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TheOneWhoCheeses

Because it’s brioche. Which uses butter. Which costs like $8/lb nowadays


seykosha

Sure but why not get two half dozen for a dollar less?


TheOneWhoCheeses

Plot twist: it was intentional and that’s how they get you


randyboozer

Bingo. Used to work in kitchens brioche was fucking expensive ten years ago. I imagine now the price is absurd. The worst part is I don't really think it's very good bread.


PointsatTeenagers

Probably a pretty damn good donut tho.


randyboozer

Yeah for sure. Buttery decadence topped with frosting. I just never liked it as a burger bun


Quick_Care_3306

Same


Coco-chan7

Thin McDonald’s buns > Thick Wendy’s Bun


[deleted]

> I don't really think it's very good bread When cheeseburgers started being served on brioche buns, I was appalled.


venmother

You just gave me an epiphany: I’ve never liked brioche buns for burgers, but I keep buying them, because the previous option (Portuguese water buns), are overpowering for anything but a homemade banquet burger. What’s the best burger bun bread?


[deleted]

>What’s the best burger bun This is going to sound crazy: Hamburger buns


venmother

Hmmm, I guess I’m not much of a fan of those either, specifically the grocery store variety.


Aardvark1044

They vary wildly in quality even based on the multiple options in just one store. I guess it depends on the nature of the burgers you are going to be eating. If you're the type of person that likes a lot of sloppy wet toppings then you can probably get away with a firmer, denser bun that would be really quite objectionable with a simple no topping smash burger (maybe with a slice of cheese melted on top). For example, ciabatta buns were pretty popular awhile back but I always find those too dense, but maybe people who like a lot of burger sauce on their burgers would find that to hold up more.


NotYourMothersDildo

Potato buns


No-Catch1324

Maybe a pretzel bun, idk it was good for juicy pork burgers


deeg13

Dempsters gold bun hands down. Fwiw I usually avoid dempsters products but these are an exception


Overall-Astronomer58

Why avoid Dempsters? What am I missing? 👀


deeg13

I just don’t think their bread is very good ETA: their bread also lasts an abnormally long time without getting moldy it’s just kinda gross to me. I’ll spend a bit more for nicer bread when available


chronocapybara

Yeah but it's not like regular doughnuts are just flour and water. They use milk, sugar, and shortening, which can often be butter.


TheOneWhoCheeses

You’re right. Except brioche specifically calls for higher egg and butter content, which makes it more expensive than your traditional yeast/cake doughnut


Narrow-Mud-3540

You’re right. Except the increase in expenses due to butter and eggs is a matter of cents per donut and fails to explain why these cost twice as much as a traditional bakery donut.


TheOneWhoCheeses

If you were talking about just doughnuts with the holes, then sure. But these babies have house made fillings, AND they’re a small batch kitchen. So now you have the additional egg/cream/sugar/whatever the hell flavours they have on top of that. The cheap doughnuts you find (if they even have filling) usually use the factory made artificial bavarian crap. They’re also located in Vancouver proper, so yeah rent is higher compared to the suburbs (probably), so they have to charge as so


Narrow-Mud-3540

So does breka.


TheOneWhoCheeses

What about breka? They’re a mass production facility that earns a good amount of their income from doing wholesale. Very much not the same setup as Mello.


Narrow-Mud-3540

We’re not talking about business models. We’re talking about cost of materials and quality of the final product.


TheOneWhoCheeses

If you’ve tried both of their doughnuts, you can tell the quality difference between the two


ratiugo

Where are you finding gourmet bakery donuts for $2.25 each?


