On February 27, 2025, Poland celebrates Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday), sparking fierce competition among discount stores for the title of the cheapest doughnut. Known as the day when Poles indulge in the sweet treat year after year, major supermarkets including Biedronka, Lidl, and Auchan are enticing customers with irresistibly low prices on doughnuts, positioning themselves to attract crowds eager for deals.
This year, Biedronka is leading the charge with its incredible promotions. Customers who purchase 24 of their classic doughnuts with marmalade and powdered sugar can grab them for just 0.09 zł each, totaling 2.16 zł for the package. For those with a taste for something more gourmet, Biedronka's premium options, like the pistachio and white chocolate doughnut, are priced at 3.89 zł. Adding to the excitement, Biedronka has launched the "buy 5, get 1 free" deal across various flavors, encouraging customers to mix and match their preferred sweets.
Lidl, not one to fall behind, offers competitive pricing as well. Shoppers can find fruit-filled doughnuts for 0.69 zł each when buying six, or 0.35 zł each for those purchasing 12. For the most dedicated doughnut lovers, the price drops to a mere 0.09 zł each if they buy 24. Notably, Lidl is running similar promotions with their "2 plus 1" deal on donuts, making it easy for shoppers to try different flavors without breaking the bank.
Auchan is also participating enthusiastically, providing 12 doughnuts filled with multi-fruit and dusted with icing sugar for only 11.99 zł, which works out to 0.99 zł each. Customers are presented with nearly 50 assorted flavors, showcasing their commitment to satisfy every palate.
But the competition doesn’t just end here; Netto and Aldi are vying for customers' attention as well. Netto's offer includes doughnuts filled with marmalade at 0.49 zł each for those purchasing 12. Aldi is stirring things up too, with bags of doughnuts at attractive prices. Their leading option is the multi-fruit doughnut priced at 0.83 zł, available only when purchasing 12 at once.
This year, the prices have reached astonishing lows with reports of doughnuts going for just 9 groszy (equivalent to approximately 0.02 USD), generating excitement among shoppers. The competitive pricing during this festive occasion is drawing attention not only from seasoned doughnut enthusiasts but also first-time buyers who feel compelled to partake.
This annual tradition of Tłusty Czwartek traces deep roots back to pre-Christian rituals marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The original festivities included feasting on various delicacies—including what we now know as savory fried pastries. This evolved over centuries, with the sweet version becoming popular around the 16th century when cooks began adding sugar and sweet fillings, transitioning from savory to sweet.
Today, local bakeries and craft shops offer artisanal doughnuts at significantly higher prices, starting at 5 zł and often costing around 10 zł, making these supermarket discounts even more appealing for those celebrating. For many, the affordability of doughnuts from Biedronka, Lidl, and others effectively lowers the barrier to participation, allowing everyone to join the sweet celebrations.
Highlighting the modern consumer's tendency to shop based on deals, the market demand for doughnuts on Tłusty Czwartek fuels the fierce competition among retailers. The allure of not just satisfying one's sweet tooth but doing so at the lowest price possible keeps customers returning to stores.
Experts warn, though, about the ingredients found within these mass-produced delights. Craft bakeries are known to use higher quality ingredients and offer more diverse fillings—ranging from traditional rose petal jam to decadent chocolate ganache. Shoppers are advised to choose wisely, balancing between price and quality.
Businesses are also capitalizing on the cultural importance of Tłusty Czwartek, extending the holiday's offerings by integrating sentiment with sweet delicacies. The thrill of bagging the lowest-priced doughnut transcends mere economics; it embraces tradition, joy, and community spirit.
During this year’s Tłusty Czwartek, as customers flock to their local markets, they will undoubtedly revel not only in indulging their cravings but also engaging with the competitive spirit of retailers. Each store’s innovative pricing strategies are certain to leave lasting impressions, laying the groundwork for more promotions and discounts to come. Without doubt, the buzz surrounding this day promises to energize shoppers and vendors alike!
Tłusty Czwartek, traditionally celebrated with the consumption of doughnuts, continues to thrive through these annual promotions as the face of Polish gastronomy expands. From the historical aspects of these sweets to the present-day commercial frenzy, there's no denying the importance of this cultural opulence.