Best Donuts in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Try, and How to Enjoy Them

Why the UK Can't Resist a Good Donut

Donuts have quietly become a staple of British snacking culture, popping up on high streets, in supermarket bakeries, and inside artisanal shops. They’re the sweet equivalent of a cozy jumper — comforting, flexible, and perfect for sharing. Whether you like them pillowy and glazed or cakey and dusted with cinnamon, there’s a donut for nearly every mood and moment. Want to know where to find the best ones near you? Read on and I'll walk you through chains, supermarkets, and indie bakeries that consistently deliver.

High-Street Chains: Consistency and Convenience

If you want a tasty donut without hunting down a specialty shop, high-street chains are your best bet. They offer reliable flavours, steady quality, and price points that won't make your wallet sigh. These options are especially handy if you’re on the go and need a quick sugar hit with your coffee.

Greggs — Affordable Classics

Greggs is the first name many Brits think of for baked goods, and their donuts are no exception. Expect classic ring donuts and filled varieties at wallet-friendly prices. They tend to be slightly larger than a typical doughnut — roughly 3 to 3.5 inches across — and come warm straight from the bakery counter on busy mornings. If you’re after comfort without fuss, Greggs often hits the spot.

Krispy Kreme — Iconic Glazed and Limited Editions

Krispy Kreme brought the American-style glazed doughnut to UK high streets and continues to draw crowds with its signature Original Glazed. Their donuts often weigh about 3 to 4 ounces each, giving you that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Keep an eye out for seasonal limited editions — they can be bold, creative, and worth the short wait for the fresh-dough experience.

M&S and Waitrose — Premium Supermarket Bakeries

If you prefer a slightly more upmarket treat, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose craft donuts that lean toward indulgence. Expect premium fillings like salted caramel, pistachio cream, or luxuriously thick ganache. These donuts often come in packs for sharing and are priced higher, but the balance of flavour and texture typically reflects the premium tag.

Supermarket Chains: Value Meets Variety

Supermarkets across the UK have stepped up their bakery game, offering donut options that cater to everyday shoppers. Whether you're popping into Tesco for a quick bake-at-home tray or grabbing pre-packaged donuts from Sainsbury's, the range is surprisingly large.

Tesco — Everyday Convenience

Tesco’s bakery sections often feature both ring and filled donuts. You’ll find affordable multipacks and occasionally premium single-serve options. They’re great for feeding a small crowd without breaking the bank, and many stores offer freshly baked lines during the morning rush.

Sainsbury's and Morrisons — Fresh and Flexible

Sainsbury's and Morrisons typically stock both ready-to-eat donuts and items you can warm in the oven. Sizes vary, but many of their fresh-baked donuts measure about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter and weigh around 2.5 to 3 ounces. For a last-minute treat that feels slightly elevated, these supermarkets are worth a look.

Artisan Bakeries and Independent Shops: Creativity and Craft

If you want your donut experience to be an event, seek out artisan bakeries. These places treat donuts as a canvas for both classic flavours and wild experiments. From creamy custards to inventive toppings, the indie scene often pushes the boundaries of what a donut can be.

Crosstown — London’s Gourmet Doughnut Specialist

Crosstown is known for its craft doughnuts made in small batches. Expect unique flavours like maple bacon or yuzu glaze, and a premium texture that’s both light and satisfying. Their donuts are usually slightly smaller than a standard chain donut but denser in flavour, often weighing around 2 to 3 ounces each.

Gail's and Local Bakeries — Fresh, Daily, and Local

Gail’s Bakery and other independent shops often rotate flavours daily based on seasonality. These donuts are baked fresh, and many shops will proudly tell you if their ingredients are locally sourced. They’re perfect for a weekend treat when you want to wander into a neighbourhood bakery and discover a new flavour.

Types of Donuts You’ll Find Across the UK

Donuts come in many shapes and textures, and knowing the difference helps you pick one you’ll enjoy. From light and airy to dense and crumbly, the choice you make will change the experience completely.

Yeasted vs. Cake Donuts — Know Your Texture

Yeasted donuts are puffy, airy, and often lighter in mouthfeel — think classic glazed donuts. Cake donuts are made with a batter more like a muffin and tend to be denser and crumbly. If you’re after a melt-in-your-mouth treat, yeasted is usually your friend. Want something with a bit of bite and more intense flavour? Go for cake donuts.