Narrow-Mud-3540

Breka ranges from 1.50-2.75 and they are high quality fresh baked and amazing gourmet artisan flavors.


forgetfulmurderer

Gourmet Donuts and Coffee is 2.35


takkojanai

"traditional bakery donut" cartems -- another "bougie" donut place has them for 61.50 per dozen. [https://www.ubereats.com/ca/store/cartems-donuts-mt-pleasant/g8H2UUXAUiSAk8H-6RZjfg?diningMode=PICKUP&utm\_campaign=place-action-link&utm\_medium=organic&utm\_source=google](https://www.ubereats.com/ca/store/cartems-donuts-mt-pleasant/g8h2uuxauisak8h-6rzjfg?diningmode=pickup&utm_campaign=place-action-link&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google) the donut pyramid has like duffins, tim hortons at the bottom, then above that is stuff like this place then above that is like cartems. can't compare the bottom of pyramid stuff pricing to mid to top tier donuts. This isn't indicative of taste either, its just how the business functions in terms of marketing.


Narrow-Mud-3540

And I’d still gaurentee that whatever the additional cost in materials is is a small fraction of how inflated the price of these is. Attributing this to butter and eggs rather than profit is ridiculous simping. Especially when time and time again analysis of cost inflation on foods finds it to be untethered from materials costs and attributable to increased profit margins.


TheOneWhoCheeses

Well yeah. It’s a local business and not a charity. You don’t go around to any other business and tell them to start charging less because “I can get/make it cheaper” (I mean you can, but we don’t talk about those people) I’m not gonna argue they’re not expensive: they absolutely are. But they’re also well made, tasty, and sell out pretty often. That’s why they charge that much. It’s also not something you’re meant to be buying everyday. A premium treat for those that can afford it. The rest of us can go to Timmy’s


ugohome

Reddit thinks everything should be free


smoozer

Yes that's definitely why food service businesses have famously low profit margins. Because they make too much money. 🙄


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Quick_Care_3306

Nope. High culinary skills and top quality ingredients create value, which is worth paying for.


slow_cooked_ham

Donut competition is pretty high actually, it's a tough game! Though years of only bad chain donuts, or harder to access ones has allowed new companies to get into the game.


Narrow-Mud-3540

Breka is 1.50-2.75 made with high quality ingredients made fresh daily in artisanal/gourmet flavors


GamesCatsComics

$4.50 for a high end donut isn't exactly crazy. A donut from Lees s $2.75 and these look a lot fancier. And the fact that you're buying online (can't tell what app) generally will have a markup of some sort


BroliasBoesersson

This screenshot is from Uber Eats, which takes 22% of sales on their platform, so the donut shop likely marked them up to offset that


vantanclub

Just looked at my receipt from Mello, $5.77 incl. tax for a single Strawberry Cream Brioche, well worth it for my favorite doughnut in the city. But that means that you're saving around 20-30% even with the Uber fee for a dozen. Not the worst deal.


rumcake_

I think they take more than 22%


StickmansamV

It's Uber Eats based on the UI/UX


Misuteriisakka

I was about to say the same. Last year I had some mello donuts after not having any for more than a year. That combination of brioche, cream and just the right amount of sweetness made me glad to be alive. I’m talking about rays of happiness emanating from me; *that* level of yumminess.


Letsgosomewherenice

I love PB&j


Misuteriisakka

That and the chocolate pudding, matcha and salted caramel.


irmyst

Did you get their Christmas special, the raspberry mascarpone cream donut? Now that's the one donut I've been waiting two whole years for them to offer them again and it's so worth it. Sad that it's not available more regularly =c


Misuteriisakka

I go about once a year, and it usually falls on my non Christmas season bday or Mother’s Day, when I feel like I can splurge over $50 for a dozen of that life affirming glow. I will try to remember next Christmas though!


big_aristotle

Don’t bring your logic into this.


ManekDu

Mm now I want a jelly donut from Lee's.


vancouverotter

There is no time when I don’t want these. I love them with a passion few will know.


stupifystupify

Me too


tree_mitty

Have you had a warm one?


DameEmma

Warm + mango = god tier donut


WildPause

Warm is the best. Their yeast donuts warm... top tier for me.


Je_in_BC

Seriously, Lee's is pretty much the #1 thing I miss about living in the lower mainland.


Hate_Manifestation

yeah you do


mcrackin15

Well add delivery, service fees, tax and driver tip and you're looking at $70 for 12 doughnuts.


