This Friday marks National Donut Day, a celebration with origins as rich as its flavors. First celebrated in 1938 by the Salvation Army, this day was created to honor the 'Donut Lassies,' women who served donuts to soldiers, affectionately known as 'Dough Boys,' during World War I. The initiative aimed to provide a slice of home and a boost in morale for troops on the front lines. Over eight decades later, the tradition continues albeit in a much sweeter and commercialized form.
On the first Friday of June each year, bakeries, cafes, and donut enthusiasts come together to celebrate this delicious day with various deals, giveaways, and mouth-watering offerings. It’s a day that appeals not only to history buffs but also to those with a sweet tooth. With the holiday fast approaching, several well-known establishments are preparing to honor this historic day with special promotions and free treats for their loyal customers.
From glazed classics to creative confections, there's a donut deal for everyone this National Donut Day. Here’s a rundown of some of the best offers you can find:
Dunkin' is joining the celebration by offering a free classic donut with the purchase of any beverage. Whether you’re a fan of their iced coffee or prefer a hot latte, you can enjoy your favorite drink with a complimentary donut of your choice. This offer is available at participating locations, while supplies last. Make sure to visit early to get your pick of the best flavors.
Krispy Kreme, a favorite among donut lovers, is going all out. They are providing each customer with a free donut of their choice. While this offer does exclude the Dolly Parton collection, there’s an exciting range of other donuts to choose from. Additionally, Krispy Kreme is running a special deal on purchasing a dozen donuts, making it a perfect opportunity to share with friends and family or to indulge in sweet delights all by yourself.
7-Eleven and its affiliated brands, Speedway and Stripes, are offering loyalty members a glazed donut for just $1. It’s a simple yet delightful way to celebrate the day. Make sure you’re signed up for their loyalty program to take advantage of this tasty deal. It’s an easy and convenient option for those looking for a quick treat on the go.
Duck Donuts is offering a free cinnamon sugar donut with no purchase necessary. This offer is an excellent choice for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and spice. Known for their made-to-order donuts, Duck Donuts provides a unique and customizable donut experience that stands out from the rest. Be sure to drop by and grab your free donut while you can.
Maverik is providing an exclusive deal for its Upgraded Nitro card holders. These members can enjoy a free donut, adding to the perks of being part of the Maverik family. If you’re not an Upgraded Nitro member yet, this National Donut Day might just be the perfect excuse to sign up and enjoy free treats.
Members of the Adventure Club and Kum & Go’s &Rewards programs can get their donuts at a 50% discount. It's an excellent way for club members to enjoy their favorite donuts at half the price. The savings add up, especially if you plan on sharing with a group or simply stocking up for the weekend.
Shipley Do-Nuts is offering a free glazed donut with any purchase at participating locations. Known for their light and airy texture, Shipley’s donuts are a popular choice among many. Pair your free glazed donut with a fresh morning coffee or any other item you love from their menu.
Tim Hortons is getting in on the celebration by offering a free donut with any drink purchase for its Tims Rewards members. Whether you’re a fan of their robust coffee or enjoy their specialty drinks, a donut is the perfect accompaniment. Make sure to have your Tims Rewards membership handy to take advantage of this offer.
With so many options available, National Donut Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in some of your favorite sweet treats. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of this delightful day:
National Donut Day is more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a day steeped in history and a great way to honor a unique tradition. It's the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious donuts while taking advantage of fantastic deals from some of your favorite brands. Whether you prefer classic glazed or adventurous flavors, National Donut Day offers something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, prepare your app memberships, and get ready to enjoy a day filled with sugary delights.
Alex Soete
Alright folks, grab your coffee and head straight to the nearest Dunkin’ or Krispy Kreme-free donuts are waiting!
Make sure you have the app ready, because those early‑bird spots disappear faster than a glaze on a hot dough.
Cara McKinzie
I can't BELIEVE they gave away donuts for free, it's a nightmare for my diet!
