13 Dunkin’ Doughnuts Ranked from Worst to Best: A Definitive Guide to America’s Favorite Treats

Dunkin’ Donuts has been a beloved staple in the world of fried dough since 1950. With a wide array of flavors and varieties, this iconic chain has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. From classic glazed to innovative creations, Dunkin’ offers a diverse selection to choose from.

Ranking Dunkin’ Donuts flavors provides valuable insights for both newcomers and longtime fans of the brand. This list explores 13 popular options, evaluating them based on taste, texture, and overall appeal. By examining these varieties, readers can discover new favorites or confirm their existing preferences among Dunkin’s extensive menu.

1) Choco Berry Delight

A colorful array of 13 Dunkin' Doughnuts arranged from worst to best, each topped with a variety of chocolate and berry delights

The Choco Berry Delight donut from Dunkin’ offers a unique flavor combination. It features a chocolate frosted donut topped with colorful sprinkles and filled with a berry-flavored cream.

The chocolate frosting provides a rich, sweet base that complements the fruity filling. The sprinkles add a fun visual appeal and a slight crunch to the texture.

Inside, the berry cream filling aims to balance the chocolate with a tangy sweetness. The flavor can be reminiscent of chocolate-covered berries, appealing to those who enjoy fruit and chocolate pairings.

Some may find the combination of chocolate and fruit flavors refreshing. Others might prefer more traditional donut options without fruit fillings.

The Choco Berry Delight tends to be a seasonal offering, often appearing during summer months or for limited-time promotions. Its availability can vary by location and time of year.

2) Blueberry Crumble Cake

A table with 13 Dunkin' Doughnuts lined up, with a blueberry crumble cake in the center

The Blueberry Crumble Cake doughnut from Dunkin’ offers a unique twist on the classic blueberry flavor. It features a cake-style base infused with blueberry essence, providing a moist and flavorful foundation.

The doughnut’s standout feature is its crumble topping, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake beneath. This crumble typically consists of a blend of sugar, flour, and butter, creating a sweet and slightly crunchy element.

Dunkin’ incorporates real blueberries into the mix, giving the doughnut authentic fruit flavor. The blueberry taste is generally more pronounced than in some other fruit-flavored offerings on their menu.

While not as common as some of Dunkin’s staple flavors, the Blueberry Crumble Cake doughnut appeals to those seeking a fruity option with added texture. It provides a satisfying balance of sweetness and fruitiness, making it a solid choice for blueberry enthusiasts.

This doughnut often ranks in the middle range of Dunkin’s offerings, appreciated for its unique characteristics but not always considered a top favorite. Its popularity can vary depending on individual taste preferences and regional availability.

3) Boston Cream

A colorful array of 13 Dunkin' Doughnuts, each with a different Boston Cream design, arranged in a ranking from worst to best

The Boston Cream doughnut is a classic favorite at Dunkin’. This treat features a yeast doughnut filled with a smooth, creamy vanilla custard and topped with a rich chocolate glaze.

The doughnut’s soft texture contrasts nicely with the velvety custard filling. The chocolate glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness, complementing the custard without overpowering it.

Many consider the Boston Cream a go-to choice at Dunkin’. Its balanced flavors and satisfying combination of textures make it appealing to a wide range of tastes.

While not the most adventurous option on the menu, the Boston Cream maintains its popularity due to its consistent quality. It’s a reliable choice for those seeking a familiar and comforting doughnut experience.

The Boston Cream at Dunkin’ may not be the most innovative offering, but it delivers on taste and texture. It’s a solid mid-range option for doughnut enthusiasts looking for a dependable treat.

4) Jelly-Filled Powder

A colorful array of 13 Dunkin' Doughnuts, each filled with jelly, arranged from worst to best

Jelly-filled powder doughnuts are a classic Dunkin’ offering that combines two beloved elements: sweet jelly and powdered sugar coating. These doughnuts feature a soft, airy yeast dough filled with a fruit-flavored jelly center.

