When it comes to a fuss-free and relatively cheap snack, it doesn't get much better than the simple doughnut.
From jam and custard fillings to powdered and sugar-glazed, the sweet snack is available in so many varieties that it's hard not to like one of them.
And long gone are the days when you would pick up a pack of five for £1 from the supermarket bakery section, because there are now luxury options available.
From the launch of the popular American brand Krispy Kreme to independent artisan bakeries, the simple snack has become somewhat of a trendy icon in modern years.
But, are they fancy and pricy versions better than the simple supermarket doughnut?
That's what one reporter from Berkshire Live set out to find out, after she visited her local Co-op and trendy doughnut business, Doughnut Time.
Hannah Roberts picked up one single doughnut from the Doughnut Time for £4.50 and compared it to one found in her pack of five from her local Co-op and this is what she found out...
I opted for the jam doughnut, which is just a normal sugar covered doughnut with some jam in the middle. I thought this would make the most sense as the basic supermarket doughnuts would also be jam-filled. I also thought it was a good idea as if you can't get the basics right then what's the point of selling baked goods that incorporate more complex flavours?
After purchasing my hefty Doughnut Time treat, I went into a local Co-operative and found five jam doughnuts for £1. These doughnuts were noticeably a lot smaller than the Doughnut Time ones, but you still get a lot more for what your paying.
Once I got back home I tried and tested the doughnuts and came to the realisation that they both tasted relatively similar to one another. Whilst this shouldn't have been a revelation to me, I assumed the Doughnut Time doughnut would blow my socks off, especially considering the hype it's received.
Alas, the doughnut was lovely but it was very much just like a normal supermarket doughnut. The dough was slightly stale but still flavoursome and there was a good sprinkle of sugar on the top. I thought the exact same about the Co-op doughnut, the only noticeable difference was the jam - and the price.
The Co-op doughnuts were lacking on the jam front, but there was a bit more in the Doughnut Time offering and the flavour was slightly better as well as it had a nice sharp twang. Overall, however, I don't think I could really justify spending £4.50 on a doughnut, especially in these uncertain times with the rising cost of energy bills. I understand the appeal, however, and I imagine most people opt for a doughnut with a unique flavour, as this is usually something you can't get in the supermarket.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
