I'm not sure if you subscribe to the Yelp newsletter in your area, but it has been really invaluable for me to learn about what goes on in my area. They usually have a section that recaps the weekend events, and more importantly a roundup of some type of food or activity in the area (acai bowls, local hikes, pho).
Some time ago they had a roundup of donuts, so a bunch of the suggestions went on the list. As if I hadn't had enough donuts this week.
Now, I was headed to the supermarket after the gym with a friend of mine, and I noticed a few of the donut stops were on the way there. Awesome! There's nothing worse than going to a supermarket hungry. For two of the shops, it was recommended to try the blueberry donut and there was even a crosstown rivalry between them on Yelp. Well, a 0.8 mile rivalry because they're around the corner from each other. When I checked on the third, people also recommended the blueberry donut and the idea for an experiment was born!
(Null) Hypothesis
There will be no statistically significant difference between blueberry donuts purchased at King's Donuts, Mel's Donuts, and M & M Donuts.
Method
Buy and eat donuts, duh!
Old school signs with one table in the front. Fancy!
Check out this awesome table! Unofficial extra points for decor. :)
#2 - Mel's Donuts & Deli
A ton of other options besides donuts. I should have taken pictures. Sorry guys!
Easily the biggest of the establishments with tons of seating inside.
#3 M & M Donuts
They have a drive thru option, perfect for the sneaky donut eater.
Results
Initially, we were disappointed because as we bought each one, it looked exactly the same as the previous one. Boy were we surprised when we compared them side by side!
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| From R to L: King's, Mel's, M & M |
Definitely different colors: three shades of brown (tee hee). From the side, very similar thicknesses. From above, also roughly the same size although the first picture of the post was better.
If we were near a scale I could have weighed, but come on, it was time to eat!
King's Donuts - Very pillowy and soft. Almost like an angel food cake texture in the middle with a very slight texture difference from the outside. Mild blueberry flavor and mild sweetness.
Mel's Donuts - Slightly chewier in texture with more of a difference between inside and outside consistency. Stronger blueberry flavor.
M & M Donuts - Very chewy and thick and sweet, resembling a bear claw in both texture and flavor. Blueberry flavor was not overpowered by the sweetness.
Discussion
I can see why there is a cross-town rivalry. Honestly, they were all really great in their own way and I think it all just depends on your taste.
People who prefer light airy donuts should go with King's. People who like dense, sweeter pastries such as bear claws will love M & M's. People who like a balance of the two in a classic donut will like Mel's.
The only differences I could see is that King's had more blueberries in the batter, while Mel's donuts had a more blueberry taste, and M & M's was the sweetest (but not overly so).
Addendum
We have no conflict of interest to report in the review of these donuts, nor do we have affiliations with the bagel lobbyists or muffin superPACs. Additionally, I did not finish these donuts by myself. The two of us had a quarter of each one, and then she took the remaining halves home for her family. We were coming from the gym, people!
Enjoy!
