Who makes the best doughnuts in Merced?

A couple weeks ago I wrote about finding the best tacos in Merced, but now I may have found something even cooler.

First, let me introduce you to Donut Pros, a doughnut delivery company here in Merced. It’s crazy that such a business exists, right? But at the same time, it’s so awesome to think that you can get doughnuts delivered to you Sunday morning while you’re still in bed.

And what’s even better is that Donut Pros will actually deliver just about anything that can be picked up from downtown businesses, not just doughnuts. The company’s website even lets you order a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean up after you finish off your treat.

So this really awesome business had a really awesome idea.

Donut Pros wants to know:

Q: Which doughnut shop in Merced has the best doughnuts in town?

A: Co-owner of Donut Pros Michael Keethin said the contest will be between four doughnut shops in town: Donut King’s, Manley’s Donuts, Rollen Donuts and Yum Yum Donuts.

The contest is pretty official.

Donut Pros will be out at Donut King’s, 206 W. Main St., on National Doughnut Day, Friday. From 8 to 10 a.m., anyone can stop by and test doughnuts for free.

To make sure the contest is fair, glazed doughnuts will be in a plain white serving cup labeled with numbers. The public can see, taste and then score their sample from one to 10.

Donut Pros will record each cup getting labeled with its number and corresponding doughnut shop prior to the contest. The video will be revealed after the contest is over as proof of which doughnut shop wins the contest.

Doughnut testers will drop their completed vote ballots in a sealed container with their signature. Higher scores will mean better taste.

Donut Pros will tally up the scores and release the results on the company’s Facebook page, where a doughnut-related contest already is happening.

The contest leading up to National Doughnut Day is for who can correctly guess how the public will rank Merced’s doughnut shops. The winner will be notified after the contest if his or her comment is a match. Facebook contestants must cast their votes before 10:15 a.m. on June 3.

My favorite thing about this contest is the free doughnut part. But it’s also a fun way to support local businesses and measure public opinion.

So, if there are any foodies out there who feel strongly about Merced’s doughnut options, June 3 will be your day to take a stand.

This story was originally published May 30, 2016 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Who makes the best doughnuts in Merced?."