Jam donuts are a classic sweet indulgence beloved by many, but finding the perfect balance of quality and value is no easy task. Despite feeling quintessentially British, jam donuts actually trace their origins back to 17th-century New York, then known as New Amsterdam. Dutch settlers crafted sweet, deep-fried dough balls filled with fruits or nuts — the original “doughnut.”
To find the best jam donut available in British supermarkets, I visited Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and the Co-op, focusing on the quality of the dough, the generosity and authenticity of the jam filling, and overall value for money.
The standout winner was the Co-op’s jam donuts, priced at just 27p each. These donuts featured a pleasantly chewy, bread-like dough with a satisfying sugary crust. The jam inside was clear and smooth, not packed with seeds, which is a personal preference, but still tasted genuinely fruity. At 27p, with five donuts per pack, these offered excellent taste and value, making them a perfect snack for any jam donut lover.
Sainsbury’s donuts were the most expensive option with only four donuts per pack. Although decent, priced at 28p each, they didn’t quite justify the higher cost. The jam was moderately sweet and had a subtle fruity flavor, but the small serving left something to be desired in comparison to the winner.
Waitrose donuts had jam that tasted more like melted sweets than real fruit, accompanied by a strong deep-fried flavor reminiscent of theme park snacks. These donuts were also relatively small but cost 25p each, which may appeal to parents looking for a child-friendly treat.
Asda’s offering was a little different, featuring a powdered sugar coating that tended to disappear quickly, and these donuts were the smallest of the bunch. At 25p each, they represented the lowest price point but lacked the richer flavors and satisfying texture adults often seek.
The Co-op donut delivered the classic granulated sugar coating, which scattered generously, adding an authentic sweet crunch. The jam was vibrant, full of seeds, and rich in flavor, while the dough was pillowy soft and lightly sweetened. These donuts were also the largest, making for a hearty, satisfying snack resembling the size of an individually bought donut.
In conclusion, the Co-op jam donuts perfectly blend taste, texture, and value, making them the top choice for anyone craving a delicious, budget-friendly jam donut.