The Dough Bar: You Doughnut Need to Give Up Eating Donuts
As a certified sports nutritionist, I’m always looking for brands that innovate in the health and fitness space. That’s why I’m excited to talk about The Dough Bar, a company that deals with high-protein snack options and is changing the way we think about treats.
Let’s face it, eating the same protein bar day after day gets boring. The Dough Bar offers a brilliant alternative, a protein-packed donut that rivals the nutritional profile of your favorite bar but delivers a far more enjoyable experience.
Finding macro-friendly, high-protein snacks that actually taste good can feel like an impossible task. Too many “healthy” snack items taste like cardboard. This guide will show you how The Dough Bar’s creative approach provides a delicious solution, letting you enjoy donuts without the guilt.
You may have seen this brand on ABC’s Shark Tank, where founders Ondrea and Marquez Fernandez struck a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $300,000. That investment helped them bring a smarter, healthier donut to the fitness community.
When you’re focused on your health, traditional donuts are one of the first things to go. They’re typically loaded with unhealthy fats, refined carbs, and sugar. The Dough Bar flips the script, allowing you to satisfy your cravings and stay on track with your nutrition goals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
- Macro-Friendly Treat: The Dough Bar offers protein-packed donuts that serve as a satisfying and healthier alternative to traditional donuts and boring protein bars.
- Shark Tank Success: The founders secured a $300,000 deal with Barbara Corcoran on ABC’s Shark Tank, which helped them expand their business.
- Nutritionally Superior: Compared to a standard glazed donut, The Dough Bar’s options are significantly lower in calories and fat while providing up to four times the protein.
- Baked, Not Fried: All donuts are baked, which drastically reduces fat content and avoids the harmful trans fats often found in fried foods.
- Wide Variety: The company offers an extensive menu of flavors and has expanded its product line to include protein-fortified cookies, cinnamon rolls, and monkey bread.
The Dough Bar: A Protein-Packed Healthy Donut
The Dough Bar offers two main styles of its protein donuts: a classic raised version and a denser cake version. To understand just how much healthier these options are, it helps to compare them directly to a typical donut shop offering.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the nutrition facts.
| Donut Type | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dough Bar Raised Donut | 150 | 4g | 16g | 3g | 11g |
| Dough Bar Cake Donut | 190 | 7g | 20g | 11g | 12g |
| Dunkin’ Glazed Donut | 260 | 14g | 31g | 12g | 3g |
The difference is significant. Both Dough Bar options are lower in calories, fat, and carbs. Most importantly for anyone with fitness goals, they pack in roughly four times the amount of protein, which is key for muscle repair and satiety.
Dough Bar Raised Doughnuts
This is their original, yeast-based donut. It’s light, airy, and has just a hint of cinnamon spice, making it a perfect replacement for a classic glazed donut.
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 11g
Dough Bar Cake Doughnuts
For those who prefer a denser, more satisfying texture, the cake donut is an excellent choice. It’s not only fluffy but also gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free, catering to various dietary needs.
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 12g
To put this all in perspective, let’s look at a familiar donut you might grab with your morning coffee.
Dunkin Donuts Glazed Donut
A single glazed donut from Dunkin’ contains significantly more calories and fat with very little protein.
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 31g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 3g
Full of Flavor and Never Fried
The secret to The Dough Bar’s healthier profile is that their donuts are always baked, never fried. This simple change makes a huge difference.
Baking requires little to no added oil, which dramatically cuts down the fat and calorie content. Fried foods, on the other hand, are cooked in partially hydrogenated oils, which are known sources of unhealthy trans fats. A 2016 study from the Harvard School of Public Health linked trans fats to an estimated 1 in 5 heart attacks in the United States.
Pro Tip: Many fans on Reddit suggest warming the donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This gives them a soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture that enhances the flavor.
Even though these donuts are a healthier snack, they don’t compromise on taste. The flavor list is extensive and mouth-watering, with options like:
- Reese’s
- S’Mores
- Cookie Monster
- Apple Pie
- Churro
- Birthday Cake
- Oreo Cheesecake
- Nutella
The donuts arrive plain with the glaze and toppings packaged separately. This clever feature allows you to control the final macros. If you’re counting calories closely, you can use less glaze, but if you have room for a bigger treat, you can add all the delicious toppings.
Skip the Donut Shop
You can purchase all of The Dough Bar’s products directly from their website, and they ship straight to your door. When your order arrives, you have two options for storage to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerator: They will stay fresh for about one week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
As someone who loves a good Dunkin’ donut, I appreciate having a healthy, protein-packed alternative. It gives me the freedom to enjoy a satisfying treat without the guilt that usually follows a trip to the donut shop. With The Dough Bar, you can have a delicious donut that supports your fitness goals.
FAQs
What kind of protein does The Dough Bar use?
The Dough Bar uses a blend of proteins, including whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and wheat protein isolate, to achieve a high protein content in their donuts.
Are The Dough Bar donuts keto-friendly?
With 14-20 grams of net carbs per donut, they are generally not considered keto-friendly. However, they are a great macro-friendly option for those following a more flexible diet.
Is The Dough Bar still in business?
The Dough Bar has experienced ups and downs, including filing for bankruptcy in 2019 and pausing operations in May 2022. However, their website is still active with a message promising a return, so fans remain hopeful.
What other products does The Dough Bar sell?
In addition to donuts, the company has expanded its product line to include protein-packed cookies, pastry rolls, monkey bread, and crispy bars.
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