How Many Calories in a Raspberry Jelly Donut?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to CalorieKing, a glazed raspberry filled donut from Krispy Kreme contains 290 calories, while a Winchell's version has 390. The number of calories in a raspberry jelly donut can vary significantly based on its size, preparation, and toppings, making a single, definitive answer challenging to pin down accurately.

Quick Summary

A typical raspberry jelly donut contains between 230 and 390 calories, depending on the brand, size, and presence of a glaze. The primary calorie sources are refined carbohydrates from the dough, added sugar from the jelly and glaze, and fat from the frying process.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A raspberry jelly donut typically contains 230 to 390 calories, based on size, brand, and toppings.
Primary Calorie Sources: Most calories come from the fried dough, the processed high-sugar jelly filling, and any added glaze.
Brand Variation Matters: Different brands have unique recipes; for example, a Krispy Kreme glazed raspberry is 290 calories, while a Winchell's can be 390.
Glaze Adds Calories: The presence of an extra glaze or icing significantly increases the sugar and calorie count compared to a plain-finished filled donut.
High in Sugar and Fat: Raspberry jelly donuts are generally high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and fat, and low in protein and fiber.
Balanced Approach: While fine as an occasional indulgence, these treats are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and calorie content.

Decoding the Raspberry Jelly Donut's Calorie Count

Understanding how many calories in a raspberry jelly donut requires looking beyond a single number. Unlike a fruit or vegetable with a fixed calorie count, a donut is a processed food where ingredients and preparation methods vary dramatically. On average, you can expect a single raspberry jelly donut to fall within a range of 230 to 390 calories, but this range is influenced by several factors that this article will explore in detail.

Core Components of a Donut's Calories

Three main components contribute to the total caloric load of a raspberry jelly donut: the dough, the jelly filling, and any additional glazes or toppings. Each of these adds a substantial number of calories, primarily from sugar and fat.

The Dough: The base of most donuts is a yeast-leavened or cake-style dough. This dough is typically made from refined white flour, sugar, and fat, and is then deep-fried. The deep-frying process significantly increases the fat content, as the dough absorbs a considerable amount of oil during cooking. A standard fried dough alone can contribute over 200 calories before any filling is even added.
The Jelly Filling: The 'raspberry jelly' isn't simply pureed fruit. It is a sugary confection designed for a long shelf life, often containing high fructose corn syrup and other added sugars to create a thick, sweet filling. While a tablespoon of fresh raspberries has very few calories, the processed jelly can add anywhere from 40 to over 100 calories, depending on how much is injected into the center.
Glazes and Toppings: A simple powdered sugar coating adds fewer calories than a thick, sugary glaze. Some donuts come with an additional icing, which can add a significant amount of extra sugar and calories. For example, a Winchell's glazed raspberry jelly donut is listed at 390 calories, whereas a Hostess raspberry filled donut without a heavy glaze is 230 calories.

How Brands Influence the Calorie Count

Different donut brands and bakeries have unique recipes, resulting in different nutritional profiles. This is why you see a wide range in reported calorie counts. A large, artisan donut from a local bakery will likely have a different calorie density than a smaller, mass-produced version from a large chain. Factors such as the type of frying oil used, the sugar content of the dough, and the amount of jelly and glaze are all variables that affect the final number.

A Comparative Look at Donut Calories

To put the raspberry jelly donut's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison table showing the typical calorie range for different types of donuts. This comparison helps illustrate how various fillings and toppings impact the overall energy content.


Donut Type	Typical Calorie Range	Key Calorie Sources
Raspberry Jelly Donut	230–390 calories	Fried dough, high-sugar jelly, glaze
Glazed Donut	240–280 calories	Fried dough, sugary glaze
Plain Donut	190–220 calories	Fried dough, minimal sugar
Boston Cream Donut	350–400+ calories	Fried dough, custard filling, chocolate icing
Cake Donut (Plain)	250–300 calories	Cake batter, fried oil

This comparison shows that a raspberry jelly donut is often on the higher end of the calorie spectrum for filled varieties, especially when a heavy glaze is present. For those monitoring calorie intake, choosing a simple plain or glazed donut could offer a lighter option.

Nutritional Context and Health Considerations

Beyond calories, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile. Raspberry jelly donuts are generally high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and contain very little dietary fiber or protein. While an occasional treat is fine, regular consumption can contribute to a diet that is disproportionately high in sugars. For example, a single glazed raspberry filled donut can contain a large percentage of your recommended daily sugar intake. A more balanced approach might involve a smaller treat, sharing a donut, or opting for a healthier snack. For more detailed nutritional information on specific products, check reliable sources such as CalorieKing.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

So, how many calories in a raspberry jelly donut? The answer is not straightforward, but a safe estimate is between 230 and 390 calories, with many commercially available versions sitting in the 290-340 range. The final tally depends on the bakery and preparation method. Understanding the factors that contribute to this figure—the dough, the sugary filling, and the glaze—empowers you to make a more informed choice. By comparing options and considering the overall nutritional impact, you can still enjoy your favorite treats as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard-sized raspberry jelly donut from a commercial brand typically falls within the 230 to 390 calorie range. The exact number depends on the manufacturer, size, and whether a heavy glaze is included.

A raspberry jelly donut often has more calories than a standard glazed donut. While a glazed donut may average 240-280 calories, the added sugary filling in the jelly version pushes the total calorie count higher.

A homemade donut gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to use less sugar in the dough and filling, or use healthier frying oils. Store-bought versions often contain higher levels of high fructose corn syrup and processed ingredients.

Finding a genuinely low-calorie version is challenging as the core components—fried dough and sugary filling—are inherently high in energy. Your best bet is to look for smaller-sized options or bakeries that specify lower-sugar alternatives, but even these will be calorie-dense.

Yes, the type and amount of filling are major factors. Processed jams and jellies loaded with added sugars will have a higher calorie impact than a more fruit-forward, lower-sugar option. The total quantity of filling also plays a significant role.

Burning off a donut with 290 calories, for example, would require a brisk walk of around 50 minutes for the average person. The exact time varies based on your weight, age, and metabolism, but it illustrates the high energy density.

While delicious, a raspberry jelly donut offers very few health benefits. The small amount of fruit puree is overshadowed by the high sugar and fat content. It is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a nutritious food item.