Nutritional Profile of an Entenmann's Plain Donut
An Entenmann's plain donut, specifically from their Soft'ees line, provides a straightforward snapshot of its nutritional makeup, primarily consisting of carbohydrates, fat, and sugar. At 180 calories per donut (approximately 40g), it is a relatively calorie-dense snack. The caloric breakdown is predominantly from fat and carbohydrates, with minimal protein content.
Macronutrient Breakdown
According to nutritional information from product labels and tracking websites, the macronutrient profile for one plain donut is as follows:
- Total Fat: 11g, which accounts for approximately 14% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Saturated Fat: 5g, making up a significant 25% of the daily value.
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g, or about 7% of the daily value.
- Sugars: 8g, with 7g of that being added sugars.
- Protein: 2g.
Other Nutritional Considerations
Beyond the primary macronutrients, it is worth noting the sodium and cholesterol content. Each plain donut contains 180mg of sodium, contributing to 8% of the daily value. It has a minimal amount of cholesterol, listed as 5mg, which is 1% of the daily value. The donut provides no significant dietary fiber, a common characteristic of highly processed baked goods.
A Look at the Ingredients and Production
Entenmann's plain donuts are an ultra-processed food, meaning they are manufactured with many ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen. The ingredient list reveals the components that create its soft, cake-like consistency and extended shelf life.
Common ingredients found in an Entenmann's plain donut:
- Enriched Wheat Flour
- Vegetable Shortening (Palm Oil)
- Sugar
- Soybean Oil
- Leavening agents (Baking Soda, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Sulfate)
- Glycerin
- Soy Flour
- Nonfat Milk
- Corn Syrup Solids
- Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate)
- Natural & Artificial Flavor
- Coloring (Beta Carotene)
This blend of ingredients highlights the high processing involved in creating a uniform and shelf-stable product, rather than the simple flour, sugar, and egg combination of a homemade donut. The Environmental Working Group has previously rated Entenmann's products with high processing concerns, pointing to aspects like added sugar and processed fats. For more on processed food ingredients, you can explore resources like the Environmental Working Group.
Calorie Comparison: Plain vs. Other Entenmann's Varieties
While the plain version is a standard option, it's insightful to compare its caloric load against other varieties offered by Entenmann's. As expected, toppings and fillings significantly increase the calorie count. This table outlines the approximate calories for a single donut across different popular types:
| Donut Variety | Approximate Calories (per donut) |
|---|---|
| Plain Soft'ee | 180 |
| Powdered | 210 |
| Crumb Topped | 240 |
| Glazed Buttermilk | 230 |
| Rich Frosted | 290 |
| Frosted Devil's Food | 290 |
As the table shows, a plain donut is one of the lower-calorie options, but its nutritional value is still largely driven by refined carbohydrates and fat. The richer varieties can nearly double the caloric intake.
Conclusion
In summary, an Entenmann's plain donut contains 180 calories, along with 11 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of sugar. While it has fewer calories than its frosted and crumb-topped counterparts, it remains a highly processed food with a high concentration of saturated fat and added sugar. Enjoying these treats in moderation is key, especially for those monitoring their caloric intake and overall health. For a more balanced diet, it's beneficial to be mindful of the ingredients and nutritional content of such convenience snacks.
