National Doughnut Day 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Free Doughnuts and Promotional Deals

National Doughnut Day is observed annually on the first Friday of June in the United States. In 2025, this date falls on June 6. Established by The Salvation Army in 1938, the day honors the "Donut Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. While the day holds historical significance, it has also become a major promotional event for doughnut retailers and convenience stores across the country. These businesses typically offer free doughnuts, discounted items, or limited-time merchandise to celebrate the occasion.

The following guide details the specific freebies, discounts, and promotional mechanics announced by various brands for National Doughnut Day 2025. The information is derived from news reports and official releases, with attention paid to eligibility requirements such as loyalty program membership, purchase requirements, and location restrictions.

Major National Chains: Free Doughnuts and Purchase Requirements

Several large national chains have confirmed participation in National Doughnut Day 2025. The offers generally fall into two categories: completely free items with no purchase necessary, and free items contingent on the purchase of another product (often a beverage).

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is offering one of the most straightforward promotions of the day. On June 6, customers can receive a free doughnut of their choice at participating locations. According to reports, no purchase is required to redeem this offer. However, the free doughnut excludes specialty and limited-time varieties; the offer applies to the standard menu.

In addition to the June 6 freebie, Krispy Kreme is launching a "14 Days of Original Glazed" campaign running from June 7 through June 20. During this period, Krispy Kreme Rewards members can purchase a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $9.99. Furthermore, on June 13, any customer who buys a dozen doughnuts can receive a second dozen of Original Glazed for just 13 cents.

Dunkin’ (Dunkin’ Donuts)

Dunkin’ is celebrating its 15th consecutive year of National Doughnut Day participation. The primary offer is a free classic doughnut with the purchase of any beverage. This deal is valid in-store or via the mobile app on June 6, while supplies last.

Dunkin’ has also partnered with the luxury lifestyle brand Stoney Clover Lane to release limited-edition merchandise. This collection includes Dunkin’ patches, iced coffee and donut bag charms, and a donut-shaped pouch. Some reports indicate that customers who redeem the doughnut deal on June 6 may receive a mini donut bag as part of the partnership promotion. Additionally, Dunkin’ is featuring a limited-time "Orange N’ Vanilla Specialty Donut" for the holiday.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven is offering discounted doughnuts to members of its loyalty programs. On June 6, 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can purchase classic glazed doughnuts for 50 cents each. For consumers who are not members or miss the June 6 deadline, 7-Eleven will extend the offer for glazed doughnuts at $1 until June 24.

Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts is providing a free cinnamon sugar doughnut to all customers visiting their locations in-store. This offer is valid while supplies last. Unlike some competitors, Duck Donuts does not require a purchase to receive the free doughnut.

Regional and Specialty Chain Promotions

In addition to the major national players, several regional chains and specialty doughnut shops are offering unique deals. These offers often include purchase requirements or specific location restrictions.

Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley Do-Nuts is extending the celebration beyond a single day. They are offering a "month of freebie Fridays," beginning on June 6. On these Fridays, guests can receive a free glazed doughnut with any purchase.

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is offering a bundled deal. Customers who purchase a "Pink Raised Glazed Dozen" for $10 will receive a free doughnut of their choice. This allows customers to sample Voodoo’s creative menu options, such as Banana Cream Pie or Churro Cheesecake, alongside the promotional dozen.

LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee

LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee is participating in the holiday, though specific deal mechanics reported focus on the general tradition of treating customers. The chain emphasizes its history of "perfecting the donut since 1933."

Honey Dew Donuts

Similar to Dunkin’, the Massachusetts-based chain Honey Dew Donuts is offering a free doughnut with the purchase of a medium drink.

Stan’s Donuts

Stan’s Donuts is targeting the Chicago-area demographic. Customers spending at least $2.30 will receive a free Chocolate Dipped Donut. A unique element of this promotion is a contest: guests who receive a pink donut will win free donuts for a year.

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is offering a free donut with the purchase of any beverage through June 8. This offer requires customers to activate an in-app offer. The promotion can be used once per account every 30 minutes.

Sheetz

Sheetz is offering a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage via their mobile app. This offer is valid on National Donut Day and continues through June 10.

Eligibility Rules and Redemption Mechanics

Understanding the specific terms of each offer is essential for consumers to successfully redeem them. The provided data highlights several recurring eligibility criteria and redemption methods.

Purchase Requirements

A significant number of the free doughnut offers require the purchase of a beverage. * Required Purchase: Dunkin’, Honey Dew Donuts, Tim Hortons, Shipley Do-Nuts, Stan’s Donuts, and Sheetz all require a purchase (typically a beverage or any item) to receive a free doughnut. * No Purchase Required: Krispy Kreme and Duck Donuts offer free doughnuts without any required purchase.

Loyalty Program and App Requirements

Digital engagement is a key component of several promotions. * Loyalty Membership: 7-Eleven’s 50-cent offer is exclusive to 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members. * App Activation: Tim Hortons requires the offer to be activated within their mobile app. Dunkin’ allows the beverage purchase and doughnut redemption to occur via the app.

Location and Availability Constraints

Most offers are subject to "while supplies last" disclaimers. Additionally, some offers are restricted to specific geographic areas (e.g., Stan’s Donuts in Chicago) or specific sales channels (e.g., Duck Donuts in-store only).

Exclusions and Limitations

Product Exclusions: Krispy Kreme explicitly excludes specialty and limited-time doughnuts from their free offer.
Frequency Limits: Tim Hortons limits the use of the free donut offer to once per account every 30 minutes.

Historical Context of National Doughnut Day

While the primary focus of the provided data is commercial deals, the historical context of the holiday is well-documented. National Doughnut Day was established by The Salvation Army in 1938. It serves as a tribute to the "Donut Lassies" (and Donut Girls), women who traveled to France during World War I to bake and serve doughnuts to soldiers near the front lines.

The Salvation Army continues to observe the day by distributing doughnuts to veterans in various U.S. cities. In 2025, events include the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship, scheduled to be held at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Conclusion

National Doughnut Day 2025 offers a wide variety of opportunities for consumers to obtain free or discounted doughnuts. The most accessible offers for the general public include the free doughnut at Krispy Kreme (no purchase necessary) and the 50-cent doughnuts at 7-Eleven (requiring loyalty membership). Consumers looking to redeem offers at Dunkin’, Honey Dew Donuts, or Tim Hortons should plan on purchasing a beverage to qualify for their free item.

Prospective participants are advised to check with their local franchises, as participation and availability may vary by location. Additionally, offers are frequently subject to supply limitations, making early visits advantageous.