What Kind of Jelly Is Really Inside Dunkin's Popular Jelly Donuts?

Dunkin's jelly donuts are a customer favorite, but many fans are surprised to learn that the filling is not traditional strawberry or raspberry jam. Instead, Dunkin' uses an apple-raspberry jam made with apple juice concentrate and flavor additives, delivering a sweet and tangy taste.

Dunkin’s Jelly Donuts Features a Surprising Apple-Raspberry Filling Instead of the Traditional Berry Jam

Like many popular chains, Dunkin' has developed a dedicated fan base across the U.S., with customers flocking to its drive-thrus daily for coffee and pastries. Since its beginnings in Massachusetts in 1948, Dunkin' has been serving donuts that keep people coming back, offering over 75 varieties today. One standout favorite is the jelly donut, ranked third by Tasting Table in a recent review. Its soft, sugar-coated exterior and tangy, crimson-hued filling make for a delicious, albeit messy, treat. However, even Dunkin's most devoted fans may need to learn precisely what kind of jelly is inside their favorite pastry.

Surprisingly, Dunkin's jelly donuts don’t contain the typical strawberry or raspberry jam one might expect. Instead, they are filled with an apple-raspberry jam, balancing sweet and sour flavors. While chains like Krispy Kreme use actual raspberry jam in their donuts, Dunkin’s version contains no real berries. Instead, it features apple juice concentrate, and the raspberry flavor comes from natural and artificial additives.

Processed Ingredients Are Common in Dunkin’s Donuts, but Homemade Alternatives Offer a Natural Twist

According to Tasting Table, this revelation might not shock everyone, as it’s well-known that many chain offerings are processed for extended shelf life and cost efficiency. Like many mass-produced treats, Dunkin Donuts is made with ingredients designed to keep longer and be less expensive than those found in more natural versions. For instance, Dunkin’s glazed blueberry donut is made with "blueberry flavored bits," which consist of artificial colors, flavorings, sugar, and corn syrup. On the more natural side, the French apple donut contains some evaporated apples, making it one of Dunkin’s less processed options.

Of course, learning about these ingredients isn’t likely to stop Dunkin' lovers from indulging in their favorite treats. Sometimes, a little processed sweetness is just the pick-me-up needed to get through the day. But there's a simple alternative for those who feel less inclined to grab a Dunkin’ Jelly donut after learning about its ingredients.

With some extra time, it’s possible to whip up a batch of homemade jelly donuts. Whether you use strawberry jam, try a homemade apple-raspberry version, or even order specialty jams like blackberry or elderberry, you’ll enjoy knowing exactly what’s inside your sweet treat.