National Donut Day is set to delight sweet tooths across the United States on Friday, June 6, 2025, with a host of freebies, discounts, and special events honoring a century-old tradition. Established in 1938 by The Salvation Army, National Donut Day pays tribute to the courageous "Donut Lassies," women who served donuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I, providing a morale boost during difficult times. This year, the celebration continues with generous offers from major chains and local shops alike, alongside commemorative events recognizing veterans' service.
The story behind National Donut Day is as rich as the treats themselves. The Donut Lassies, dispatched to France in 1917, established field bases near battlefronts and served up to 9,000 donuts daily to American troops, affectionately known as "doughboys." The Salvation Army notes that these women not only supported soldiers but helped popularize the donut in America after the war. The inaugural National Donut Day event in 1938 was organized to aid those suffering during the Great Depression, and the tradition has since blossomed into an annual nationwide celebration.
To honor this legacy, The Salvation Army will distribute donuts to veterans and host events including the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. on June 6, 2025. "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," said The Salvation Army's national commander, Merle Heatwole.
For donut lovers eager to indulge, a variety of promotions await. Dunkin' is back for its 15th consecutive year offering a free classic donut with any beverage purchase at participating locations nationwide on June 6. Beyond the sweet treats, Dunkin' is collaborating with lifestyle brand Stoney Clover Lane to launch a limited-edition collection of donut-themed accessories, including pouches, bag charms, tumblers, and patches, available online starting at 10 a.m. ET on June 6 and at select stores while supplies last.
Krispy Kreme is pulling out all the stops with a no-purchase-necessary offer: one free donut per customer in-store on National Donut Day. Additionally, customers can purchase a dozen Original Glazed® donuts for just $2 with the purchase of any other dozen at regular price. This deal is available both in-store and via drive-thru at participating locations. Starting June 7, Krispy Kreme’s "14 Days of Original Glazed" kicks off, running through June 20, featuring special offers such as a dozen Original Glazed donuts for 13 cents on June 13 with purchase of any dozen, and $2 dozens on June 20. Krispy Kreme Rewards members can also enjoy a dozen Original Glazed donuts for $9.99 daily during this period, with a limit of one per guest per day.
Adding to the excitement, on June 20, Krispy Kreme will randomly select thousands of lucky customers at participating shops to receive a year’s supply of Original Glazed donuts — one dozen per month from July 2025 through June 2026. Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme’s Chief Growth Officer, remarked, "National Doughnut Day is one of our favorite days of the year to celebrate Krispy Kreme fans and how much they love and share our doughnuts, especially the Original Glazed. With summer on the horizon, when the Original Glazed® will turn 88, we’re going to keep the celebration going every day until June 20."
Other notable chains are joining the celebration with enticing offers. Duck Donuts is giving away a free cinnamon sugar donut in-store, no purchase necessary, and selling a half dozen of the same for $6 both in-store and online. Fry the Coop, a Chicago-based fried chicken spot, is bringing back its Croissant Donut Hot Chicken Sandwich for $6.60 on June 6. Honey Dew Donuts offers a free donut with any medium beverage purchase at participating locations.
Supermarket shoppers can also partake: Lidl customers receive a free glazed donut with any purchase when using the MyLidl app. Convenience store chains Maverik and Kum & Go are offering Adventure Club and &Rewards members 50% off donuts on June 6 and 7, with Maverik Nitro cardholders receiving one free donut plus 25 bonus Trail Points on any donut purchase through June 6.
Online shoppers aren’t left out either. The Original Donut Shop Coffee is offering 50% off all coffee and K-Cup Pod products at Keurig.com from June 6 to June 8 with the promo code DONUT50. Paris Baguette PB Rewards members can get a free sugar mochi or small twisted donut with any purchase on June 6, and new members can sign up via the app or website to access the deal. Sheetz customers can enjoy one free donut with the purchase of any fountain drink, coffee, or bottled beverage from June 6 through June 10 by loading the offer through the Sheetz app.
Shipley Do-Nuts is offering a free glazed donut with any purchase on June 6, either in person or online using the code DonutDay25. In South Carolina, similar deals abound, with 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members able to snag glazed donuts for just 50 cents on National Donut Day, and continuing discounted offers through June 24.
Central Pennsylvania’s local favorites are also joining the fun. Maple Donuts is giving away one free glazed donut per person at its multiple locations. Saubel’s Markets is holding a giveaway for five lucky winners to receive a dozen homemade donuts, with entries accepted through their Facebook page. Dough n Joe offers a free donut with any purchase, and Weis Markets sells freshly baked donuts for $4.99 a half dozen. These local promotions complement the national celebration, ensuring donut fans everywhere can join in.
For those inspired to try their hand at making donuts, The Salvation Army has published its original century-old recipe, which yields 60 donuts using simple ingredients like eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and lard or oil. The recipe encourages creativity in cutting donut rings, reminiscent of the resourcefulness of the Donut Lassies during the war.
Whether you’re planning a solo sugar rush, a family outing, or a donut crawl with friends, June 6 offers a delicious opportunity to indulge while reflecting on a meaningful piece of history. Just remember to check participating locations, arrive early before supplies run out, and maybe even grab some exclusive merch while you’re at it. After all, National Donut Day isn’t just about the treats — it’s about honoring service, community, and the sweet moments that bring us together.
