How many calories are in one honey glazed donut?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

The average medium-sized glazed donut contains between 190 and 300 calories. The exact number of calories in one honey glazed donut can vary significantly based on its size, preparation method, and specific ingredients. Understanding these variations is key to making informed dietary choices while still enjoying occasional treats.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single honey glazed donut can range significantly, typically falling between 190 and 300 calories, but can be higher depending on the brand and size. This variation is due to differences in ingredients, preparation, and portion size, and it's useful to understand the nutritional context.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A medium honey glazed donut typically contains 190–300 calories, though this can vary by brand, size, and specific preparation.
Preparation Method: Frying adds significant fat and calories, while baked donuts are a lower-calorie option.
Ingredient Impact: The type of donut (yeast vs. cake) and the amount of glaze or toppings directly influence the total calorie count.
Comparison to Other Sweets: Honey glazed donuts can have fewer calories than some large cupcakes or pie slices, but are more calorie-dense than healthier options like fruit or plain yogurt.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying donuts in moderation as an occasional treat is consistent with a healthy diet.
Healthier Alternatives: For daily sweet cravings, consider lower-sugar and higher-nutrient alternatives like fruit, Greek yogurt, or baked oatmeal.

A honey glazed donut is a popular and delicious treat, but its nutritional profile is often a point of interest for those monitoring their diet. While the flavor is simple, the calorie count is not always straightforward due to a variety of factors. On average, a medium-sized honey glazed donut contains between 190 and 300 calories, with some large, specialty versions exceeding this range.

Factors that influence donut calories

The precise calorie content of a donut is influenced by several key elements. The recipe, preparation, and size all play a role in determining the final nutritional value. For instance, a yeast-leavened donut tends to be lighter and contain fewer calories than a dense, cake-style donut. The amount and type of glaze also make a difference, as a thicker or more sugary glaze adds extra calories.

Size and density

Yeast-leavened donuts: These are light and airy, resulting in a lower calorie count per serving compared to their cake-based counterparts.
Cake-style donuts: Denser and more substantial, these often have a higher calorie count, sometimes reaching 350 calories or more.
Mini vs. standard size: A small, mini donut will obviously have fewer calories than a standard or jumbo-sized one. Always consider the portion size when calculating intake.

Ingredients and preparation

Frying vs. baking: Most commercially available donuts are deep-fried, which significantly increases their fat and calorie content. Baked donuts, by contrast, use less oil and are a lower-calorie alternative.
Glaze and toppings: The simple honey glaze itself adds calories, primarily from sugar. Additional toppings like sprinkles, icing, or fillings further boost the total calorie, sugar, and fat counts.

Calorie comparison: Honey glazed donut vs. other desserts

To put the honey glazed donut's calories into perspective, it helps to compare it with other common sweet treats. Here is a comparison table:


Dessert	Estimated Calories (Average Serving)	Key Nutritional Differences
Honey Glazed Donut	190-300 calories	High in refined carbs, sugar, and fat. Low in fiber and micronutrients.
Standard Cupcake	400-600 calories	Higher calorie due to dense cake, rich frosting, and butter.
Standard Brownie	200-400 calories	Varies widely based on ingredients (nuts, chocolate chips) and size.
Slice of Apple Pie	300-500 calories	Can be higher in calories depending on crust, sugar, and portion size.
Small Frozen Yogurt	100-200 calories (without toppings)	Generally a lower-calorie option, especially if low-fat and with minimal toppings.

Making healthy choices with donuts in mind

While a honey glazed donut isn't a health food, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The key is moderation. Instead of having one every day, consider it an occasional indulgence. You can also look for smaller portions or baked alternatives to reduce the calorie impact. For a more nutrient-dense treat that still satisfies a sweet craving, consider options like Greek yogurt with fruit or baked fruit.

Healthier alternatives to satisfy cravings

For those looking to reduce their intake of high-sugar, high-fat processed foods, there are many delicious and nutritious alternatives to donuts.

Baked fruit: Baked apples or pears with cinnamon can provide natural sweetness without the added sugars of a donut.
Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts: This offers a great combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal with a drizzle of honey and some berries can provide lasting energy and satisfy a sweet tooth.
Smoothies: Blending fruits and vegetables can be a refreshing and nutritious way to curb cravings.

Conclusion: Mindful enjoyment

Ultimately, knowing how many calories are in one honey glazed donut empowers you to make mindful decisions about your food intake. With a typical range of 190 to 300 calories, this treat should be enjoyed in moderation. By understanding the factors that influence its nutritional value and considering healthier alternatives, you can maintain a balanced diet without completely depriving yourself of the occasional sweet indulgence. The context of your overall diet and physical activity is what truly determines your health, not a single donut.

For further information on the nutritional content of common foods, consult the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie count can vary significantly based on factors like size, preparation method (fried vs. baked), and the brand. For instance, a larger cake-style donut will have more calories than a smaller, lighter yeast-leavened one.

Not necessarily. While a simple glazed donut might have fewer calories than a jam or cream-filled one, the overall nutritional profile is still high in sugar and refined carbs. The "healthier" choice depends on a variety of factors, but both should be consumed in moderation.

A fried donut, which absorbs oil during cooking, will have a higher fat and calorie content than a baked donut. Baked versions can be a way to enjoy a donut-like treat with fewer calories.

Yes, it can, as long as it's factored into your overall daily calorie intake and consumed in moderation. The key is balancing it with nutrient-dense foods and maintaining an active lifestyle. One donut won't derail a diet, but frequent consumption could hinder progress.

Honey glazed donuts typically provide small amounts of nutrients like folate, thiamine, and iron, especially if made with enriched flour. However, they are not considered a good source of healthy nutrients and are primarily high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

The exercise needed depends on the individual's weight and the intensity of the activity, but a medium 250-calorie donut would require roughly 30 minutes of jogging or 60 minutes of walking for an average person to burn off.

While both glazes add calories from sugar, honey contains trace minerals and is often perceived as slightly healthier. However, the calorie difference in a small amount of glaze is minimal. Both are forms of added sugar and should be consumed sparingly.