How many calories are in a glazed do?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

The average medium-sized glazed donut contains roughly 269 calories, but this can vary significantly depending on the size and preparation. For those asking 'how many calories are in a glazed do?', understanding these variations is key to a complete answer.

Quick Summary

Glazed donuts typically contain between 190 and 300 calories, with factors like brand, size, and preparation method influencing the total. Key nutritional components are fat, carbohydrates, and a high amount of sugar.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in a glazed donut varies by brand, size, and whether it is yeast-based (lighter) or cake-based (denser).
Brand Specifics: A Krispy Kreme Original Glazed has 190 calories, while a Dunkin' Glazed contains 240 calories.
High in Sugar and Fat: Glazed donuts are high in carbs, sugar, and fat, and should be considered a treat rather than a nutritious food source.
Healthier Alternatives: Opting for a baked version or a smaller donut hole can reduce the calorie and fat content, as can controlling toppings.
Enjoy in Moderation: Due to their low nutritional value, glazed donuts are best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet to avoid potential health risks associated with high sugar intake.
Beyond the Glaze: Filling or thick frosting adds more calories and fat, making a simple glazed donut the least indulgent option among many varieties.

Clarification: "Glazed Do" vs. Glazed Donut

First, it's important to clarify the search term. The query "how many calories are in a glazed do?" contains a common typo or abbreviation for "doughnut" or "donut." For clarity and accuracy, this article will use the standard term "glazed donut" for all nutritional and caloric discussions.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Glazed Donut

The exact calorie count of a glazed donut is not a single, fixed number. It varies based on several factors, including the recipe, size, and brand. The average medium-sized glazed donut, however, falls into a general range of 190 to 300 calories. This range can be broken down further based on the donut's base.

Yeast vs. Cake Doughnuts

Yeast Donuts: These are typically lighter and airier, and generally contain fewer calories. For example, a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed donut, which is yeast-based, has 190 calories.
Cake Donuts: Denser and richer, these donuts are often more calorific. A generic glazed cake donut can be around 192 calories, but larger or specialty versions can be much higher.

Other Nutritional Information

Beyond just the calories, it's important to look at the macronutrient profile. For an average glazed donut, the nutritional breakdown includes a significant amount of fat, carbohydrates, and sugar. There is very little protein or fiber. As an occasional treat, this is fine, but it lacks the nutritional density to be a staple food in a balanced diet.

Glazed Donut Calorie Comparison Table

Here is a comparison of the nutritional information for a standard serving size of a few popular glazed donuts:


Feature	Krispy Kreme Original Glazed	Dunkin' Glazed	Generic Glazed
Calories	190	240	269
Total Fat	10g	11g	15g
Carbohydrates	22g	33g	31g
Sugar	10g	13g	15g
Protein	3g	4g	3.9g

Baked vs. Fried: Does Preparation Method Matter?

When considering a homemade alternative, the preparation method makes a huge difference in the final calorie count. A traditional glazed donut is fried in oil, which significantly increases its fat and calorie content. Baking, on the other hand, requires much less oil, if any, and can result in a considerably lower-calorie treat. Homemade recipes also allow for control over the amount of sugar and fat used, offering a customizable, potentially healthier option. However, even a baked donut remains a sweet, high-sugar confection.

The Role of Moderation in a Healthy Diet

While enjoyable, glazed donuts are considered a "treat" food due to their high sugar and fat content and minimal nutritional benefits. Health professionals recommend enjoying such items in moderation rather than as a daily habit. Regularly consuming high-sugar, high-fat foods can lead to various health problems, including weight gain and an increased risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. It's crucial to balance indulgences with a diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion: The Sweet Spot of Smart Choices

In summary, the number of calories in a glazed donut is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends heavily on the specific product and preparation method. A Krispy Kreme Original is on the lower end, while a generic or particularly dense cake donut can have a higher count. The ultimate takeaway is that a glazed donut is a high-sugar, high-fat food that should be enjoyed as an occasional treat. For more detail on nutrition and wellness, you can consult authoritative health resources online. Paying attention to these details empowers you to make informed decisions and enjoy your sweets responsibly.

Other Donut Variations and Their Calorie Counts

Glazed Donut Holes: A single glazed donut hole contains significantly fewer calories, often ranging from 55 to 60 calories, making them a good option for a smaller, portion-controlled treat.
Filled Donuts: Cream-filled or jelly-filled donuts add extra ingredients and, therefore, extra calories. They can often exceed the 300-calorie mark, sometimes reaching over 500 calories for larger or more decadent versions.
Frosted Donuts: Similar to filled donuts, adding a thick layer of chocolate or other frosting increases the overall calorie count. A chocolate iced donut from Dunkin', for instance, is 260 calories.

Understanding these variations allows for smarter indulgence. A classic glazed donut is often the simplest and lowest-calorie option among the specialty variants, but all are best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A glazed yeast donut is typically lighter and airier, containing fewer calories (e.g., Krispy Kreme's 190 calories), while a denser glazed cake donut generally has a higher calorie count.

A Dunkin' Glazed donut has 240 calories, making it more calorific than a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed donut, which has 190 calories.

Adding fillings, icing, or sprinkles to a glazed donut increases its total calorie count. For example, a chocolate iced donut will be more calorific than a plain glazed one.

Baked versions typically have fewer calories and less fat than their fried counterparts because they absorb less oil. However, they can still be high in sugar and should be considered a treat.

In addition to calories, glazed donuts contain high amounts of carbohydrates (particularly sugar), and fat. They offer very little protein or dietary fiber.

Yes, frequent consumption of high-sugar, high-fat foods can contribute to health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease, which is why moderation is recommended.

Compared to other specialty donuts, the simple glazed version is often one of the lower-calorie options. However, compared to a piece of fruit or a yogurt, a glazed donut has significantly higher calories, sugar, and fat.