How Many Carbs in a Strawberry Donut? A Deep Dive into the Nutrition Facts

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

A single medium-sized glazed donut contains an average of 31 grams of carbohydrates. But when you add a layer of strawberry glaze or frosting, that number can fluctuate. So, how many carbs in a strawberry donut should you expect to find on your plate, and what does it mean for your nutrition?

Quick Summary

A strawberry donut's carb content varies significantly by type and brand, ranging from approximately 22g to over 40g, mostly from added sugar and refined flour.

Key Points

Carb Count Varies: The number of carbs in a strawberry donut can range widely (22-44g), depending on the brand, size, and type of donut.
Dunkin' vs. Krispy Kreme: Dunkin's Glazed Strawberry Donut has more carbohydrates (44g) than its Strawberry Frosted version (35g) and Krispy Kreme's Strawberry Iced Glazed (22g).
Source of Carbs: The majority of carbohydrates come from refined flour and simple sugars in the icing or filling, with minimal dietary fiber.
Moderation is Key: Due to their high sugar and refined carb content, strawberry donuts should be considered a treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.
Healthy Alternatives: Options like yogurt with fresh strawberries or homemade baked goods offer similar flavors with better nutritional value.
Nutrient-Poor: Beyond simple energy from carbs, donuts provide very few other essential nutrients, such as significant fiber or protein.

Unpacking the Carbohydrate Content of a Strawberry Donut

When you bite into a strawberry donut, you're consuming a mix of refined flour and sugar, which forms the core of its carbohydrate profile. The exact amount of carbohydrates can differ dramatically depending on the brand, size, and whether it is a cake or yeast-raised variety. Understanding these variations is key to making an informed dietary choice.

For instance, a Dunkin' Strawberry Frosted Donut contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. In contrast, their Glazed Strawberry Donut packs a higher punch, coming in at around 44 grams of total carbohydrates. This difference is largely due to the added sugar in the glaze versus the frosting.

Comparison: Frosted vs. Glazed Strawberry Donuts

There's a significant nutritional difference between a donut with a simple glaze and one with thick frosting. The glaze is a simple sugar coating, while frosting often includes more ingredients and a higher sugar concentration. As seen with the Dunkin' examples, the glazed version typically has more total carbohydrates. Krispy Kreme's Strawberry Iced Glazed doughnut, for example, is reported to have 22 grams of carbs, which is lower than the Dunkin' varieties. This highlights how brand recipes and portion sizes impact the final nutritional information.

The Source of Carbs: Refined Flour and Added Sugar

It's important to remember that most of the carbohydrates in a donut come from refined flour and added sugars. These are simple carbohydrates that cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Unlike complex carbs found in whole grains, donuts offer very little dietary fiber to slow down sugar absorption. This can lead to a quick energy boost followed by a sugar crash.

In a Dunkin' Strawberry Frosted donut, for instance, a significant portion of its 35 grams of carbs is sugar. The absence of meaningful fiber and the high sugar content mean this is not a nutritionally dense food, but rather a treat to be enjoyed in moderation.

Healthier Alternatives to a Strawberry Donut

For those looking for a healthier option to satisfy a sweet craving, several alternatives can provide a similar flavor profile with better nutritional value. Focusing on whole fruits and reduced sugar options can help manage your carbohydrate intake and avoid the sugar spike associated with donuts.

Greek Yogurt with Fresh Strawberries: This combination offers a sweet, creamy taste along with a boost of protein and fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer. Sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for a satisfying crunch.
Whole-Grain Toast with Low-Sugar Jam: Opt for whole-grain toast to provide complex carbohydrates, and pair it with a low-sugar or no-sugar-added strawberry jam for a healthier sweet treat.
Baked Oats with Strawberries: Baked oatmeal provides a warm, hearty dessert or breakfast option. By sweetening it with fresh fruit instead of added sugar, you get a treat rich in complex carbs and fiber.
Homemade Baked Donuts: Using alternative flours like almond flour or whole-wheat flour, and controlling the amount of sugar, can drastically reduce the carb and sugar content of your donut. Recipes often incorporate natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey in smaller amounts.

Donut Carbohydrate Comparison

This table provides a quick overview of the carbohydrate and sugar content for a few popular strawberry donut options. Note that serving sizes can vary between brands.


Donut Type	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Calories	Brand (Where Applicable)
Strawberry Frosted Donut	35	14	260	Dunkin'
Glazed Strawberry Donut	44	23	280	Dunkin'
Strawberry Iced Glazed Doughnut	22	10	190	Krispy Kreme
Homemade Strawberry Donut	~43	~26	~368	Example Recipe
Strawberry Frosted Donut	33	16	282	Generic

Conclusion

While a strawberry donut can be a delicious occasional treat, its nutritional profile is typically high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, offering little in terms of dietary fiber or other essential nutrients. The carb count varies significantly by type and brand, so it’s wise to check the nutrition facts if you're managing your intake. For those seeking a healthier approach to satisfying a sweet craving, alternatives like fresh fruit with yogurt or homemade baked goods provide a more balanced nutritional option. The key is moderation and being aware of what you are consuming to make the best choices for your health.

For more nutritional information on baked goods, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Nutritionix, a Dunkin' Glazed Strawberry Donut contains approximately 44 grams of carbohydrates.

Generally, glazed donuts, especially those with an extra layer like the Dunkin' Glazed Strawberry, tend to have a higher carb count than simply frosted versions due to the additional sugar in the glaze.

No, the carbohydrates in a strawberry donut are primarily simple carbs from refined flour and sugar. They offer little nutritional benefit and can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar.

Homemade strawberry donuts can be a healthier alternative as you can control the ingredients, using alternative flours and less sugar to reduce the carbohydrate and calorie content.

Yes, a strawberry donut is typically high in sugar. For example, a Dunkin' Glazed Strawberry Donut contains 23 grams of sugar, contributing to its high total carb count.

You can reduce carbs in homemade versions by using low-carb flours like almond or coconut flour, reducing added sugar, and incorporating natural sweeteners.

Yes, as demonstrated by the comparison between Dunkin' (35g-44g) and Krispy Kreme (22g) donuts, carbohydrate content varies significantly based on brand, recipe, and size.