The exterior is generously dusted with powdered sugar, providing a satisfying contrast to the sticky filling inside. When bitten into, the jelly oozes out, creating a messy but enjoyable eating experience.

Dunkin’ typically uses strawberry or raspberry jelly for these doughnuts. The filling is sweet and fruity, though some may find it lacks the depth of real fruit preserves. The powdered sugar coating adds an extra layer of sweetness.

While popular among many Dunkin’ customers, jelly-filled powder doughnuts can be polarizing. Some appreciate the nostalgic appeal and textural interplay, while others find them too sweet or messy to eat on the go.

These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, as the powdered sugar can become sticky if left out too long. They pair well with a cup of coffee to balance out the sweetness.

5) Glazed Old Fashioned

A variety of glazed old-fashioned doughnuts arranged in a row, each with a different level of glaze and texture, from least appealing to most appetizing

The Glazed Old Fashioned doughnut from Dunkin’ offers a classic twist on the traditional cake doughnut. Its distinctive ring shape features a crisp exterior with a soft, cake-like interior.

The glaze adds a sweet coating that complements the slightly tangy base. This doughnut’s texture provides a satisfying crunch when bitten into, followed by a moist and tender center.

Old Fashioned doughnuts are known for their denser consistency compared to yeast-raised varieties. Dunkin’s version stays true to this characteristic while maintaining a light enough texture to avoid feeling heavy.

The glaze on this doughnut strikes a balance between sweetness and the subtle flavors of the doughnut itself. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering the underlying notes of the cake base.

This doughnut pairs well with coffee, as its sturdy structure holds up to dunking. Its simple yet classic flavor profile makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a traditional doughnut experience.

6) French Cruller

A colorful array of French cruller doughnuts arranged in a gradient from least to most favored, with varying toppings and glazes

The French Cruller at Dunkin’ Donuts offers a unique texture compared to other options on the menu. Its twisted ring shape and ridged exterior give it a distinctive appearance.

The dough used for French Crullers is lighter and airier than traditional cake donuts. This results in a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, delicate interior when bitten into.

Flavor-wise, French Crullers have a subtle egg taste from the choux pastry used to make them. A thin glaze coating adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the pastry itself.

Some find the French Cruller to be a refreshing change from heavier donut options. Its lighter texture makes it feel less indulgent while still satisfying a sweet craving.

However, opinions on the French Cruller can be divisive. The eggy flavor and unique texture aren’t to everyone’s liking. Those who prefer more substantial donuts may find it lacking in satisfaction.

7) Double Chocolate

A display of 13 double chocolate Dunkin' Doughnuts, ranked from worst to best, with varying shades of chocolate glaze and sprinkles

The Double Chocolate donut from Dunkin’ is a decadent treat for chocolate lovers. This donut features a chocolate cake base coated with a rich chocolate glaze.

The chocolate cake is moist and flavorful, providing a solid foundation for the donut. Its texture is slightly denser than some of Dunkin’s other offerings, giving it a satisfying bite.

The chocolate glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and intensity to the donut. It creates a glossy finish that makes the donut visually appealing and tempting to chocolate enthusiasts.

While some may find the double dose of chocolate overwhelming, others appreciate the intensity of flavor. The combination of chocolate cake and glaze delivers a strong cocoa taste that lingers on the palate.

This donut pairs well with a cup of coffee, as the bitterness of the beverage can help balance out the sweetness. It’s a popular choice for those seeking an indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack.

8) Pumpkin Spice

A colorful array of 13 Dunkin' Doughnuts arranged from worst to best, each representing a different flavor of pumpkin spice

Dunkin’ Donuts embraces the fall season with its pumpkin spice offerings. The Pumpkin Cake Donut stands out as a popular choice among pumpkin enthusiasts.

This treat features a cake donut base infused with pumpkin flavoring and coated in a sweet glaze. The combination creates a harmonious balance of autumnal spices and sugary satisfaction.

The pumpkin flavor is distinct without being overpowering. It captures the essence of fall in a single bite, making it a seasonal favorite for many Dunkin’ customers.

