Explore the highs and lows of Dunkin’s menu with our detailed review of the 10 worst and 10 best donuts. From classic favorites to seasonal experiments, Dunkin’ has built a reputation on offering a wide variety of sweet treats—but not every donut hits the mark. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just stopping in for a quick coffee break, it helps to know which options are worth the splurge and which ones fall flat. Some donuts shine with nostalgic charm and balanced flavor, while others disappoint with overly artificial taste or lackluster texture.
This guide breaks it all down, ranking the best of the best alongside the ones you might want to skip. Discover what makes these pastries stand out—for better or worse—and prepare to order with confidence the next time you’re at the counter.
1. Bavarian Kreme
Bavarian Kreme might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The custard filling feels more like a sugary explosion than a creamy delight. Inconsistent texture through the donut can leave some bites better than others.
Moreover, the glaze doesn’t complement the filling, creating a mismatch of flavors. It’s a classic case of an idea that sounds better than it tastes. Those seeking a satisfying bite might want to look elsewhere.
While it has its fans, Bavarian Kreme often disappoints more adventurous taste seekers, leaving them yearning for something more exciting.
2. Vanilla Creme
Often accused of being too sweet, the vanilla flavoring can be overpowering, masking the subtlety of the donut’s base. Those expecting a balanced treat might find it overwhelmingly sugary.
In terms of texture, it’s a bit too dense, lacking the fluffy lightness typically desired in a donut. The frosting doesn’t contribute much, simply piling on more sugar.
For those who prefer a more nuanced flavor profile, this donut fails to deliver. It feels more like a sugar bomb than a delightful treat.
3. French Cruller
French Cruller, despite its appealing appearance, lacks substance. The airy texture is almost too light, leaving one unsatisfied after just a few bites. It crumbles too easily, making it less convenient to enjoy.
The glaze, while sweet, does little to enhance the overall flavor. It’s like eating air with a hint of sugar.
For those looking for a hearty, satisfying donut, the French Cruller might not hit the mark. It leaves donut lovers yearning for something more substantial to sink their teeth into.
4. Lemon Donut
With Lemon Donut, the citrus flavor can be quite jarring. Instead of refreshing, the lemon often feels artificial and overpowering, overshadowing the basic dough.
Its texture isn’t much to write home about either, often coming across as dry or even stale at times. The glaze doesn’t redeem it, only adding a vaguely tart sweetness.
For those seeking a fresh, zesty treat, the Lemon Donut may disappoint. It doesn’t quite capture the true essence of lemon, leaving a somewhat synthetic aftertaste.
5. Maple Frosted
This donut often promises more than it can deliver. The maple flavor lacks depth, coming off as one-note and overly sweet. Instead of offering a complex, rich taste, it feels flat and uninspired.
Texture-wise, the donut tends to be too dense compared to other options, missing the airy fluffiness that makes a donut truly enjoyable.
For those seeking a delightful maple experience, this choice may leave you longing for more. The potential is there, but the execution falls short of expectations.
6. Strawberry Frosted With Sprinkles
Strawberry Frosted With Sprinkles might catch the eye with its vibrant colors, but visually appealing doesn’t translate to taste. The strawberry flavor comes off as synthetic, leaving a lingering artificial sweetness.
Texture-wise, the sprinkles add an unnecessary crunch that clashes with the soft donut base. This treat lacks harmony in its components.
For those captivated by aesthetics, this donut may appeal, but flavor seekers will likely be left unsatisfied. It’s a classic example of style over substance.
7. Vanilla Frosted With Sprinkles
Offering a burst of color, this donut falls short in other areas. The vanilla flavor is faint, overwhelmed by the sweetness of the frosting and sprinkles. It delivers more of a sugar rush than a balanced treat.
Texturally, the sprinkles disrupt the soft donut, adding an awkward crunch that feels out of place. The lack of harmony in both flavor and texture is disappointing.
For those who enjoy a good vanilla donut, this may not satisfy. While visually appealing, it misses the mark when it comes to taste.
8. Boston Kreme
Boston Kreme has a reputation for being a classic, yet it often falls short. The custard filling is prone to uneven distribution, leaving some bites creamless and others overloaded.
The chocolate glaze, while rich, sometimes overpowers the subtlety of the custard, creating an imbalance. It feels more like a standalone dessert than a cohesive donut experience.
Those who seek a perfect blend of chocolate and cream may find disappointment here. The potential is there, but the execution often misses the mark.
9. Powdered Donut
Though a staple in the donut world, powdered donut often leaves much to be desired. The powdered sugar can be overwhelming, drowning out any other flavors.
Texture-wise, it tends to be dry, lacking the moistness that makes a donut delightful. The powder doesn’t help, often leaving a chalky aftertaste.
Hoping for a simple, classic donut experience? This one might disappoint. It’s more about the concept than execution, leaving taste buds unsatisfied and longing for more.
