Nestled in the heart of Tulum Centro, on the grounds of Xscape Tulum (Ave Kukulkán Sur, Calle Xel-ha y Sac-be Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R.), stands a hidden gem redefining what it means to indulge in dessert. The Better Donut—a bright, modern haven for health-conscious food lovers—shines in stark contrast to its rustic surroundings. This sleek, white-walled bakery, with its shimmering glass storefront, feels like a beacon of innovation amidst Tulum's more rugged charm.

When I first stumbled upon The Better Donut, it wasn’t planned. Wandering down a muddy road lined with makeshift businesses—walls built from pallets and corrugated metal—I wasn’t expecting much. But rounding the corner, I was met with a vision of culinary modernity. It was here that I first heard the story of Sarah Brandow, a Canadian-born nutritionist with a Master of Science in Nutrition and an unrelenting drive to deliver desserts that satisfy the sweet tooth without compromising health.

The Passion Behind the Donut
Sarah’s journey with The Better Donut is nothing short of inspiring. When I met her, her energy was infectious—this is someone deeply committed to her craft. Sarah described the brand as her “passion project,” though it feels far more refined than that title suggests. She juggles running this boutique donut shop with her full-time work as a nutritionist, pouring her expertise into crafting donuts that are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Creating “The Better Donut” hasn’t been easy. Sarah candidly shared the struggles of perfecting her recipes. Early collaborations with chefs didn’t meet her exacting standards until she finally found the right partner to bring her vision to life. Her donuts are cooked in coconut oil, sweetened with organic maple syrup, and filled with handmade fruit glazes sourced from local farmers. Every detail—from the Mexican organic wheat in the dough to the precise balance of sweetness in the glazes—tells a story of Sarah’s refusal to settle for mediocrity.

The Challenges of Perfection
As Sarah explained, creating a “better donut” comes with challenges. Many of her ingredients, like fresh strawberries, don’t lend themselves to long shelf lives. Some stores were eager to stock her products but balked at the idea of a donut best eaten within 12 hours. For Sarah, though, quality trumps convenience. She’s focused not on scalability but on giving her customers the freshest, healthiest, and most indulgent donuts possible.

The Passion Fruit Donut Experience
During my visit, I opted for the passion fruit vegan donut, a masterpiece that Sarah herself helped perfect. With no eggs in the dough and honey as the sweetener, the donut was a revelation. The texture? Fluffy yet dense enough to feel substantial, rivaling—if not surpassing—its non-vegan counterparts. The passion fruit cream center was light, airy, and just sweet enough to make each bite sing without overwhelming the palate.

This isn’t your standard Krispy Kreme fare. The Better Donut’s creations leave no oily residue, only satisfaction. I gave the passion fruit vegan donut an impressive 9.1/10. Why? Because Sarah and her team have done what many would call impossible: making a vegan dessert that feels indulgent, luxurious, and uncompromising.

A Sweet Future
Sarah’s vision for The Better Donut is still evolving, but she’s already made her mark on Tulum’s food scene. By focusing on quality and nutrition, she’s built more than just a bakery; she’s built a brand that stands for innovation, passion, and integrity.

For more about The Better Donut, visit their website or follow them on Instagram at:

https://thebetterdonut.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thebetterdonut?igsh=NjlkZ3h6N3k4ZDhw

Want my full review of the passion fruit donut? Check it out here:

https://www.onebitefoodie.com/review/the-better-donut/54361e9b-5562-4bc9-970b-2ee3ba85f0e4

If you’re in Tulum, don’t miss this spot. Trust me, these are better donuts.