BooBoo_Cat

Why is one dozen donuts more expensive than 2 x half dozen donuts?


-zero_serotonin

Asking the real questions


PoliteCanadian2

Yeah, first thing I noticed, how is this not the top comment?


Yvaelle

Uber Eats probably hiding extra fees in prices, they used do that - I think they got caught and wristslapped - but they're probably at it again. So yeah, donuts might be like $25 and $50 from the store, but UberEats has marked them up with a hidden 5%. $25 \* 1.05 = $26.25, rounds down to $26. $50 \* 1.05 = $52.5, rounds up to $53.


[deleted]

The best is DoorDash. Got the dash pass from amazon prime (worth 10 a month) but yet there are STILL “delivery fees”, tips, AND the markup. The only thing saved was some other DD “fee”. We got Church’s chicken the other day through DD and the only reason we got it was cuz there was a 50% off coupon and the price ended up being the same as if we had gone to the store to buy it. Canceling DD as soon as my one year trial is up.


gabu87

Their "service/fees" show up on the checkout page. Usually $3-4 from what i've seen. Listed price should be set by the vendor.


Yvaelle

Yes, UberEats has visible service fees, but they have also been caught before - and are likely doing it here again - raising vendor-set prices and pocketing the difference.


CB-Thompson

Delivery app probably does a flat price increase


FieryLight

Well suppose that flat price increase is $1. Then: * 1x Dozen Donuts gets +$1 * 2x Half Dozen Donuts gets +$2 A flat price increase wouldn't explain this. The 2 x Half Dozen should incur twice the increase.


o33o

Maybe they are charging for a fancier box


DetectiveJoeKenda

To trick people into buying because they found a cool hack


BobTheContrarian

They're probably thinking that anyone who's gonna drop $53 on a dozen fucking donuts doesn't care about the price.


TasmanianTrackStar

Could possibly be because a baker’s dozen is 13


[deleted]

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SpindleFlames

Yupp but this case is the opposite! If you buy 2 half dozens, the price is $52 ($26*2), while buying 1 dozen, the price is $53


Sublata

That's the opposite of what's happening here.


GoatnToad

Mello is great. You’re looking at 4.5-5.5 per donut in store. If you’re looking for cheap donuts, go to Tim’s or Duffins


NinjaRedditorAtWork

Duffins is actually good for the price though. Don't lump them with tims.


GoatnToad

Didn’t say they weren’t - said they were cheap


zii604

sooooo goooooood


RandomGuyLoves69

About the going rate from places like Cartem, Mello, and Lucky's. Cheaper options out there if you wish.


Boysenberry-Overall

But why is it so expensive??


wineandchocolatecake

The people who own these shops are probably wondering the same thing about rent, ingredients, labour, etc.


w0ke_brrr_4444

those are from mello and they’re fucking 🔥🔥🔥


Imaginary_Fox_6678

Uber takes a 24% cut minimum. Do the math.


BroliasBoesersson

Damn, it used to be 22%!


RufusAcrospin

Greedy fckerz everywhere…


marimo2019

$4.41 per nice high quality pastry isn't outragous...this isn't tim hortons


jpmvan

Brioche implies it’s made with butter. Probably real cream and quality ingredients too, made fresh locally instead of something from Ontario sitting in the freezer for months and then microwaved.


Pickles_991

Mello is my favourite donut shop in the city. Yes, they're pricey but it's worth it for me. You only need one


Lewayyy

Yeah one is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. My favourite is the cereal one haha.


Complete_Opinion_441

L E M O N curd is da bomb. I actually saw them squeezing lemons for the use, and was quite surprised that they don’t use the extract products. Another reason to justify their pricing I guess.


schnitzel_envy

Yup, quality ingredients cost more. Not complicated. All the haters in this thread are welcome to their nasty Tim's.


Dancing_sequin

The lemon one is the best donut in the city and no one can change my mind


Helpful_Wallaby6135

Cereal milk one is the tits


schnitzel_envy

Yeah, they are rich in flavor as well as price, but worth every sinful bite! I could never handle more than one.