Joseph Conlon
The notion that a commercial holiday should be celebrated with mindless indulgence is a symptom of our consumerist culture, and while the history of National Donut Day is rooted in genuine acts of kindness, the modern rendition feels like a hollow echo of that original spirit. First, the Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies” were providing morale‑boosting treats to soldiers, a gesture far removed from today’s marketing‑driven freebie frenzy. Second, the proliferation of loyalty programs turns a simple pastry into a data point, commodifying nostalgia. Third, many of these offers come with strings attached-sign‑ups, app notifications, and pushy upsells that the average consumer may not even notice until the receipt arrives. Fourth, the emphasis on “free” creates an expectation that every brand must outdo the other, leading to a race where quality is often sacrificed for quantity. Fifth, the environmental impact of disposable packaging multiplies with every extra donut taken without thought. Sixth, the psychological effect of a “free” lure can trigger overspending later, as people feel indebted to the brand. Seventh, the sheer volume of promotions can overwhelm even the most organized shopper, turning a joyful tradition into a logistical nightmare. Eighth, the focus on sugary treats ignores the growing public health concerns surrounding excessive sugar consumption. Ninth, while some may argue that a single donut is harmless, the cumulative effect across a nation is far from trivial. Tenth, the cumulative effect across a nation is far from trivial. Eleventh, the narrative marketed by these corporations often glosses over the original charitable intent, rewriting history for profit. Twelfth, the reliance on digital coupons excludes those without smartphone access, creating an unintended socioeconomic divide. Thirteenth, the hype surrounding “National Donut Day” detracts from other meaningful holidays that could use similar support. Fourteenth, the rapid turnover of limited‑time offers pressures consumers to act impulsively, a tactic that benefits the retailer more than the buyer. Fifteenth, many of the advertised freebies are subject to “while supplies last,” a phrase that ensures scarcity and drives urgency. Sixteenth, the cultural saturation of donuts can lead to a homogenized palate, stifling culinary creativity. Finally, perhaps the best way to honor the original spirit is to donate a portion of your purchase to a local charity, turning a sugary treat into a genuine act of goodwill.
Mohit Singh
Honestly, I think the whole free‑donut hype is both overblown and underwhelming, like shouting about a fire while sipping tea; you get the idea but the excitement fizzles out.
Damian Liszkiewicz
Hey everyone, happy National Donut Day! 🎉 If you’re looking to stretch the fun, try hitting a couple of spots-maybe a Dunkin’ for the classic glaze and then a Krispy Kreme for a surprise flavor 😊. Sharing the experience with friends also makes the day feel less about the freebie and more about the community.
Angela Arribas
Just a quick note: the article says “participating locations, while supplies last,” but it should be “participating locations while supplies last” without the extra comma; also “donut” is singular, so “a free donut” is correct.
Sienna Ficken
Oh great, another day where corporations remind us that the best part of life is free carbs-because nothing says “I care about you” like a glazed circle of fried dough handed over after you scan a QR code.
Zac Death
Alright, let’s break this down-first, you’ve got the classic chain deals: Dunkin’ offers a free donut with any drink, which is perfect if you’re already planning a caffeine fix; second, Krispy Kreme is basically giving away a donut to everyone, which is a bold move that will probably drive a lot of foot traffic; third, 7‑Eleven and its sister brands are making it cheap for loyalty members, and that $1 glazed donut is practically a steal; fourth, Duck Donuts throws in a cinnamon‑sugar option with zero purchase required, great for those who love a little spice; fifth, Maverik’s Nitro card holders get a free treat, so if you’re not already signed up, this could be your excuse; sixth, the Adventure Club and Kum & Go’s rewards programs cut the price in half, which is fantastic for bulk buyers; seventh, Shipley Do‑Nuts pairs a free glaze with any purchase, a nice combo with a morning coffee; eighth, Tim Hortons caps it off with a free donut for Tims Rewards members, rounding out the list nicely. So, my advice? Load up those apps, set your reminders, and maybe bring a buddy to double the fun-just don’t forget to enjoy the moment, not just the free stuff.
Lizzie Fournier
Just a heads up, some of these deals need you to be a loyalty member, so sign up beforehand to avoid missing out.
JAN SAE
Wow!!! This is the ultimate donut roundup, folks!!! Grab your phone, open the apps, and score those freebies!!! Don’t wait!!!
Steve Dunkerley
From a supply‑chain perspective, the incentivization mechanisms deployed across these retail touchpoints leverage promotional elasticity to drive incremental footfall and basket expansion, effectively optimizing SKU turnover during the promotional window.
Jasmine Hinds
Y’all, get your coffee and donuts ready! 😋
Madison Neal
I totally agree that planning ahead and setting reminders can make the difference between snagging a free treat and missing out.
John Crulz
While the free donuts might tempt any diet, they’re also a chance to enjoy a nostalgic treat without overindulging-just pick one, savor it, and keep the rest of the day's meals balanced.
Anita Drake
Celebrating this tradition also reminds us of the original Donut Lassies who lifted spirits in wartime, so a mindful indulgence can honor both history and community.