1 serving (100 grams) contains 426 calories, 5.5 grams of protein, 22.9 grams of fat, and 49.5 grams of carbohydrates.
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Nutrition Information
Calories |
255.6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.7 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 226.8 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29.7 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 3% | |
| Sugars | 14.1 g | ||
| protein | 3.3 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 41.4 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 67.8 mg | 1% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Food Attributes
Source of Calories
About Doughnut
Doughnuts, also spelled donuts, are deep-fried or baked pastries made from a sweet dough, often enriched with milk, eggs, and butter. They originated from early European recipes, evolving into the contemporary versions popularized in the United States. Cholesterol-laden and calorie-dense, doughnuts typically contain high levels of carbohydrates, fat, and sugars. A single medium-sized doughnut contributes about 426 calories, 5.52 grams of protein, 49.5 grams of carbohydrates, and 22.9 grams of fat. While primarily enjoyed as a snack or dessert in Western cuisine, doughnuts are a staple in many countries worldwide, offering endless variations, including filled, glazed, and frosted styles.
Health Benefits
- Provides quick energy due to carbohydrates (49.5 g per serving), which are rapidly metabolized by the body.
- Contains iron (2.36 mg), supporting oxygen transport in the blood and energy production.
- Offers minimal calcium (69 mg), which contributes to bone health, although not significant in comparison to daily requirements.
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for prolonged freshness (up to 1 week). Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore texture.
Common Questions About Doughnut Nutrition
Is a doughnut high in protein?
Doughnuts are relatively low in protein, containing only 5.52 grams per serving (typically one medium-sized doughnut). While they do provide a small amount, they are not a significant source of protein compared to other foods such as eggs or lean meats.
Can I eat a doughnut on a keto diet?
Doughnuts are not suitable for a keto diet due to their high carbohydrate content, with 49.5 grams of carbs per serving. Keto diets generally restrict carb intake to under 50 grams per day, making a standard doughnut incompatible without significant modification.
Are there any health benefits to eating doughnuts?
Doughnuts are mostly considered a treat rather than a health food. They provide quick energy due to their sugar and carb content but lack substantial vitamins, fiber, or other key nutrients. Additionally, the high sugar and fat content can contribute to weight gain and poor heart health if consumed excessively.
How many doughnuts should I eat at one time?
It is recommended to limit doughnut consumption to one serving to minimize intake of calories (426), sugar (23.5 grams), and fat (22.9 grams). Pairing a doughnut with a high-protein food or fiber-rich drink, like milk or tea, can help balance out its nutritional profile.
How does a doughnut compare to other pastries like croissants?
When comparing doughnuts to croissants, doughnuts typically have more sugar (23.5g vs ~6g), while croissants have more fat, often exceeding 25g due to added butter. Doughnuts are heavier in carbs, making them higher in calories overall, whereas croissants may have slightly more protein depending on preparation.
Data Sources & Scientific References
Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.
- USDA FoodData - Doughnut DataU.S. Department of AgricultureOfficial nutrition data for this specific food item from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's comprehensive food database.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025: Limiting Sugary and Fatty FoodsU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesHighlights recommendations to limit consumption of foods high in added sugars and saturated fats, which include doughnuts.
Additional Authoritative Sources:
Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.
