It’s my job to review all sorts of things here at TechRadar, whether that be phones, speakers, video games, chargers…you name it. But today, I’m taking a journey into the unknown. I’m reviewing some donuts.
Not just any donuts, though. I’m talking about the Pokémon x Krispy Kreme collaboration. The new donuts are available now across a number of markets, including the US, Canada, and here in the UK, with a number of options to choose from. In the UK, you’re able to try out a Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Charmander, or Poké Ball donut, though some markets also get the Gen 1 icons Bulbasaur and Squirtle… lucky.
So, are the new Pokémon x Krispy Kreme donuts any good? I’ve tried all of the available options in the UK, and my answer is clear. I’ll break down all of the designs, flavors, and more, and give my rating for each donut as we go. So, gotta munch ‘em all? Here’s what I think.
1. Pikachu
It only seems right to kick things off with the series mascot, Pikachu.
This is a filled donut, with lemon sherbet cream inside, lemon-flavored icing, ‘fizzy’ thunderbolt sprinkles, and an edible Pikachu plaque. The design has plenty of flair and personality, and captures Pikachu’s signature move nicely, making it arguably the most eye-catching in the set.
Look, I’ll put my cards on the table. I’m not a big fan of lemon desserts, like lemon drizzle or lemon tarts. As a result, this was the donut I was probably the least excited to try. But you know what? I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I’d expected.
The sweetness of the icing cuts through the sourness of the lemon, resulting in a well-balanced, satisfying flavor. The thunderbolt sprinkles weren’t very fizzy, but still added a nice dash of zest into the mix, and the edible Pikachu (Pika-chew?) is, as you’d expect, pretty delicious.
If you can satisfy a non-lemon lover, that’s got to net you a good score.
- Pikachu donut rating: 4/5
2. Jigglypuff
Jigglypuff is another iconic first-generation Pokémon that had starring roles in the anime and has even become a staple of the Super Smash Bros. roster — I can totally see why it made the cut.
This item is essentially one of Krispy Kreme’s standard Original Glazed donuts, but has strawberry frosting, strawberry biscuit crumbs, and an edible Jigglypuff plaque. It has a cute and charming look which is very on-brand for the character, but does it have the flavor to match?
Yes, yes it does. The Jigglypuff donut was another one that surprised me. I do like strawberry, but it’s not one of my favorite flavors out there. But this donut was absolutely delightful. I’m a big fan of the usual Original Glazed flavor, and the strawberry frosting was sweet but not overpowering at all, with a subtle fruity taste that instantly won me over.
The strawberry biscuit crumbs also add a healthy dosage of crunch to the donut, and I did prefer this one to the Pikachu overall. If you’re looking for a donut that looks as sweet as it tastes, but isn’t too bold and overpowering, this is the perfect option for you.
- Jigglypuff donut rating: 4.5/5
3. Charmander
Charmander is one of the most beloved Pokémon of all time. It’s a starter option in Pokémon Red and Blue and their remakes Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and evolves into the mighty Charizard, known for featuring on extremely expensive trading cards and being a dragon, yet not actually being a dragon type…anyway… I digress.
This is another filled donut, with a dulce de leche (similar to caramel) and marshmallow filling, topped with caramel icing, red and gold sugar, and a Charmander edible plaque. Its vivid orange icing matches the fiery nature of Charmander to a T, but how does it taste? Well, this wasn’t just my favorite donut in the collection. It was one of the best donuts I’ve ever eaten.
Where to start? The creaminess of the dulce de leche, the elegant marshmallow filling, the crunch of the red and gold sugar…it all comes together beautifully. I typically prefer something more minimalist, but this donut really worked for me. Its sweet yet rich flavors balanced against an eye-catching, vibrant look culminated in a top-tier eating experience, and if I had to recommend one donut from this collab, it would have to be Charmander’s.
- Charmander donut rating: 5/5
4. Poké Ball
Is the Poké Ball the most interesting donut in the collection? Not really. But it feels like a must due to the whole circular thing. It’s more akin to the Jigglypuff item, taking the form of an Original Glazed donut, but coming with white icing and red sprinkles.
If you’re looking to play it a bit safe, or if you’re not so keen on the other flavors, then the Poké Ball should be your go-to. It's more understated, with sweet yet simple icing complimenting the reliable Original Glazed recipe to perfection.
There’s some brown icing in the middle, meant to represent the center band of the Poké Ball that has a chocolatey flavor, and is pleasantly rich and flavorsome. Yep, no complaints from me — great donut!
- Poké Ball donut rating: 4.5/5
Verdict: should you buy the Pokémon donuts at Krispy Kreme?
I have to say, this was one of the most fun reviews I’ve done so far, and I was impressed with the quality of this collaboration. All of the donuts — even if they had flavors I’d typically skip — tasted great and had attention-grabbing designs to match.
Sure, they’re not the cheapest, coming in at £2.99 each (though I got a dozen to share for £21.99), but the quality feels worth the outlay in my opinion. So, there you have it.
This collab’s a hit in my book. But will you be trying the Pokémon x Krispy Kreme donuts, or have you already given them a go and want to share your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!
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