Texture-wise, the Pumpkin Cake Donut offers a moist and dense interior. The glaze adds a pleasant sweetness and slight crunch to the exterior.

For those seeking a more portable option, Dunkin’ also offers Pumpkin MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats. These bite-sized versions deliver the same pumpkin spice flavor in a snackable form.

While not a year-round menu item, the Pumpkin Spice donut has become a highly anticipated seasonal offering. Its limited availability adds to its appeal among Dunkin’ fans.

9) Strawberry Frosted

A colorful array of 13 strawberry frosted Dunkin' Doughnuts arranged in a row, each with a different level of frosting and sprinkles

The Strawberry Frosted donut from Dunkin’ is a polarizing offering. Its bright pink frosting catches the eye but often disappoints the palate.

Many find the strawberry flavor overly artificial and cloying. The sweetness can be overwhelming, masking any subtlety or natural fruit notes.

The base yeast donut provides a light, airy texture. However, it struggles to balance the intense frosting on top.

Some younger customers appreciate the vivid color and sugary punch. For those seeking a more refined or authentic strawberry taste, this donut falls short.

The frosting’s texture can be inconsistent. Sometimes it’s smooth and glossy, other times it’s grainy or too thick.

While not the worst option at Dunkin’, the Strawberry Frosted ranks low for many donut enthusiasts. Its appeal lies more in nostalgia or novelty than culinary merit.

10) Cinnamon Roll

A table with 13 different cinnamon rolls from Dunkin' Doughnuts, each with a unique appearance and varying levels of frosting and cinnamon swirls

The Cinnamon Roll at Dunkin’ Donuts occupies a unique position in their lineup. It blurs the line between a traditional cinnamon roll and a donut, offering a distinctive twist on both classics.

This pastry features layers reminiscent of a cinnamon roll but maintains the shape and texture of a donut. Instead of the typical icing on top, it’s fully glazed, giving it a sticky exterior.

The glazed surface adds a sweet touch but can make the eating experience messier than some might prefer. The cinnamon flavor is present, though it may not be as pronounced as in a traditional cinnamon roll.

Texture-wise, it tends to be denser than a regular donut. This can be a positive for those who enjoy a more substantial treat, but it might not satisfy purists seeking a light and airy donut experience.

While not the healthiest option on the menu, it does contain fewer calories than some other popular Dunkin’ offerings. This could make it a slightly better choice for those watching their calorie intake but still craving a sweet treat.

11) Vanilla Cream

A table with 13 Dunkin' Doughnuts arranged from worst to best, each topped with vanilla cream

Vanilla Cream doughnuts offer a classic flavor combination that many Dunkin’ fans enjoy. These treats feature a soft yeast dough filled with a sweet vanilla custard cream.

The doughnut’s exterior is typically coated with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the pastry.

When biting into a Vanilla Cream doughnut, customers experience a pleasant contrast between the fluffy dough and the smooth, creamy filling. The vanilla flavor is generally mild and not overpowering.

Some patrons appreciate the Vanilla Cream for its simplicity and familiar taste. It can be a comforting choice for those who prefer traditional flavors over more adventurous options.

While not the most exciting option on the menu, Vanilla Cream doughnuts remain a reliable choice. They provide a satisfying balance of textures and a straightforward flavor profile that appeals to many Dunkin’ customers.

12) Apple Fritter

A variety of apple fritters and doughnuts arranged in a line, with the best-ranked one at the end

Apple fritters at Dunkin’ offer a unique twist on traditional donuts. These irregularly shaped treats are fried to a golden crisp on the outside, while maintaining a soft interior.

The dough is infused with small pieces of apple and a hint of cinnamon. A sweet glaze coats the exterior, adding an extra layer of sweetness to each bite.

Dunkin’s apple fritters are larger than most of their standard donuts. They provide a satisfying heft and texture that sets them apart from the rest of the menu.

