There are few brands more consistent in the protein snack game than Legendary Foods. Their run of excellence began with the impressively delicious Pop Tart inspired Protein Pastries, continued into the Cinnabon-tinged Protein Sweet Rolls, and stayed steady (and savory) with some of the best-in-class Protein Chips. Now Legendary Foods tries its hand at Protein Donuts, in four instantly recognizable and classic flavors: Vanilla Glazed, Chocolate Dipped, Pink Sprinkle, and Cinnamon Crumble.

Going into this new line I more or less knew what to expect. Legendary has a well formulated and solid base protein dough that has a specific but versatile flavor; one that does well to emulate many different types of bread-based pastries. But this is the first time they are trying to pull off a sweet snack that is fried. So let’s cut to the chase: do these pro-nuts taste like real, doughnut shop doughnuts? 

No, not really, and I didn’t expect them to. However they do have some of that distinct Donette taste I love from companies like Hostess and Little Debbie. Across the board all of the base taste and firm but soft texture is the same in each of the four flavors so here’s a breakdown on where they differ and how they rank compared to each other:

Vanilla Glazed:

No better place to start than the classic, and this one delivers. It has a subtly sweet vanilla flavor from the layer of icing on top, and while basic, it is good. The dough is decently dense, but I kind of enjoy how thick and chewy it feels. I tried every flavor of donut both room temperature straight from the package as well as warmed up for 12 seconds in the microwave. Surprisingly, for this one, even though warming it up makes it slightly softer, I found the Donette flavor to be stronger and the firmer texture of room temperate more appealing in this Vanilla Glazed. This is a versatile baseline that scratches that donette itch without being mind blowing or disappointing at all.

Rating: 8/10

Pink Sprinkle:

I wasn’t sure if this was going to be exactly like the Vanilla with some food coloring and sprinkles or if there would be more flavor, and it does, in fact, have more flavor. The pink icing carries a light strawberry that brings some extra sweetness and fun to the dense protein-filled doughnut. Unlike the vanilla, I actually thought this one came a bit more to life with 12 seconds in the microwave and I appreciated the extra sugary hit and softer texture the warmth brought out. Again, still solid at room temperature but a little zap makes this one a touch more special.

Rating: 8/10

Chocolate Dipped:

Once again, same thick but soft chewy base, only this time topped with chocolate; and it works! The chocolate has a semisweet component to it, not unlike the chocolate on top of the excellent Chocolate Sweet Roll, just in a much thinner layer. I also enjoy this one best at room temperature and could see it going really well with a nice cup of coffee. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of the epic Sweet Roll, but it is still really satisfying in its execution.

Rating: 8.5/10

Cinnamon Crumble:

Did I save the best for last? Hell yeah I did. You can tell just by looking at the picture that the extra dusting of fun on top sets this one up for success, and it brings the concept home swimmingly. I will say, I do have a cinnamon bias, and the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Protein Pastry is also my favorite, but even that aside this one feels and tastes the most like a proper doughnut. The small addition of cinnamon and crumble brings a breakfast-y flourish and warmth to the profile and soundly delivers what I want from this kind of protein-loaded treat concoction. I also think this one comes fully to life with 12 seconds in the microwave (maybe even 15 if you’re feeling wild) and is worth seeking out as the strongest in this genuinely strong line.

Rating: 9/10

While none of these reach the highest highs of the best from the Pastries, Rolls, or Chips line, there isn’t a single miss, either. I remain impressed with the flavor and macros of this brand, although it should be noted that I’m not 100% sure how accurate the label is. As it reads this whole line comes in at 160 calories and 20 grams of protein for two donuts, which is remarkable. However, when I add up the macros listed myself, using the simple math of protein, fats, and carbs, it comes out to 234 calories for both doughnuts. Which honestly, is still great for the taste, on par with most protein bars at 20g of protein. But just keep in mind they are likely subtracting fiber and/or sugar alcohols when printing the label. In case these things seem too good to be true, they just might be, but that doesn’t take away from how legitimately tasty they are.