mix Sonic Blast flavors—though not every combination is listed on the standard menu. If you ask the staff nicely, you can often combine two different mix-ins, like
- Oreo + Reese’s
- M&M’s + Cookie Dough
- Brownie + Snickers
Just keep in mind that extra charges may apply for customizations. Also, mixed flavors may result in slightly smaller portions of each mix-in, but it’s a fun way to personalize your treat.
Nutritional Considerations
While Sonic Blasts are undeniably tasty, they are also high in calories, sugar, and fat. Here’s a general idea of the nutrition facts for a medium-sized Blast:
| Flavor | Calories | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oreo Blast (Medium) | ~870 | ~93 | ~42 |
| Snickers Blast (Medium) | ~920 | ~98 | ~45 |
| Cookie Dough Blast (Medium) | ~890 | ~95 | ~44 |
Smaller sizes (mini or small) are available for those looking to cut back, but even the smallest Blasts typically contain 400–500 calories.
Sonic’s Approach to Customization
Sonic is all about “your order, your way.” That means you can customize your Blasts or choose from a variety of other sweet options like
- Adding extra mix-ins (e.g., caramel, chocolate drizzle)
- Requesting light soft serve
- Adding banana slices or strawberries
- Skipping the whipped cream
You can also pair your Blast with lighter options like slushes or real fruit smoothies if you’re looking for variety.
Breakfast and Other Menu Items with Allergen Info
Beyond Blasts, Sonic’s menu includes breakfast items, hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. Here are a few examples with allergen considerations:
- Bacon Breakfast Toaster – Contains eggs, milk, soy, wheat
- Classic Grilled Cheese – Contains milk, soy, wheat
- All-American Dog – Contains wheat, may contain milk (in bun)
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich – Contains wheat, milk, and soy
If you have celiac disease or a strong gluten intolerance, it’s best to avoid breaded items and opt for lettuce wraps where possible.
Tips for Ordering at Sonic with Allergies
If you or someone in your family has food allergies, here are a few helpful tips:
- Review the allergen menu online before visiting
- Tell the staff about your allergy clearly at the beginning of your order
- Avoid items with multiple mix-ins or sauces if you’re unsure of their ingredients
- When in doubt, choose simpler items (e.g., plain fries or a basic burger without cheese/sauces)
- Ask for separate prep if your allergy is severe
Final Thoughts
Sonic Drive-In is a fun, nostalgic fast-food chain that brings joy with its quirky drinks, classic American bites, and especially the beloved Sonic Blasts. While the allergen menu may not make it an ideal destination for those with serious dietary restrictions, Sonic does offer transparency and flexibility to help you make informed choices.
The 2024 Blast flavor lineup continues to impress with both classic and seasonal options. From Oreo and Reese’s to limited-time releases like Pumpkin Pie and Red Velvet, there’s a flavor for everyone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to mix and match flavors for your own signature treat.
Just remember—if you or your family member has a food allergy, take the proper precautions, communicate clearly with staff, and always prioritize safety alongside flavor.