How many calories does a long john donut have? A comprehensive breakdown

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Long john donuts can contain a wide range of calories, with some basic versions starting around 250 calories while heavily filled and frosted varieties can exceed 700. The exact number of calories does a long john donut have is heavily dependent on the specific bakery and its ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a long john donut varies significantly based on its size, fillings, and icings, typically ranging from 250 to over 700 calories per donut.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: The calorie count for a long john donut can range from approximately 250 to over 700, depending on fillings, toppings, and bakery.
Plain is Lower: A plain, unfilled long john has significantly fewer calories than one loaded with cream or heavy icing.
Fillings Add Significant Calories: Cream, custard, and other sweet fillings dramatically increase the total calorie, sugar, and fat content.
Icing and Toppings Matter: The type of icing (e.g., maple vs. caramel) and any added drizzles or sprinkles will further boost the calorie count.
Check the Source: Because of the vast differences in preparation, it is best to check the nutritional information from the specific bakery or a nutritional database to know the exact calorie count.
Macronutrients are High: Long johns are high in carbohydrates and fats, providing little protein or fiber, a typical profile for a dessert item.

The Surprising Calorie Range of a Long John Donut

While a long john donut can seem like a simple treat, its calorie content is anything but. The variation is immense, driven by the choice of filling, the type of icing, and even the preparation methods of the specific bakery. A consumer-focused nutritional resource like CalorieKing reveals these significant differences between brands. For someone managing their intake, knowing these details is crucial to making an informed decision about their dessert choice.

Factors That Influence Long John Calories

Several key components contribute to the total calories in a long john. Understanding these factors can help you gauge the caloric impact of your next indulgence.

Fillings: Cream, custard, and other sweet fillings are dense with sugar and fat. A plain, unfilled long john will always be the lower-calorie option. For instance, a filled long john from Kwik Trip can have hundreds of calories more than a simple glazed one from the same brand.
Icings: Different icings have different calorie densities. A simple maple or vanilla icing adds calories, but a heavier, cream-based or caramel icing with drizzles can drastically increase the number. The amount applied is also a significant factor.
Toppings: Sprinkles, drizzles, and other toppings add further calories and sugar. While seemingly small, these add-ons contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the donut.
Donut Base: The size and recipe of the base donut itself play a role. The ingredients, such as the type of flour and oil used for frying, contribute differently to the final calorie count.

The Macronutrient Profile

Beyond just calories, long johns deliver a significant load of carbohydrates and fats, with minimal protein and virtually no fiber. This is typical for most baked goods and is an important consideration for those monitoring their macronutrient intake. As an example, a maple-iced long john from Kwik Trip provides 58g of carbs, 22g of fat, and only 5g of protein. The simple and complex carbohydrates lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar, while the saturated fats contribute to overall fat intake.

Common Long John Varieties and Nutritional Details

Here is a list of common long john variations and their nutritional characteristics:

Plain Long John: The base version, featuring the lowest calorie count. It consists of the classic fried dough with no filling or heavy topping.
Iced Long John: A step up from the plain version, this includes a layer of icing, such as chocolate or maple, which increases the sugar content.
Filled Long John: A calorie-dense version that includes a rich filling like cream or custard. This can double the sugar and fat of the plain donut.
Deluxe Long John: An indulgent option featuring both filling and heavy icing, often with additional toppings like sprinkles or drizzles.

Long John Donut Calorie Comparison Table

To illustrate the wide variation in calories, here is a comparison of long john donuts from several popular sources, based on available nutrition information. Please note that portion sizes and recipes vary, so these values are approximate.


Bakery/Source	Variety	Approximate Calories	Approx. Weight (g)
Daylight Donuts	Chocolate Iced	365	101
Dunkin'	Vanilla Long John	320	Varies
Kwik Trip	Filled w/ Maple Icing	650	Varies
Kwik Trip	Long John w/ Maple Icing	450	Varies
Publix	Custard-Filled Long John	250	86
Casey's General Store	Long John	270	Varies
Wawa	Chocolate Iced Long John	570	Varies

Navigating Your Donut Choice

When faced with a display of enticing long johns, consider these tips for a more mindful indulgence:

Choose Wisely: If calories are a concern, opt for a simpler, less-adorned donut. A plain or lightly glazed long john is your best bet for a lower-calorie option.
Share the Indulgence: Many donuts are large and can easily be shared, splitting the calorie cost with a friend.
Treats in Moderation: Remember that donuts are a treat food, not a nutritional staple. Enjoying one occasionally as part of a balanced diet is a sustainable approach.

For more detailed nutritional information on specific products, consult the nutritional information available on websites like CalorieKing.

Conclusion

So, how many calories does a long john donut have? The answer is not a single number but a wide spectrum, from around 250 calories for a simple version to over 700 for a heavily filled and topped one. The calorie count depends entirely on the specific preparation, including the type of filling and icing used. Understanding these variations empowers you to make a more informed and conscious choice, allowing you to enjoy your long john while being mindful of its nutritional impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie long john will typically be a plain or simply glazed version without any filling. According to MyFoodDiary, a long john from Casey's General Store has 270 calories, making it a lower-calorie option.

The calorie count for a chocolate long john varies by bakery. For example, a Dunkin' chocolate long john has 320 calories, while a different version from a local bakery could be different based on the recipe and size.

Yes, adding filling can significantly increase the calorie count. A long john with maple icing from Kwik Trip has 450 calories, but the filled version from the same brand has 650 calories, showing the impact of filling.

A long john is often larger and can have more calories than a standard glazed donut, although this varies by bakery. A glazed twist from Daylight Donuts has 310 calories, while their long john has 365, for example.

As a high-sugar, high-fat processed food, a long john donut offers minimal nutritional benefits. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple due to its dense caloric and sugar content.

A typical long john is primarily carbohydrates and fat. For example, a Kwik Trip maple long john is comprised of 58g of carbs, 22g of fat, and 5g of protein per serving.

Calorie counts vary due to differences in donut size, the specific recipe ingredients (including type of oil), and the amount of filling and icing used by each individual bakery.