Krispy Kreme's collaboration with Pokémon has resulted in a line of six limited-edition doughnuts, each themed after a popular creature from the franchise. These special treats, available for a limited time, were put to the test by a self-proclaimed "Mario enthusiast" and devoted Pokémon fan, his father, and his mother, offering a tasting experience that blends childhood enthusiasm with adult palates. The tasting panel, consisting of the father, mother, and their four-year-old son, evaluated each doughnut, considering appearance, flavor, and overall enjoyment.
Kanto Starters
The evaluation began with the Kanto starter Pokémon: Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander. The Squirtle doughnut, featuring "cotton candy buttercream frosting," was described as "hard, but yummy" by the young reviewer, with notes of blueberry and vanilla. Despite the frosting not being immediately identifiable, the doughnut was a hit, earning a 7/10 rating for its cute presentation and balanced sweetness.
The Bulbasaur doughnut, adorned with cute leaves, was less successful. While the intention was vanilla flavor, both adults and the child noted an overwhelming taste of food coloring, leaving mouths stained green. The reviewer described the image on the doughnut as tasting like fondant and ultimately deemed it the least favorite, assigning it a 3/10. The actual doughnut received was notably darker than depicted online, which may have contributed to the strong dye flavor.
In contrast, the Charmander doughnut, with caramel icing and a chocolate marshmallow filling, was a standout. The chocolate marshmallow filling, described as "unexpected" and "good," was a collective favorite, though the panel wished for a more generous distribution. The doughnut's vibrant orange exterior did not impart a dye-like taste, leading to a 9/10 rating and a desire for more filling.
Other Pokémon Offerings
The Poke Ball doughnut, while visually appealing with its sprinkles, proved to be a messy and unremarkable experience. The four-year-old found it overwhelming due to an excess of sprinkles, leading to a 5/10 rating. It was characterized by a heavy glaze and too many sprinkles, resulting in a plain sugar taste and a crumbly texture.
The Jigglypuff doughnut offered a lighter option, featuring a glazed doughnut with strawberry-flavored buttercream. The four-year-old, reaching his sugar limit, appreciated the "light and fluffy" texture and the subtle strawberry flavor, rating it an 8/10. This was seen as a good end point for the child's tasting due to its less intense sweetness.
Saving the mascot for last, the Pikachu doughnut delivered the highest score with a 10/10. This doughnut featured a lemon custard filling that provided a welcome acidity, balancing the pastry's sweetness and adding dimension. It was described as light, fluffy, and decadent, surpassing even the Charmander doughnut in overall appeal. The young reviewer, initially showing self-restraint, found the lemon custard "a little bit good."
The tasting concluded with the sentiment that "every Pokémon is somebody's favorite," extending to the doughnuts. While the Pikachu and Charmander doughnuts were highly praised, the review acknowledges that individual preferences will vary. The four-year-old expressed a desire for more Pokémon inclusions, such as Bonsly and ghost-type Pokémon like Gengar, Gastly, and Haunter, in future Krispy Kreme collaborations.