10. Jelly Donut
Jelly Donut is often seen as a staple, yet it rarely hits the mark. The jelly filling can be overly sweet and artificial, detracting from the overall flavor.
Inconsistencies in filling distribution mean some bites are filled with jelly, while others are lacking. The texture doesn’t help, with the donut often feeling dense and chewy.
For those who love a good jelly treat, this might not satisfy the craving. It promises much but delivers little, leaving one wishing for more flavor and texture harmony.
11. Chocolate Frosted With Sprinkles
Capturing the heart with its classic appeal, this donut features chocolate frosting that strikes a perfect balance—rich yet not overwhelming. The playful crunch of sprinkles adds a delightful texture contrast.
The donut base provides a pleasing softness, complementing the toppings without being overshadowed. It’s a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.
For those seeking a nostalgic donut experience, this choice delivers. It perfectly encapsulates the joy of simple pleasures, combining taste and texture in a remarkable way.
12. Glazed Chocolate
Glazed chocolate brings a touch of indulgence to the table. The glaze is perfectly sweet, enhancing the deep chocolate flavor without overpowering it. Each bite offers a symphony of taste that satisfies the most discerning chocolate lover.
In terms of texture, it’s delightfully moist and tender, a dream for any donut enthusiast. The balance between softness and flavor is exceptional.
For those who revel in the richness of chocolate, this donut is a must-try. Its execution is near flawless, offering deliciousness with every bite.
13. Double Chocolate
Double chocolate is the epitome of indulgence. With chocolate inside and out, it’s a dream come true for chocolate aficionados. Each bite is a deliciously rich experience.
The texture is perfectly moist, with the chocolate frosting enhancing the overall depth of flavor. It’s a truly harmonious treat.
For those who can’t get enough chocolate, this donut is the ultimate choice. It’s a celebration of all things cocoa, offering a delightful escape into chocolate heaven.
14. Sour Cream
Sour cream is an unexpected delight. Its unique tanginess blends beautifully with the sweet glaze, creating a flavor profile that stands out in the donut lineup.
Texture-wise, it’s dense yet tender, offering a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more. The balance of flavors is expertly crafted.
For those looking for something different from the usual sweet offerings, this is a refreshing change. It surprises and delights, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
15. Toasted Coconut
Bringing a tropical twist to the donut world, toasted coconut adds a pleasing crunch with each bite, while the underlying glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness.
The texture is invitingly soft, beautifully contrasting with the crispy coconut. It offers a delightful taste and texture experience that excites the senses.
For those who love a touch of tropical flair in their treats, this donut is a perfect choice. Each bite feels like a flavorful adventure, transporting you to sunny shores.
16. Glazed Blueberry
Glazed blueberry is a fruity delight that never disappoints. The fresh blueberry flavor shines through, perfectly complemented by the sweet glaze.
In terms of texture, it’s wonderfully moist, with the berries adding a pop of juiciness in every bite. It’s a taste sensation that satisfies on many levels.
For those who adore fruit-filled treats, this donut is a must-try. It captures the essence of blueberries beautifully, offering a deliciously refreshing option in the donut world.
17. Old Fashioned
Old fashioned takes you back to simpler times. Its classic flavor is a testament to timeless donut-making techniques. The light glaze adds a touch of sweetness without overshadowing the rich, buttery taste of the dough.
The texture is delightfully dense, providing a satisfying bite that feels both hearty and comforting. It’s a nostalgic experience.
For those who appreciate tradition, this donut is a perfect choice. It’s a celebration of classic flavors, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.
18. Marble-Frosted
A visual and culinary delight, this donut features swirled frosting that offers a harmonious blend of chocolate and vanilla flavors, with each complementing the other perfectly.
The texture is soft and inviting, with the frosting adding a creamy richness that enhances the overall experience. It’s a study in balance, offering both flavor and indulgence.
For those who appreciate aesthetics as much as taste, this donut delivers the best of both worlds. It’s an artistic creation that satisfies both the eyes and the palate.
19. Glazed Stick
Glazed stick is simplicity at its finest. Its elongated shape makes it perfect for dunking into coffee, while the glaze provides a sweet touch that delights the taste buds.
The texture is satisfyingly chewy, offering a delightful contrast to the crisp glaze. It’s a donut that understands the beauty of minimalism.
For those who appreciate straightforward pleasures, this donut is a wonderful choice. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the simplest things are the most enjoyable.
20. Coffee Roll
Coffee roll is a morning’s best friend. The cinnamon swirl offers a comforting spiciness, perfectly balanced by the light glaze. It’s like a warm hug in donut form.
The texture is wonderfully soft and tender, making each bite a delight. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
For those who savor breakfast treats, this donut is a must-have. It combines classic flavors with a comforting texture, offering a donut experience that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.
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