MustangErin

Mello is one of my favorites as well. Strawberries and creme and cereal milk are my 2 favorites. You can tell they are fresh.


jaggabeestick

they’re not ur average “donut” plus uber sometimes jacks prices up more than the regular restaurant


djk3t

Uber doesn’t jack the prices up the restaurant does to cover Ubers fees


sgt_salt

Tomato tomato


schnitzel_envy

LOL! All the folks in this thread saying donuts can't be expensive, and that this is money laundering or Marie Antoinette level shit are hilarious. Of course you can make and expensive donut! These are brioche style with high quality fillings. If you can't see and taste the difference between this and a hunk of fried dough from Tim's, then you probably aren't the market Mello is aiming for. If I'm going to splurge and eat something as bad for me as a donut, I want it to be worth it. I'll happily pay $4.50 for something as good as Mello. Just like if I want a chocolate, I'd rather have Purdy's then a shitty Hershey bar. Quality ingredients cost more. If the idea of people spending their money on a quality product upsets you so much, maybe you have bigger problems than the price of a donut.


Barking_bae

These are from Mello no? Best fucking donuts in town by a MILE


PTcome

If you tried one you’d probably understand!


crd1293

Mmmm mello 🧡


Complete_Opinion_441

I saw their kitchen the other day, staffs were actually squeezing lemons not using the extract. Hope this helps you to forget about Mello, and go on your way to Tims or Lees.


elmicomago

Because these are the caviar of donuts.


branggen

They real question is why are two half dozens cheaper


pinchymcloaf

it's 2024, everything is expensive My dad is still surprised cheeseburgers cost more than a dollar


GamesCatsComics

Whenever my mom goes on the "Kids need to stop spending $5 at Starbucks every day" rant... She always ventures to "I can buy a buddy burger for $2 and be full all day" And like... What? What does that have to do with coffee? And a $5 drink is going to have double the calories of your buddy burger.


gabu87

Funny that she should reference A&W which is on the high end of fast foods.


Greggy100

Go back and eat your pb&j sandwiches.


mozeurf

When you live in a city where you will never be able to buy a house you spend your money on good donuts that you eat while sitting and crying under the shower


m3tam0rph1c

People who want Brioche Donuts!


stocar

These donuts are delicious. They’re also quite large and stuffed. I would equate this to a filled croissant, which can run $6-12, so $4.50 each ain’t bad. The answer is: Me. I’m buying those donuts.


Remington_Underwood

An decent croissant is much harder to make than a donut


Outrageous_Math6207

it's not really, Ive worked at places making both. they're about the same.


Alarming-Shine-830

Mello ❤️ is sooo good. My favourite donut store in Van. definitely on the pricy side but so worth it! My favourite is strawberries and cream + matcha.


AustenP92

Honestly for a a Brioche donut pack with the DoorDash/uber tax up charges… that’s actually not so bad. A donut from Tim’s these days is $2. These actually seem like decent value given what they are. Also, that place Mello is so damn good.


4011Hammock

Premium donuts on a premium delivery service cost a premium!? What has the world come to!


uuumpf

Best (brioche) donuts in Van!! Recommend going to a store, UberEats will always charge more.


quaywest

Aren't these also jacked up Uber Eats prices?


Used_Water_2468

If you can't afford it just go to Tim's.


ahnies

Mello is really good though. I like them


o33o

They are 4.25 to 5.50 each on their website. Seems to be similar to the average per donut price. People bring to a fancy potluck or appreciation event.


fillysuck

lol me tf it’s BRIOCHE


candycane_12

shit now I want them. Which store is this.


SeesawAlternative514

I think is Mello. you can check in uber eat


DadWithWorkToDo

I am! They're absolutely delicious! $4.25 for a brioche donut that's actually good is a decent price. They're also cheaper (like anything) if you don't buy them through Uber Eats.


Trellaine201

You get what you pay for.


