How many grams of sugar is in one donut?

November 6, 2025 •

2 min read

An average medium-sized glazed donut contains approximately 15 grams of sugar, which can vary significantly depending on the type and toppings. To truly understand how many grams of sugar is in one donut, it is essential to consider the wide range of options available at your local bakery or grocery store.

Quick Summary

The total sugar content of a donut can range from around 10 grams in a simple glazed to over 25 grams in heavily frosted or filled varieties. The amount depends on the size and ingredients, particularly added fillings and toppings that elevate the sugar load beyond the base dough.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The sugar content in a single donut varies dramatically based on its size, type, and toppings, from around 10 to over 25 grams.
Glaze Adds Up: An average glazed donut contains approximately 15 grams of sugar, primarily from the sugar coating.
Fillings Multiply Sugar: Cream and jelly-filled donuts, along with those that are frosted, contain substantially more sugar than their plain or glazed counterparts.
Health Risks of Excess Sugar: Consuming too much added sugar is linked to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Moderation is Key: Given the high sugar content, donuts are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence, balanced within a nutrient-dense diet.
Watch for Hidden Sugars: Be mindful of other sources of added sugar in your diet, as many processed foods and drinks contain them.
Choose Mindfully: Opting for smaller or plainer donut varieties can help reduce your overall sugar consumption.

Understanding Donut Sweetness: The Base Layer

Even before toppings are added, the donut dough contains sugar which contributes to flavor, texture, and moisture. A plain cake donut contains about 10 to 11 grams of sugar. However, the sugar content increases significantly with glazes, fillings, and frostings.

The Glaze and Beyond: Toppings and Fillings

The primary difference in sugar content among donuts comes from added sweetness. A medium glazed donut typically has around 15 grams of sugar. Donuts with frosting or fillings like jelly or cream contain even more sugar, often exceeding 20 grams. Some gourmet options can have over 50 grams of sugar in a single donut.

Sugar Showdown: A Donut Comparison

This table highlights the variation in sugar content among popular donut types based on available nutritional data:


Donut Type	Average Sugar (g)	Key Factor	Example Brands
Plain Cake Donut	10-11	Dough and dusting	USDA Average
Original Glazed	10-15	Glaze coating	Krispy Kreme, Dunkin'
Chocolate Frosted Cake	~20	Rich frosting	Dunkin'
Jelly-Filled	20-25	Sugary jelly filling	Tim Hortons, Krispy Kreme

Health Implications of High Sugar Intake

Eating a single donut can significantly contribute to your daily sugar intake. The American Heart Association suggests limiting daily added sugar to 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women. Exceeding these limits through foods like donuts is linked to several health problems, including:

Weight Gain: High-calorie, low-nutrient sugary foods contribute to excess calorie consumption.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease: High sugar intake is associated with chronic inflammation and negative impacts on blood pressure and cholesterol.
Type 2 Diabetes: Consuming too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Energy Fluctuations: A rapid rise and fall in blood sugar after eating a donut can cause fatigue and more sugar cravings.

Making Mindful Choices

While eliminating donuts isn't necessary, being mindful of consumption is important for health. Consider these strategies:

Choose Smaller Sizes: Opting for miniature or smaller donuts reduces sugar per serving.
Prefer Plainer Options: Unglazed or old-fashioned cake donuts generally contain less sugar than frosted or filled ones.
Limit Frequency: Enjoy donuts as an occasional treat.
Balance Intake: On days you eat a donut, be mindful of other foods and drinks that contain hidden sugars.
Homemade Control: Baking donuts at home allows you to manage the sugar content.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Donut Sugar

The sugar content of a single donut varies significantly, from around 10 grams in a plain cake donut to 25 grams or more in filled and frosted varieties. Given recommended daily limits for added sugar, a single donut can easily contribute a substantial amount. Enjoying donuts in moderation is crucial for balancing enjoyment with long-term health. For more information on healthy eating, visit a reliable source like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrition.gov website.

Frequently Asked Questions

An average medium-sized glazed donut contains approximately 15 grams of total sugar, with some brands having slightly more or less depending on the recipe and size.

Yes, filled donuts typically have a higher sugar content than glazed ones. The added sugar from the jelly or cream filling combines with the sugar in the dough and potential frosting to increase the total amount significantly.

The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day, while women should aim for no more than 25 grams.

While plain cake donuts have less sugar than most glazed, frosted, or filled varieties (around 10-11 grams), they are still a processed food high in fat and refined carbohydrates. They represent a comparatively better option, but moderation is still necessary.

Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, inflammation, and insulin resistance, which is a key factor in developing type 2 diabetes.

Yes, larger donuts inherently contain more sugar and total calories than smaller ones. A mini donut, for instance, will have a fraction of the sugar found in a full-sized counterpart.

No, the sugar in donuts is almost exclusively added during the manufacturing process for flavor and texture. Unlike the naturally occurring sugars found in whole foods like fruit, the sugar in donuts provides empty calories with little nutritional value.