Store-bought donuts are a convenient way to satisfy your sweet tooth without making a trip to the local bakery or coffee shop. From classic glazed to powdered and frosted varieties, there are many brands on the market, but not all donuts are created equal.
Here’s a ranking of 12 popular store-bought donut brands, from the ones you might want to skip to those that will leave you craving more.
12. Little Debbie
The Issue: Little Debbie is known for its snack cakes, but their donuts are a bit of a letdown. Often dry and lacking in flavor, the mini donuts from this brand don’t quite hit the spot. While the price is affordable, the texture is more crumbly than soft, and the flavor, particularly in their powdered variety, can leave an artificial aftertaste.
11. Mrs. Freshley’s
The Issue: Mrs. Freshley’s donuts tend to fall short in the texture department. While they come in a variety of flavors like chocolate frosted and powdered, the dough can often feel dense and a bit greasy. Their flavor is decent, but the consistency leaves something to be desired for donut lovers looking for a fluffy treat.
10. Hostess
The Issue: Hostess is a well-known brand for its snack cakes, but its donuts don’t stand out in a crowded market. The mini donuts, particularly the powdered variety, are notorious for leaving an overwhelming coating on your hands, and the taste is relatively bland. While their chocolate-covered donuts are a bit better, the overall flavor lacks the richness of freshly made varieties.
9. Great Value (Walmart)
The Issue: Walmart’s Great Value brand offers budget-friendly donuts, but they don’t live up to their bakery counterparts. Their texture is a bit on the dry side, and while the flavor is decent for the price, they lack the melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes a good donut truly satisfying.
Great Value donuts are serviceable in a pinch, but they won’t be your first choice if flavor is a priority.
8. Tastykake
The Issue: Tastykake offers a range of mini donuts that are popular in some regions, but they don’t rank highly compared to other national brands. While they have a respectable flavor, especially in their chocolate variety, the texture can feel a bit too dry. Some of their donuts are also overly sweet, which detracts from the overall balance of flavors.
7. Kroger Bakery
The Verdict: Kroger’s in-house bakery brand delivers a decent donut, especially when you’re shopping on a budget. The freshness can vary depending on the store, but when you get them at their peak, they offer a nice balance between softness and flavor. The variety is limited compared to other brands, but their chocolate and powdered options are enjoyable.
6. Entenmann’s
The Verdict: Entenmann’s has been a staple in the store-bought pastry world for years, and their donuts are a popular choice. They offer classic varieties like crumb, chocolate, and powdered, and while they aren’t bakery-level, they’re consistently good. The chocolate-covered donuts are the standout, with a rich, satisfying coating that makes them a solid option for a quick treat.
5. Krispy Kreme (Grocery Store Version)
The Verdict: While Krispy Kreme is famous for its fresh, hot donuts at their retail locations, the packaged grocery store versions don’t quite hit the same level. However, they’re still a solid contender when it comes to store-bought options. The glazed variety maintains some of the brand’s signature softness, but they do lose a bit of their fresh-off-the-line magic. That said, they’re still better than many other pre-packaged brands.
4. The Bakery (Walmart)
The Verdict: Walmart’s The Bakery brand offers surprisingly good donuts for a store brand. Available in both regular and mini sizes, these donuts are soft, fresh, and have a nice, balanced flavor. The glaze isn’t overly thick, and the texture remains light and airy. They might not be quite as indulgent as freshly made options, but for store-bought, they’re a reliable and tasty choice.
3. Dunkin’ Donuts (Packaged)
The Verdict: Dunkin’ Donuts’ packaged offerings don’t quite match up to their freshly made counterparts, but they still hold their own in the store-bought market. Their powdered and chocolate frosted donuts are flavorful and moist, making them a great option when you want a taste of Dunkin’ without heading to a coffee shop. The donuts are well-balanced in sweetness, and the texture is soft enough to satisfy a craving.
2. LaMar’s Donuts (Packaged)
The Verdict: LaMar’s is a lesser-known brand outside of certain regions, but their packaged donuts deliver an impressive level of flavor and freshness. These donuts are soft, with a pleasant crumb and a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. The brand offers a variety of options, and the quality is high enough that you might mistake them for bakery-made. If you can find LaMar’s in your local grocery store, they’re worth a try.
1. Pillsbury Grands! Donuts
The Verdict: Pillsbury Grands! Donuts are hands-down the best store-bought option available. Known for their large, fluffy texture and rich flavor, these donuts are consistently delicious.
The brand offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic glazed to cinnamon sugar, and they all deliver on the promise of a satisfying, indulgent treat. If you’re looking for a store-bought donut that feels close to bakery quality, Pillsbury Grands! is the clear winner.
Final Thoughts
Not all store-bought donuts are equal, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or something that feels more like a bakery treat, this ranking should help guide your next donut purchase. From Pillsbury’s Grands! to Dunkin’s packaged classics, there’s a donut for every taste and budget.