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National Donut Day 2025: List of Deals from Dunkin', Lidl and More
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Americans with a sweet tooth can celebrate National Donut Day on June 6 with a variety of giveaways and promotions from major chains across the country.
What started as a charitable gesture from The Salvation Army in 1938 has since evolved into an annual tradition for brands and customers alike.
This year's offerings include free doughnuts with beverage purchases, loyalty perks and app-based codes for recurring freebies. Retailers including Dunkin', Krispy Kreme and Tim Hortons are participating, along with regional players like Shipley Do-Nuts.
A stock photo dated August 8, 2024, shows a tempting variety of doughnuts in a box. National Donut Day is celebrated on June 6 this year.
A stock photo dated August 8, 2024, shows a tempting variety of doughnuts in a box. National Donut Day is celebrated on June 6 this year.
Getty Images/Tonelson
What to Know About National Donut Day
National Donut Day is observed on the first Friday of June every year and was established by The Salvation Army in Chicago during the Great Depression to honor the "Donut Lassies"—volunteers who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I, per a press release from the charitable organization.
Today, the group continues the tradition while raising awareness for its veteran support programs. "National Donut Day is a time to remember the lasting impact of a unique piece of history and to honor the heroic men and women who have served our country," Salvation Army Commissioner Merle Heatwole said. "Their courage and dedication to serving others reflect the heart of our mission and continue to inspire the work we do every day in communities across the country."
List of Deals and Discounted Food Items
Dunkin' is offering customers a free classic doughnut with the purchase of any beverage at participating locations, per a press release. The offer is available in-store or via the app, and includes popular options like Boston Kreme, Jelly and Glazed. The doughnut giant is also availing limited-edition merch from Stoney Clover Lane.
Krispy Kreme is giving away one free doughnut of choice—no purchase necessary—at shops across the U.S. Further, the chain is offering one dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just $2 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price in shop and via drive-thru. Also, on June 13, all guests can receive a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for 13 cents with the purchase of any dozen at regular price.
Tim Hortons is running a weeklong promotion through June 8, according to a press email. Tims Rewards members can receive any classic or specialty doughnut free with the purchase of most beverages.
Shipley Do-Nuts is extending its celebration throughout the month. On June 6, customers can receive a free signature glazed doughnut with any purchase. Additionally, every Friday in June comes with its own promotion. On June 13, guests can get a baker's dozen for the price of 12 or opt for a free glazed doughnut with any purchase. On June 20 and June 27, the free glazed doughnut deal continues.
Duck Donuts is offering guests a free cinnamon sugar doughnut, with no purchase required, according to a press release. Further, the doughnut fan favorite is offering discounts on medium hot or iced coffees and cinnamon sugar doughnuts.
Lidl supermarket shoppers can grab a free glazed doughnut with any purchase on June 6, only with the MyLidl app.
Paris Baguette is offering a free sugar mochi doughnut or small twisted doughnut with any purchase on June 6. The offer only applies to members of the PB Rewards loyalty program.
When Were Donuts Invented?
The origin of the modern doughnut traces back to early Dutch settlers in North America, who brought with them "olykoeks," or oily cakes. These fried dough balls lacked the distinctive hole that defines today's doughnut, according to a 2024 article from History Cooperative.
The ring-shaped doughnut is credited to Hanson Gregory, an American seafarer, who in the mid-19th century reportedly punched a hole in the center of the dough.
National Donut Day, which launched as a fundraiser 87 years ago, now appears firmly entrenched in America's calendar of food holidays.