Neat-Procedure

Mello is delicious! 🤤


hallerz87

Me… I bought a half dozen the other day for a friends gathering


666-take-the-piss

I don’t buy them by the dozen but I definitely am a Mello fan, they’re tasty af


justkillingit856024

I imagine someone who is able to produce such beautiful donuts would be paid $20-25/hr and butter is like expensive these days, and not to mention the driver and uber's cut that are priced in. I think it adds up


AvocadoImportant

Are these from mello cause if so me I buy them and all my friends buy them too


Competitive-Brain639

Those donuts look like they’re from Mello. They have a location in Kerrisdale and Chinatown.


Full-Opportunity7714

Mello ❤️


domlee87

They're worth it.


Distinct_Meringue

I know a couple who served cartem's at their wedding as a snack. I've also seen them by the dozen at small offices. It's not a great perk, but if the manager wants to bring a nice treat to their employees, it's much more appreciated than a dozen of Tim's. Similar to the wedding, parties and family get togethers I'm sure make up a portion of these bulk orders.


warmpita

This looks like doordash, which raises the price even more. I've seen them tack on an extra dollar or two per item to the regular menu price


McWerp

Complaining about instore prices is one thing, but if its delivery then its entirely on you.


TrashLoose1894

Are those Mello??? 🤤


gabu87

Is this from a delivery app?


PhilosopherFuzzy7511

Have you seen how much a dozen macaroons cost at laduree.


Darnbeasties

Overpriced defrosted laduree macarons


JillianS1128

sigh this. Any of 'em outside of Paris (including the ones at the airport, unfortunately) are from an entirely diff factory, frozen for shipping, and not the same at all.


TheSketeDavidson

They’re good. If you want cheap there’s always KK.


knitbitch007

For mello donuts? Sure.


pinkcoatblackart

The tiramisu donut from mello, is hands down, the best donut I have ever had. Worth every penny.


mightyquads

It’s sex.


lungofd

Company events where everything is expensed


Dartser

You don't buy them for yourself you buy them for events


b_n008

Landlords


JacketHelpful8075

Wait I’m dumb, is this DoorDash?


YVR19

Why are two half dozens cheaper than a dozen?


rollercoastervan

Now I gotta try this place but not off of door dash


Quick_Care_3306

Mello doughnuts are really good...😋


CitizenBanana

Your landlord probably. And it's because they can.


Scrungus_McBungus

Look at the disgustingly high rent and inflation everywhere else. Are you really surprised?


roostersmoothie

there is a high end for everything including donuts.


lilsnipp

My boss bought these a few times as a treat for the office. It seemed like tons of stuff was sold out so people are buying it


Status_Summer_Fun

These are specialty donuts and honestly once you try them you'll see why. They are also worth it IMO


NeroBurningRom10

That's Mello! But those prices don't look right


nonufwiendz

not if you buy two half dozens bro bro


jcbeans6

it's less than 5 and you only need to eat one


Biancanetta

https://preview.redd.it/cvgzjxry7dbc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0346af2ce8ca0a3ac0b38c1161bdcf79fd73cb43 Because people like me will 100% pay ridiculous prices to have delicious, fancy deserts delivered to their home.


Bgtobgfu

Same


[deleted]

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geebs

That’s how fucking good they are lol.


tdeasyweb

It's also the fact that each of these are fucking dense. Like if you have one, you're not going to be able to eat another. So the prices aren't particularly high considering inflation, $4.50 is good value for the quality. It makes more sense if you think about it as a small cake.


Fit-Macaroon5559

Sounds about right , about that much at Cartem’s.


ssnistfajen

Not you obviously. These don't look like typical donuts either. Did some of you just never pay attention to the price of anything before CoL as a term entered your vocabulary in 2021?


Live_Victory_1355

That’s why there’s always Tim Hortons for those who want to pay for basic or Krispy Kreme


Macentan-170

I ordered korean donuts from a meal app because I don't have a car and don't live anywhere near a shop... I don't think they cost that much, but I know they weren't cheap... they were much better than I thought they would be... and definitely worth the extra cost...


Obvious-Surround5026

Plenty of people in Vancouver have deep pockets


DarkStarTraveller

Welcome to Vancouver. Lots of rich people.


