Is the hype worth it?

Jam-filled, frosted, or original glaze - that’s the question people will be asking when Krispy Kreme arrives here next year.

The international franchise is opening its first New Zealand store in Manukau in March 2018.

Manukau Courier put the other South Auckland doughnut offerings to the test, but now it’s time to try the real deal.

The franchise has been in Australia since 2003, so I took the opportunity to try out their doughnuts on a recent holiday to Sydney. With so many flavours to choose from, it took me a while to settle on my pick - Nutella - but it did not disappoint.

The rich chocolate and hazelnut spread, paired with a sprinkling of nuts, was balanced by the soft dough of the fresh treat.

At around AU$3.20, (NZ$3.36) the doughnuts are also reasonably priced compared to some other boutique counterparts.

OPINION:

But can these doughnuts hold a candle to the rest of the market?

Dunkin’ Donuts has 12 Auckland stores, as well as in Rotorua and Hamilton. The international franchise opened a new store in Takanini this year.

Popular central Auckland eateries Little and Friday, Al’s Deli, and Foxtrot Parlour are known for their doughnuts, including ’’inject your own’’ versions.

You also can’t go past the humble bakery donut, which usually comes in cream filled, cinnamon sugared, or chocolate icing variations.

Manurewa’s Hillpark Bakery, which has the best hot cross buns in New Zealand, won best doughnut in our informal poll in May.

Krispy Kreme has a tough crowd to impress, especially with a not-soclean environmental record, but it will very well make its mark in the game. We’ll find out in nine months’ time.

* The reporter travelled to Sydney at her own expense.