Additional Coverage:
- The 7 Absolute Worst Dessert Chains in America (cheapism.com)
Sweet Disappointments: The Most Overrated Dessert Chains in America
Sometimes, you just need a sweet treat, and you need it now. That’s where dessert chains come in, offering everything from classic ice cream to trendy Japanese doughnuts.
But, much like their fast-food counterparts, not all sweet spots are created equal. We’ve taken a deep dive into some of America’s most overrated dessert chains, leaving us scratching our heads and wondering how they’re still dishing out the goods.
1. Baskin-Robbins
Let’s be real: the last time Baskin-Robbins truly sparked joy was probably sometime in the 1970s. These days, it feels like the default option when no other ice cream joint is around, or when a kid insists on an ice cream cake for their birthday (which, by some inexplicable magic, are either rock-solid or a melted puddle, never in between). It’s ice cream, sure, but it’s the kind of ice cream your grandma probably reminisces about from her childhood – utterly uninspired.
2. Crumbl
We’re still trying to unravel the mystery of the Crumbl cookie craze. These cookies are seriously pricey for what you get, especially when most of them are, well, a bit flavorless.
And don’t even get us started on their chocolate chip cookie – the one thing they should absolutely nail – which is arguably the worst of the bunch. That’s just inexcusable!
Plus, the stores themselves have a strangely sterile vibe. They even tried to pass off a Rice Krispies treat as a $5 cookie.
Seriously, Crumbl? Come on.
3. Nothing Bundt Cakes
It seems Nothing Bundt Cakes stealthily took over the bakery scene when no one was looking. Suddenly, they were everywhere, even popping up at places they really shouldn’t, like farmers’ markets and craft fairs.
While we appreciate a good, old-fashioned bundt cake, these taste suspiciously factory-made. And can we talk about that incredibly bizarre frosting design?
Who approved that?!
4. Krispy Kreme
Biting into a warm Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut often feels like deflating a grease-filled balloon. It’s an oily, slippery, and ultimately disappointing experience, and this is supposedly their crowning glory!
While we do appreciate their frequent free doughnut giveaways, it’s a mystery why the drive-thru lines are always so long. Give us a doughnut from a local bakery any day over Krispy Kreme.
5. Cold Stone Creamery
The concept of building your own ice cream sundae is a great idea in theory, but in practice, Cold Stone Creamery falls flat. The ice cream flavor selection is pretty limited, and the mix-ins are surprisingly predictable and, frankly, boring. It’s the kind of place you visit once for the novelty, and then never again.
6. Mochinut
Mochinut’s doughnuts boast that signature chewy mochi texture, which is delightful, but the flavor department is severely lacking. Most of their rotating varieties are just different takes on “churro” or “funnel cake,” essentially meaning they’re rolled in cinnamon or powdered sugar.
Even more exotic glazes like Thai tea and ube are surprisingly bland, leaving us wondering why anyone is shelling out $3 a doughnut here. Those cute gummy bear or Pocky stick decorations just don’t make up for the flavor deficit.
7. Menchie’s
The frozen yogurt trend hit its peak over a decade ago, yet Menchie’s somehow persists. If we’re treating ourselves to dessert, a “healthier” option like frozen yogurt simply won’t hit the spot.
We also prefer to know the cost of our order upfront, rather than dealing with that frustrating pay-by-the-ounce system. Between the emphasis on health and the surprise pricing, getting froyo here feels like an exercise in self-restraint, which is the exact opposite of what a dessert chain should be!
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- The 7 Absolute Worst Dessert Chains in America (cheapism.com)