If you’ve ever bitten into a Dunkin’ donut expecting magic and gotten disappointment instead, you’re not imagining things. Dunkin’ donuts can vary wildly from store to store, even on the same day. Some are fluffy and fresh, while others feel oddly dense and tired. The reason isn’t your timing or bad luck—it’s how each location gets its donuts. Behind the scenes, Dunkin’ uses three very different preparation methods, and they don’t all deliver the same result.
Donuts Once Defined the Brand
There was a time when Dunkin’ was best known for donuts, not coffee. The chain was even called Dunkin’ Donuts, a name that put baked goods front and center. Back then, donuts were the main attraction. Over time, coffee took the spotlight. That shift quietly changed how donuts are made and prioritized.
The Quality Gap Customers Notice
Some Dunkin’ donuts are fresh and airy, while others feel oddly stale. Customers often notice this difference when visiting multiple locations. One store delivers a great experience, the next falls flat. That inconsistency has a clear explanation. It all comes down to preparation methods.
There Are Three Donut Systems
Dunkin’ locations don’t all make donuts the same way. Stores choose between three different systems. Each option balances freshness, convenience, and labor differently. While they all sell donuts, the final product can feel dramatically different. This choice shapes the entire donut experience.
In-Store Donuts Are the Gold Standard
The freshest donuts come from locations that make them in-house. These donuts tend to be lighter, fresher, and more satisfying. However, this process takes time, space, and trained staff. As Dunkin’ shifted focus toward coffee, fewer franchisees kept this method. Today, only a small number of locations still do it.
Very Few Stores Still Bake On-Site
Even in the Northeast, Dunkin’s original stronghold, in-store baking is rare. Out of thousands of locations, only a few dozen still make donuts themselves. Most franchise owners don’t see it as worth the effort anymore. Labor demands and changing priorities play a big role. As a result, fresh-made donuts have become the exception.
JBOD Is the Most Convenient Option
Many Dunkin’ locations rely on JBOD donuts, short for “Just Baked On Demand.” These donuts arrive frozen and are reheated in-store. This system is efficient and easy to manage. However, convenience comes at a cost. Customers often notice these donuts feel denser and smaller.
CMLs Offer a Middle Ground
For franchisees who want better quality without full baking, CMLs provide a compromise. CML stands for Central Manufacturing Location. These facilities produce donuts in massive quantities. Donuts are then delivered to nearby stores relatively fresh. It’s a balance between quality and efficiency.
Inside a Central Manufacturing Location
CMLs are often located in industrial areas. Despite their low-key appearance, they produce enormous volumes of donuts. The largest CML near Chicago makes about 90 million donuts each year. Because they serve nearby stores, delivery times are shorter. That helps preserve freshness compared to frozen options.
Why CML Donuts Taste Better Than JBOD
CML donuts don’t rely on freezing and reheating. This gives them a fresher texture and better flavor. They’re not quite the same as in-store baked donuts, but they’re noticeably better than JBOD. For many customers, this difference is easy to spot. It’s the “happy medium” Dunkin’ aims for.
The Real Reason Your Donut Experience Varies
Dunkin’ donut quality isn’t random—it’s logistical. The store’s chosen preparation method determines freshness, texture, and size. Two locations may look identical but operate very differently behind the counter. That’s why one donut melts in your mouth while another fights back. The system matters more than the recipe.
Know Before You Bite
Next time your Dunkin’ donut disappoints—or surprises—you’ll know why. From in-store baking to frozen JBODs to massive CMLs, not all donuts are created equal. These behind-the-scenes choices shape what ends up in your bag. Have you noticed certain locations are always better than others? Drop a comment and share whether you’ve cracked the Dunkin’ donut code.