While apple fritters are a popular choice, they may not appeal to those seeking a lighter option. With 470 calories and 28 grams of fat, they are one of the more indulgent offerings at Dunkin’.

The apple flavor in these fritters is subtle rather than overwhelming. Some customers appreciate this balance, while others might prefer a stronger apple taste.

Despite their size and calorie count, apple fritters contain only 17 grams of sugar. This makes them a potentially appealing choice for those watching their sugar intake but still craving a sweet treat.

13) Coconut Cake

A table with 13 coconut cakes from Dunkin' Doughnuts, arranged from worst to best, with various toppings and decorations

The Coconut Cake donut from Dunkin’ offers a tropical twist on the classic cake donut. Its base is a dense, moist cake donut with a subtle vanilla flavor.

The defining feature is the generous coating of shredded coconut that covers the entire exterior. This adds both texture and a distinct coconut taste to each bite.

The coconut flakes provide a chewy contrast to the soft interior of the donut. Some may find the coconut coating a bit overwhelming or messy to eat.

Flavor-wise, the coconut is prominent but not overpowering. It pairs well with the sweetness of the cake base, creating a balanced taste profile.

This donut appeals to coconut lovers but may not be for everyone. Its unique texture and flavor set it apart from more traditional options on the Dunkin’ menu.

As a cake donut, it tends to be denser and more filling than yeast-based varieties. This can be a positive or negative depending on personal preference.

History of Dunkin’ Doughnuts

Dunkin’ Doughnuts has transformed from a single shop to a global brand over its decades-long journey. The company’s evolution includes significant menu expansions and rebranding efforts.

Origins and Expansion

Dunkin’ Doughnuts was founded in 1950 by Bill Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. The first shop focused on serving fresh doughnuts and coffee to local factory workers.

By 1955, Rosenberg began franchising the Dunkin’ Doughnuts concept. This decision led to rapid growth across the United States.

In 1990, Allied Lyons acquired Dunkin’ Doughnuts. This acquisition paired the brand with Baskin-Robbins, sparking further expansion in North America.

The company continued its international growth in the following decades. Dunkin’ Doughnuts shops opened in countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Evolution of Menu

Initially, Dunkin’ Doughnuts offered a simple menu of coffee and doughnuts. The original glazed doughnut became a staple item, beloved by customers.

In the early 2000s, the brand began modernizing its offerings. Breakfast sandwiches were introduced to compete with other fast-food chains.

Iced coffees and espresso-based drinks expanded the beverage menu. These additions aimed to attract a wider customer base and compete with specialty coffee shops.

Healthier options like bagels and wraps were added to cater to changing consumer preferences. The menu continued to evolve with seasonal items and limited-time offerings.

In 2019, the company rebranded as simply “Dunkin’” to emphasize its expanded beverage selection beyond doughnuts.

Nutritional Overview of Doughnuts

A colorful display of 13 doughnuts arranged in a row, varying in size, shape, and toppings, with each one labeled with a different ranking

Doughnuts are beloved treats, but their nutritional profile raises concerns. These fried pastries typically contain significant calories, sugar, and fat while offering limited nutritional benefits.

Caloric Content

A standard doughnut contains around 250-300 calories. Glazed and filled varieties often have higher calorie counts. For example, a Dunkin’ glazed doughnut has 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 13 grams of sugar.

Specialty doughnuts can exceed 400 calories each. Consuming multiple doughnuts quickly adds up, potentially contributing to weight gain if not balanced with overall diet and activity levels.

Doughnut calories primarily come from carbohydrates and fats. A typical doughnut provides 30-40 grams of carbs and 10-15 grams of fat.

Ingredient Analysis

Doughnuts mainly consist of refined flour, sugar, and oil. These ingredients provide energy but lack essential nutrients.

The frying process increases fat content, often including trans fats. Trans fats can raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol, potentially increasing heart disease risk.

Many doughnuts contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Some may include allergens like eggs, milk, or nuts.

Certain varieties incorporate fruit or nuts, slightly boosting nutritional value. However, these additions typically don’t offset the high calorie and sugar content.