How Many Calories in a Sweet Donut?

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard medium-sized donut can contain anywhere from 200 to over 400 calories, according to nutritional data. This wide range means the number of calories in a sweet donut is far from a simple, single answer and depends heavily on its type, size, and preparation.

Quick Summary

A sweet donut's calorie count varies based on its type (glazed, frosted, filled), size, and preparation method (fried vs. baked). Different toppings, fillings, and even the type of dough used can dramatically affect the total calories.

Key Points

Glazed Donut Range: A standard glazed donut typically contains between 190 and 300 calories, but this can vary significantly by bakery.
Fillings Add Calories: Donuts with fillings like cream or jelly often have higher calorie counts, sometimes exceeding 350 calories.
Toppings Increase Count: Rich chocolate frosting and sprinkles substantially increase the total calories compared to a plain or lightly glazed donut.
Baked vs. Fried: Opting for a baked donut instead of a traditionally fried one can reduce the calorie and fat content.
Mindful Indulgence: Enjoying donuts in moderation is key to a balanced diet, as they are high in sugar, fat, and refined carbs.
Check Size and Density: The total calorie count is directly affected by the size and density of the donut. A dense cake donut will have more calories than a lighter, airier yeast donut of the same size.

The Base Donut: Yeast vs. Cake

Before adding any sweet toppings, the base of the donut itself establishes a fundamental calorie difference. Yeast donuts are typically light and airy, while cake donuts are denser and richer. The frying process for both adds a significant amount of fat and, consequently, calories, but the ingredients in a cake donut often make it slightly higher in calories even before the glaze.

Factors That Influence Donut Calories

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of your sweet treat:

Yeast vs. Cake Dough: Cake-based donuts are denser and often more calorically packed than their airier yeast-leavened counterparts.
Frying vs. Baking: The traditional method of deep-frying significantly increases the fat and calorie content. Baked donuts offer a lower-calorie alternative.
Toppings and Glazes: A simple sugar glaze adds calories, but richer chocolate frosting, sprinkles, or other elaborate toppings can add a substantial amount more.
Fillings: Donuts filled with cream, jelly, or custard are among the highest-calorie options due to the added sugars and fats in the filling itself.
Size: The size of the donut is a major factor. A small donut hole will obviously have fewer calories than a large, gourmet-sized treat.

Calorie Count by Donut Type

To give you a better idea of how different varieties stack up, here is a general breakdown of calorie ranges for popular sweet donuts based on average sizes:

Glazed Donut: Often considered the baseline, a standard glazed donut typically has between 190 and 300 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on the baker and the size. For instance, a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed comes in around 190 calories, while larger, generic versions can be higher.
Chocolate Frosted Donut: Adding a layer of chocolate frosting pushes the calorie count up. These can range from 260 to 360 calories, depending on the thickness and richness of the frosting. Adding sprinkles can tack on a few extra calories as well.
Cream-Filled or Jelly-Filled Donut: These are the heavyweights in the donut calorie category. The sweet filling, whether it's jelly, Boston Kreme, or another flavor, adds a significant amount of sugar and fat. Calorie counts for filled donuts can range from 250 to over 400 calories.
Old Fashioned Glazed: With their dense, cake-like texture and rich glaze, these often land in the 300-480 calorie range. The Starbucks version, for example, is noted to be on the higher end due to its size.

Comparison Table: Donut Calories at a Glance


Donut Type	Estimated Calorie Range	Key Factors for Variation
Original Glazed (Yeast)	190 - 300 calories	Size, bakery-specific recipe
Chocolate Frosted (Yeast/Cake)	260 - 360 calories	Richness of frosting, addition of sprinkles
Cream-Filled (Yeast)	300 - 400+ calories	Type and amount of filling, size
Jelly-Filled (Yeast)	250 - 350 calories	Amount and type of jelly
Cake Donut, Plain	190 - 260 calories	Density and size of the cake base

Health Implications Beyond Calories

While tracking calories is important for weight management, it’s also critical to remember the overall nutritional profile. Donuts are often high in added sugars, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates, with very little nutritional fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Excessive consumption of these types of foods is linked to increased risks for several health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Making smarter choices can help you enjoy your treat without derailing your health goals. Consider these tips:

Practice moderation: The occasional donut is fine, but it shouldn't become a daily habit.
Opt for a smaller size: Many bakeries offer donut holes or mini donuts that can satisfy a craving for a fraction of the calories.
Choose simpler options: A plain glazed or sugar donut will almost always be lower in calories than a filled or heavily frosted one.
Try baking at home: Making your own donuts allows you to control the ingredients. You can use healthier fats like coconut or avocado oil, and reduce the amount of sugar.

How to Burn Off Your Donut

If you're curious about the physical activity needed to balance out your indulgence, here's a rough idea based on a 300-calorie donut. Depending on your body weight and intensity, this could require:

Brisk walking: Approximately 60 minutes
Running: Around 30 minutes
Cycling: About 40-50 minutes
Weightlifting: 60-70 minutes

This is just a rough estimate, and individual results will vary. The point is to understand that a donut, while a tasty treat, is a significant caloric investment that requires a balanced approach to diet and exercise.

Conclusion: Mindful Enjoyment is Best

So, how many calories are in a sweet donut? The answer depends entirely on its size, type, and preparation. A classic glazed is usually on the lower end, while a cream-filled or heavily frosted option can significantly increase your daily calorie intake. Don't be afraid to enjoy a donut as an occasional treat, but remember that moderation and mindful eating are key for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

For more detailed nutritional information and healthy eating advice, visit the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the USDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard, medium-sized glazed donut typically contains 190 to 300 calories. This can vary based on the specific brand or bakery and the size of the donut.

Generally, yes. Cake donuts are denser and richer than their yeast-leavened counterparts. For example, a generic cake glazed donut has around 192 calories, while a plain glazed yeast donut may be slightly higher or lower depending on the recipe and size.

Adding a filling significantly increases a donut's calorie count. A cream-filled donut can contain over 350 calories, while a jelly-filled donut may range from 250 to 350 calories, depending on the amount and type of filling.

Yes, baked donuts are almost always lower in calories and fat than traditional fried donuts. Baking eliminates the need for deep-frying, which drastically cuts down on the fat absorption.

Adding a small amount of sprinkles typically only adds a minor number of calories, around 10 calories for a standard portion. The biggest calorie impact comes from the base, frosting, and fillings.

To reduce calories in homemade donuts, you can bake them instead of frying. You can also use healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, and opt for lighter glazes or natural sweeteners instead of heavy frosting.

No, donuts are not considered a healthy breakfast option. They are high in sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats, and lack the essential nutrients needed for a balanced start to the day. A healthier breakfast should include whole grains, protein, and fiber.