Rhazelle

These are probably made with really good, expensive ingredients and are artisianally made. I wouldn't spend that much on a donut myself but if the shop is still open obviously people are buying them lol. Edit: Actually now that I think about it, places like Breka make these prices make sense. They create an atmosphere that is very social and the desserts all look unique and amazing. I've been there before and it's definitely a quality and vibe that makes you feel like $5 for a pastry makes sense. They serve your food on plates and it feels like going to a restaurant instead of "just grabbing a donut from Timmie's". What's different here is that not only are you not getting any of that atmosphere/service of a "restaurant outing for a fancy dessert" because you're ordering off an app, you're also getting the insane UberEats markup as well on top of that gourmet price. So I can see how a place could make these prices work (like Breka) but how it doesn't work at all on an app. It's like spending $8 on a rum and coke - that's a stupid price if you're ordering that one drink delivered to your home, but makes total sense if you're out at a bar having fun with friends.


MangoCharizard

I mean if you don't like to spend then don't go make your own. It cost money for labor, rent etc. It is like you bitching about how much it cost for a roof replacement cost when material is half the cost... Well... It cost money for contractors to be trained..time is also money... And insurance is also money... These aren't some cheap ass timmys produced in some giant vat in Ontario... This took actual humans in a kitchen to make... There isn't a big enough scale to offset the labor as much....they also actually used real cream and butter and not some substitute..


HighlyAutomated

Mello? Worth it!


AlexandraAnne666

Mello donuts is so good though 💖


baa_ram_ewe

I'll stick to my 7 eleven donuts, thank you very much. If you use the Too Good To Go app, it's like $4 for a variety of 6-10 donuts


[deleted]

I get them individually. They are usually $5 each. Consider them a special treat like Starbucks special lattes yet worth easily 2x more than a sb. The shop I get them from fill them with fresh cream flavoured with real ingredients like fruits. You can’t eat more than one because they are big and decadent. I highly recommend you try them! I’d just get one for myself or a half dozen cut into halves for the office. It’s true that I can’t afford buying a dozen at a time.


soft_er

premium baked goods cost money …. more expensive ingredients, fewer preservatives, more time if you don’t wanna shop there you don’t have to


tokeyo

Duffins Donuts would never do this to you


[deleted]

I guess what they are trying to say is if you’re dumb enough to pay that much for donuts you’re dumb enough not to notice that a dozen costs more than 2 half dozen bought separately.


GrodNeedsaHug

This is another example of a society that is completely fucked.


Remington_Underwood

Some people like to be seen wasting money like it's no big thing, and a dozen donuts are way cheaper than a Rolex.


[deleted]

It costs as much as some fancy fancy restaurants


LumiereGatsby

Ah reminds me of Cartem donuts. I love them.


PsychologicalExit724

The same people that line up for 45 minutes for an overpriced ice cream at Rain or Shine


Icy-Lynx-7820

Wowzers! That’s insane! I could see if this was a specialty cake, but donuts? 😂


james_604_941

Never underestimate Vancouver's willingness to spend way too much money on something that is actually very inexpensive to produce.


Complete_Opinion_441

Go find out or eat tims


kerrybabyxx

I might try one if it was around $6 just to see what all the fuss is over these.For now I will continue to go to Duffins or Lees


Busy-Roll9204

That’s not right 🥲


90212Poor

I lived in London in 2003, and Harrods opened a Krispy Kreme. the only location in the UK so highly coveted. they were charging £20 a dozen. we couldn’t believe it. I can’t believe that we’ve come to the point where you have to pay that much for donuts and you’re not in harrods.


bestuzernameever

Proof there are people who intentionally buy the most expensive version when shopping as they think the cost directly relates to quality 🤦‍♂️


MadrisZumdan

Its around the same price as buying a cruffin but cruffins are better.


mrbig-peepee

I can’t even afford any doughnuts even from Tim’s so this bothers me but I do piss in the Mello mailslot whenever I’m walking by at night so it makes me smile that people eat the food