Mister Donut x Pokémon Review: Tasting the 2020 Collection
It was a poster in a Mister Donut window that did it. In August 2020, the advertisement showcasing their latest Pokémon donut collaboration was too tempting to ignore. As someone who keeps a close eye on my weight, I usually steer clear of such sugary delights. But having recently dived into the Pokémon series, my willpower crumbled. I had the perfect excuse, though: food photography.
This annual collaboration with the Pokémon franchise is a popular event. While these special editions had appeared in previous years, this was my first time giving in to the hype. I walked out with a trio of adorable treats: the iconic Pikachu, a delightful Chansey, and a classic Poké Ball. The question was, would they taste as good as they looked?
Taste test: Reviewing the Pokémon donut flavors
The Pikachu donut: Pudding & chocolate
First up was the star of the show, Pikachu. The bright yellow icing immediately made me think of banana, but it was a pleasant surprise to find that it wasn’t the case. Instead, I was met with the creamy taste of pudding-flavored whipped custard. It was a delightful burst of sugary goodness.
Chansey
Next, I tried the Chansey donut. This charming creation featured a strawberry-chocolate coating and held a tiny egg. It was actually a single segment from Mister Donut’s famous Pon de Ring. Like Pikachu, it was filled with a light whipped custard.
Poké ball
Last was the Poké Ball. This treat was a cream puff topped with a sweet strawberry icing, offering a simple yet delicious flavor that left no room for complaints.
The verdict: Was the Pokémon branding worth the ¥259?
So, would I buy them again? With the most expensive of the trio priced at 259 yen, they were a little on the pricey side. In all honesty, the main draw was the novelty of the Pokémon branding. They were undeniably photogenic and fun to look at. However, since their ultimate destination was my stomach, I’d probably stick to the more affordable options for a regular treat. For dedicated Pokémon fans, though, these are a must-try, and I can certainly see the appeal!
Food photography tips: Using macro lenses for sweets
My mission for a photography excuse was a success, but it left me wishing I had a true macro lens. While often associated with capturing the details of flowers and insects, macro lenses are also a fantastic tool for food photographers. They allow for those enticingly close-up shots.
Mister Donut also offers other Pokémon-themed products. If you’ve had a chance to try them, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
My photo gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR
- Flash: Godox V860II
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.
