National Donut Day 2025: A Guide to Free Donuts and Special Deals Across Major Chains

National Donut Day is an annual promotional event observed by numerous food and convenience chains across the United States, typically held on the first Friday of June. The holiday serves as a significant marketing opportunity for brands to engage customers through freebies, discounted items, and limited-time offers. Based on the provided documentation regarding the 2025 observance, which falls on June 6, consumers can expect a variety of deals ranging from completely free donuts to discounted bulk purchases. These promotions are often structured to drive foot traffic, encourage mobile app usage, and promote loyalty program membership.

The sources indicate that participation is widespread among major national franchises and regional chains. The specific mechanics of these offers vary significantly; some require a purchase, others are exclusive to rewards members, and a few are available to any customer with no strings attached. Understanding the distinct terms of each offer is essential for consumers looking to maximize value during the event.

Major National Chains and Their Offers

The most prominent players in the donut industry, Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’, consistently lead the promotional efforts for National Donut Day. Both chains have announced specific deals for 2025, though the requirements for redemption differ.

Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme’s 2025 promotion centers on accessibility. According to the documentation, the chain offers a free donut of the customer's choice on June 6 with no purchase required. This "no purchase necessary" policy is a consistent highlight across multiple sources. Additionally, Krispy Kreme provides a value deal for those looking to buy in bulk: a $2 Original Glazed dozen is available with the purchase of any dozen at regular price. This offer is valid for in-store or drive-thru transactions. Following the main event, Krispy Kreme launches a "14 Days of Original Glazed" campaign starting June 7, where loyalty members can purchase a dozen Original Glazed donuts for $9.99. Another specific deal mentioned is the availability of a dozen Original Glazed for just 13 cents if a customer buys a dozen donuts on June 13.

Dunkin’ Dunkin’ structures its National Donut Day offer differently. The chain provides a free donut with every beverage purchase on June 6. This deal is available at participating locations nationwide and does not require the use of a mobile app, though it is contingent on buying a drink. Dunkin’ has also paired its 2025 celebration with merchandise collaborations. The documentation notes a partnership with the luxury lifestyle brand Stoney Clover Lane, featuring items such as donut pouches, patches, and bag charms. Some reports suggest that customers taking advantage of the donut deal may receive a mini donut bag as part of this promotion. Furthermore, Dunkin’ is partnering with musical artist Jelly Roll to spread awareness, including a limited-edition merchandise drop featuring hoodies and T-shirts.

Convenience Store and Regional Chain Promotions

Beyond the two industry giants, several convenience store chains and regional donut shops offer competitive deals. These offers often target loyalty program members or require specific redemption methods via mobile apps.

7-Eleven and Speedway Both 7-Eleven and Speedway are offering 50-cent glazed donuts to members of their respective rewards programs (7Rewards and Speedy Rewards) on June 6. If customers miss the June 6 event, both chains extend an offer for glazed donuts at $1 through June 24.

Shipley Do-Nuts Shipley Do-Nuts is taking a longer approach to the celebration. They are offering a free glazed hexagonal donut on June 6 with any purchase. This offer is redeemable in person or online using the promo code DonutDay25. Notably, Shipley extends this "free with purchase" offer to every Friday in June, effectively creating a month-long promotion.

Duck Donuts Duck Donuts offers a free cinnamon sugar donut on June 6. According to the source material, this is available with no purchase required at participating locations. For customers interested in buying more, the chain offers a half dozen for $6, valid for in-store or online orders.

Paris Baguette Paris Baguette targets its loyalty program members (PB rewards members) with a free sugar mochi or mini twisted donut with a purchase on June 6.

Honey Dew Donuts Similar to Dunkin’, Honey Dew Donuts offers a free donut with the purchase of a medium drink. This regional chain provides options such as Apple Cider, Butternut, and Lemon Filled donuts.

LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee LaMar’s is noted in the documentation as a chain that treats customers during this event, though specific deal details for 2025 are not fully enumerated in the provided text beyond their historical participation.

Non-Traditional Retailers and Grocery Offers

Donut deals are not limited to dedicated bakery chains. Convenience stores and grocery retailers also participate in National Donut Day.

Sheetz Sheetz offers a free donut with the purchase of any fountain drink, bottled beverage, or Sheetz Brothers coffee between June 6 and 10. This deal requires the use of the Sheetz mobile app; customers must add the offer under the "Offerz" tab to redeem it.

Maverik Maverik offers 50% off all donuts on June 6 to members of their rewards program. There is no limit on the number of donuts a customer can purchase at this discount. Members of the upgraded "Nitro" loyalty program receive an additional benefit: a free donut of their choice.

Lidl Supermarket chain Lidl offers a free glazed donut on June 6 with any purchase. Like Sheetz, this deal requires the customer to access the offer through the Lidl mobile app.

Historical Context and Observance

While the primary focus of the documentation is on deals and freebies, it is worth noting the historical significance of the holiday. National Donut Day is recognized as a celebration of the Salvation Army "Lassies," women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. This context is occasionally referenced in promotional materials to add depth to the holiday, though the consumer focus remains on the available discounts.

Conclusion

National Donut Day 2025 offers a diverse array of opportunities for consumers to obtain free or discounted donuts. The most universally accessible offer comes from Krispy Kreme, which provides a free donut with no purchase required. Dunkin’ offers a free donut but necessitates a beverage purchase. Regional chains and convenience stores like Shipley Do-Nuts, 7-Eleven, and Sheetz utilize these promotions to drive loyalty program sign-ups and mobile app engagement. Consumers interested in these deals should verify participation at specific locations, as many offers are "while supplies last" and subject to local availability.

Sources

  1. RetailWire
  2. FranchiseWire
  3. LiveNowFox
  4. Cheapism
  5. Woman's World
  6. ABC News
  7. AOL

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