How Many Calories Are in an Old Fashioned Donut?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to data from CalorieKing, a single Dunkin' Old Fashioned Donut contains approximately 310 calories. This classic, buttermilk-flavored treat is denser than its yeast-raised counterparts, and its calorie count can vary significantly based on size, glaze, and whether it's from a commercial bakery or a local shop.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of an old fashioned donut can range from approximately 290 to over 400 calories, depending on size and preparation. Factors like ingredients, added glazes, and sourcing (commercial vs. bakery) contribute to the wide variation in nutritional content. Understanding these differences allows for more informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Variable Calories: An old fashioned donut's calorie count ranges widely, from around 290 to over 400 calories, influenced by its size and toppings.
Dense Cake Style: Unlike airy yeast donuts, the denser, buttermilk-based cake batter of an old fashioned donut contributes to its higher calorie density.
Glaze Adds Calories: Glazes and icings significantly increase the sugar and overall caloric content compared to a plain old fashioned donut.
Preparation Matters: Frying in oil adds a considerable amount of fat and calories, and the nutritional profile can differ between commercial and bakery-made versions.
Burn-Off Requires Effort: Counteracting the calories from a single donut requires a moderate-to-intense physical activity session, such as a brisk walk for over an hour or 30-40 minutes of jogging.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For frequent cravings, alternatives like baked donuts, fruit, dark chocolate, or Greek yogurt can provide a healthier option.

Old Fashioned Donut Calorie Breakdown

The classic, craggy-edged old fashioned donut is a beloved treat, but its nutritional value is not as simple as it seems. Unlike a light and airy yeast donut, the old fashioned is a denser, cake-style donut, typically with a buttermilk-rich flavor. This distinction in recipe and texture is key to understanding its caloric load. A plain old fashioned donut will have fewer calories than a glazed or iced one, and a donut from a national chain may differ dramatically from one made at a local bakery.

The Impact of Ingredients and Preparation

Several factors influence the final calorie count of an old fashioned donut:

Size: The larger the donut, the more calories it contains. A small, mini donut hole will have far fewer calories than a large, full-sized donut.
Glaze and Icing: The addition of a sweet glaze or thick icing can significantly increase the sugar and calorie content. For instance, a maple-iced old fashioned donut can easily add 100 or more calories compared to a plain one.
Frying Method: The traditional deep-frying process contributes a large portion of the calories in the form of fat. The type of oil used and the temperature can also play a role in how much oil is absorbed.
Bakery vs. Packaged: Mass-produced, packaged old fashioned donuts often have different ingredient formulations and portion sizes than those from a fresh bakery, leading to variations in calorie counts. For example, a Dunkin' Old Fashioned Donut is listed at 310 calories, while a Winchell's maple iced version is 410.

How Calorie Counts Compare Across Varieties

To put the old fashioned donut into perspective, here's a comparison table of different donut types and their approximate calorie counts based on standard sizes.


Donut Type	Approximate Calories	Key Characteristics
Plain Old Fashioned	290–320	Dense, cake-style, less sugar from lack of icing.
Glazed Old Fashioned	320–420	Adds a sugar glaze, increasing carb and calorie content.
Chocolate Iced Old Fashioned	360–420	High in sugar and fat from thick, rich icing.
Plain Cake Donut	190–240	Generally smaller and lighter than an old fashioned.
Krispy Kreme Original Glazed	190	Light, yeast-based, but still a significant source of sugar.
Jelly-Filled Donut	289	Filled donuts can have lower calories than heavily-iced options.

Burning Off the Donut Calories

For those who enjoy an occasional old fashioned donut, understanding the energy expenditure required to offset the calories can be insightful. Keep in mind that these are approximations and will vary based on weight, intensity, and individual metabolism.

Walking: Burning off 310 calories from a plain old fashioned donut would require a brisk walk of approximately 60-80 minutes.
Cycling: A moderately-paced bike ride could burn the same calories in roughly 45 minutes.
Jogging: A 30-40 minute jog is often enough to burn off a standard donut's calories.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Shorter, more intense workouts can be highly effective. A 20-30 minute HIIT session can rapidly burn calories.

Healthier Alternatives and Mindful Consumption

While an old fashioned donut can be a delicious indulgence, it is high in sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats, with minimal nutritional benefits. Moderation is key, especially given the potential long-term health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

For those seeking a healthier substitute, consider these options:

Baked Donuts: Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content while still satisfying a donut craving.
Fruit: Naturally sweet fruits like berries or dates offer fiber and essential nutrients.
Greek Yogurt: This provides protein and calcium and can be topped with a variety of healthy options.
Dark Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate has less sugar and contains beneficial polyphenols.

By being mindful of portion sizes and opting for healthier alternatives more frequently, you can enjoy treats like an old fashioned donut without derailing your health goals. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are the best approach to overall wellness. For more information on fighting sugar cravings with nutritious alternatives, see this detailed resource from Healthline.

Conclusion

In summary, an old fashioned donut is a caloric and sugar-dense treat, with values typically ranging from 290 to over 400 calories depending on its preparation. It is important to remember that these variations are significant and can impact your overall dietary intake. Enjoying this classic donut in moderation and balancing it with a nutritious diet and active lifestyle is the most effective approach for health and wellness. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, consumers can make informed decisions and find healthier alternatives to satisfy their cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions

A plain old fashioned donut typically contains between 290 and 320 calories, depending on its size and where it was made.

A glazed old fashioned donut generally ranges from 320 to 420 calories, with the added sugar glaze significantly increasing the total.

Not necessarily. While a plain old fashioned donut might have fewer calories than a heavily iced regular donut, a simple Krispy Kreme Original Glazed donut has a lower calorie count at 190 calories.

To burn off the calories from a typical old fashioned donut, you would need to do a brisk walk for about 60-80 minutes or jog for 30-40 minutes, depending on the donut's size and your body weight.

Healthier alternatives include baked donuts, fresh fruit, dark chocolate, or a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with berries and nuts.

The calorie difference is due to varying factors like size, ingredients, and toppings. Commercial bakery donuts, like Dunkin', might have a lower count than a specialty bakery donut, and any added glaze or icing increases the calories significantly.

An old fashioned donut is a denser, cake-style donut with a craggy surface, typically made with buttermilk. A 'regular' donut usually refers to a yeast-raised donut, which is lighter and airier in texture.