Filled, Ring, and Gourmet — Forms and Fillings

Rings are the simplest and most ubiquitous, often glazed or dusted with sugar. Filled donuts can house jam, custard, chocolate, or more exotic creams like matcha or passionfruit. Gourmet donuts may sport toppings like crushed biscuits, toasted nuts, or candied bacon. Each format offers a different balance between texture and sweetness.

Pricing Guide: What to Expect to Pay

Price varies by store type, location, and ingredient quality. Here’s a rough guide so you won’t be caught off guard when you reach the counter.

- High-street chains (e.g., Greggs): Individual donuts often cost around £0.80 to £1.50. Multipacks might run £2 to £5 depending on size.

- Krispy Kreme and premium chains: Expect £1.50 to £2.50 for a single freshly made donut, with specialty flavours priced higher.

- Supermarkets (e.g., Tesco, Sainsbury's): Multipacks are usually £2 to £4 for a pack of 6 to 12, with premium single-serve options costing £1.50 to £3.

- Artisan bakeries (e.g., Crosstown): These often charge £2.50 to £4 per donut, reflecting handcrafted production and upscale ingredients.

Calories and Nutrition: What’s in a Donut?

Curious about the numbers? A typical yeasted glazed donut can contain anywhere from 200 to 300 calories per piece, while cake donuts may weigh in higher, roughly 250 to 350 calories, depending on size and fillings. If you care about sugar and fat content, check supermarket packaging or shop websites; premium artisanal donuts often use real butter and whole ingredients, which can change the calorie profile and satiety factor.

Dietary Choices: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Allergy-Friendly Options

Thankfully, the UK donut market is evolving to serve a wider range of diets. You’ll find vegan options at many artisanal shops and even at some chains. Gluten-free donuts are less common but available from specialist bakeries or some supermarket ranges. Always check ingredient lists for common allergens like eggs, milk, and nuts — and if you have severe allergies, ask staff about cross-contamination practices.

Storage and Reheating: Make Doughnuts Taste Fresh Again

Donuts are best eaten within a day of baking, but sometimes you need to stretch that joy a little longer. Store donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days to preserve softness. If you refrigerate them, they may dry out faster unless tightly wrapped.

To revive a donut, a quick heat-up works wonders. Pop them in an oven preheated to 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or microwave on medium power for about 10 to 15 seconds if you prefer a softer, warmer bite. Avoid overcooking — the goal is warmth, not turning the donut into a chewy disappointment.

Pairings: What to Drink with Your Donut

A donut is only part of the pleasure; what you drink with it completes the ritual. Coffee is the classic partner — a black filter coffee offsets sweetness, while a latte adds creamy balance. For something different, try a cup of strong tea, hot chocolate for extra indulgence, or a chilled glass of milk for a nostalgic combo that always hits the right note.

How to Choose the Best Donut for You

Picking the right donut is a bit like choosing a movie — mood matters. Are you craving comfort? Go for classic glazed or jam-filled. Want a little excitement? Seek out limited-edition flavours at Krispy Kreme or an inventive creation from an artisan shop. If you’re feeding a crowd, a box from a supermarket pack or a dozen from a chain offers variety without a massive bill. Above all, trust your taste buds; the “best” donut is the one that makes you smile after the first bite.

Finding Local Donut Shops: Tips and Tricks

Use neighbourhood maps and local food blogs to discover hidden gems. Many independent bakers update social media with daily flavours, pop-ups, and special releases — a quick scroll can reveal a nearby spot with a must-try item. If you’re in a city, walk around market streets and shopping districts; the best finds are often less than a mile from popular thoroughfares.

Conclusion

Donuts in the UK range from trusty high-street classics to crafty artisan creations, and supermarkets bridge the gap between value and variety. Whether you’re craving the dependable glazed donut from Greggs, the iconic Original Glazed at Krispy Kreme, a premium offering from M&S or Waitrose, or a small-batch gem from an independent bakery like Crosstown or Gail’s, the options are plentiful. Keep your preferences in mind — texture, sweetness, and size — and don’t be afraid to try something new. After all, sampling donuts is one of life’s simple, delicious experiments.