AARP Member Benefits and Senior Discounts: Free Donuts and Other Freebies

National Donut Day, observed annually on the first Friday in June, offers a variety of freebies and deals from doughnut shops across the United States. In addition to seasonal promotions, many brands provide ongoing discounts and incentives for AARP members and seniors. These offers range from free food items to percentage-based discounts on meals and beverages. The availability of these deals often depends on specific eligibility criteria, such as age requirements or membership status, and may vary by location.

National Donut Day Freebies

Several national and regional doughnut shops offer free or discounted treats on National Donut Day. The following offers were available during the 2024 and 2025 celebrations.

  • Dapper Doughnut: Customers making any purchase at a Dapper Doughnut location through June 9 receive a free six-pack of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar doughnuts. Dapper Doughnut has locations in Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and Texas.
  • Duck Donuts: A free cinnamon sugar doughnut is available at Duck Donuts locations in 24 states. No purchase is necessary.
  • Dunkin’: Dunkin’ offers a free classic doughnut of choice with the purchase of any beverage on National Donut Day. In 2025, this offer requires redemption via the Dunkin’ mobile app in-store. Classic flavors vary by location and may include vanilla frosted, strawberry frosted, chocolate frosted, jelly, powdered, Boston Kreme, glazed, blueberry glazed, double chocolate, and Old Fashioned.
  • Honey Dew Donuts: A free doughnut is available with the purchase of a medium drink at Honey Dew Donuts on June 7. Locations are primarily in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
  • Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme provides a free doughnut of choice on June 7 with no purchase necessary. The offer excludes limited-time-only doughnuts. Additionally, when purchasing any dozen doughnuts at regular price, customers can get an additional dozen original glazed doughnuts for $2.
  • LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee: Visitors to any LaMar’s location on National Donut Day receive a free glazed doughnut.
  • 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes: These convenience stores offer glazed donuts for $0.50 on National Donut Day. Through June 24, glazed donuts are available for $1. To redeem these deals, customers must be a 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards member.

AARP Member Discounts at Restaurants

AARP members can access various discounts at participating restaurants. These offers generally require proof of membership.

  • Corner Bakery Cafe: A 10% discount is available at participating locations for AARP members.
  • Cracker Barrel: Participating locations offer a discounted senior menu. Cracker Barrel no longer offers a senior discount menu in all contexts.
  • Dairy Queen: Participating locations offer a 10% discount or a free small drink.
  • Denny’s: A 15% discount is available at participating locations for AARP members. Another source indicates Denny’s offers a 10% discount for seniors aged 55+ and a 20% discount for AARP members.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts: AARP members receive a free donut with the purchase of a large or extra-large beverage. Another source indicates Dunkin’ Donuts offers 10% off or free coffee to seniors aged 55+.
  • Fazoli’s: Offers discounted senior menu items for members of “Club 62” (age 62+).
  • Friendly’s Restaurants: A 10% discount off meals is available, along with other discounts at specific times.
  • Fuddruckers: A 10% discount off the senior platter is available for seniors aged 55+.
  • Golden Corral: Participating locations offer a senior discount.
  • Hardee’s: A 10% discount is available at participating locations for seniors aged 52+.
  • IHOP: Participating locations offer discounted senior menu items for seniors aged 55+.
  • Jack in the Box: Participating locations offer up to a 20% discount for seniors aged 55+.
  • Jason’s Deli: A 10% discount is available.

Senior Discounts for AARP Members and Age-Based Offers

Several restaurants and retailers offer discounts based on age or AARP membership. These offers vary by location and may require the customer to ask for the discount.

  • Arby’s: 10% off for seniors aged 55+.
  • Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off for seniors aged 60+.
  • Bennigan’s: Discount varies by location for seniors aged 60+.
  • Bob’s Big Boy: Discount varies by location for seniors aged 60+.
  • Boston Market: 10% off for seniors aged 65+.
  • Burger King: 10% off for seniors aged 60+.
  • Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or a free small drink or coffee for seniors aged 55+.
  • Chili’s: 10% off for seniors aged 55+.
  • CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off for seniors aged 60+.
  • Denny’s: 10% off for seniors aged 55+; 20% off for AARP members.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee for seniors aged 55+.
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: 10% discount for seniors aged 60+. Another source indicates a 10% discount on a baker’s dozen of bagels for seniors aged 60+.
  • El Pollo Loco: 10% discount for seniors aged 60+.
  • Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter for seniors aged 55+.
  • Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off for seniors aged 60+.
  • Golden Corral: 10% off for seniors aged 60+.
  • Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages every day for seniors aged 65+.
  • IHOP: 10% off for seniors aged 55+.
  • Jack in the Box: Up to 20% off for seniors aged 55+.
  • KFC: Free small drink with any meal for seniors aged 55+.
  • Krispy Kreme: 10% off for seniors aged 50+.
  • Long John Silver’s: Various discounts at locations for seniors aged 55+.
  • McDonald’s: Discounts on coffee every day for seniors aged 55+.

Vaccine Incentives

During the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, various businesses and organizations partnered with the government to offer incentives for getting vaccinated. These incentives included free doughnuts, beer, tickets to amusement parks, no-cost hunting licenses, cash, childcare, gift cards, and chances at free flights. Ohio’s Vax-a-Million campaign, which offered drawings for $1 million awards and college scholarships, resulted in a 33 percent increase in vaccinations in the state following its announcement.

Conclusion

National Donut Day provides an opportunity for consumers to receive free doughnuts from various chains, often with no purchase required. AARP members and seniors aged 50 to 65+ can access ongoing discounts at numerous restaurants, ranging from percentage-based discounts on meals to free items with purchase. While many offers are widely available, participation often varies by location, and specific terms, such as membership requirements or age thresholds, apply. Consumers should verify offer details and availability at their local establishments.

Sources

  1. AARP National Donut Day Deals 2024
  2. California Mobility Senior Discounts Restaurants
  3. AARP Vaccine Incentives
  4. AARP Donut Day Deals 2025
  5. Bogleheads Forum Senior Discounts

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