National Donut Day is an annual food holiday celebrated on the first Friday of June in the United States. Established in 1938 by The Salvation Army, the day honors the "Donut Lassies" and "Donut Girls" who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. According to a press release from The Salvation Army's national commander, Merle Heatwole, "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." The organization distributes donuts to veterans in several U.S. cities as part of its commemorative activities. In 2025, National Donut Day falls on Friday, June 6, with numerous major donut chains and retailers offering promotional deals, including free donuts, discounted purchases, and limited-time menu items.
Historical Context and Modern Commercialization
The holiday's origins are rooted in community service, but contemporary celebrations are heavily driven by commercial promotions. While The Salvation Army maintains a charitable component, the day has become a significant marketing opportunity for food and beverage companies. This evolution is evident in the range of offers, from no-purchase-necessary freebies to loyalty program incentives and special product launches. The deals vary significantly by brand, with some requiring a purchase, others requiring membership in a rewards program, and a few offering entirely free items with no strings attached. Consumers should note that offers are typically valid only at participating locations and for a limited time, often just on National Donut Day itself or during a surrounding promotional period.
Free Donut Offers and Eligibility Requirements
Several prominent chains have announced free donut promotions for June 6, 2025. The terms and eligibility requirements differ by company, making it essential for consumers to understand the specific rules for each offer.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme traditionally offers a free donut on National Donut Day with no purchase necessary. According to multiple sources, this policy will continue in 2025, allowing anyone to visit a participating location and receive a free donut. The brand does not specify any restrictions on the type of donut for this particular offer. Beyond the single-day freebie, Krispy Kreme has a broader promotional period known as "14 Days of Original Glazed," which runs from June 7 to June 20. During this promotion, members of the Krispy Kreme Rewards loyalty program can purchase a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $9.99, with a limit of one per guest per day. On June 13, all customers can get a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for 13 cents with the purchase of any dozen at the regular price. On June 20, a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts can be purchased for $2 with the purchase of any dozen at the regular price. Additionally, on June 20, multiple customers will be randomly selected at participating shops to win 12 months of free Original Glazed doughnuts, receiving one dozen per month from July 2025 through June 2026.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' offers a free classic donut with the purchase of any beverage at participating locations nationwide on National Donut Day. This promotion is noted as being in its 15th consecutive year. The offer does not require membership in the Dunkin' Rewards program but is contingent on a beverage purchase. Select locations will also feature limited-edition merchandise in partnership with Stoney Clover Lane, including mini donut bags for serving single donuts. These branded items will be available for purchase on the Stoney Clover Lane website starting at 10 a.m. on June 6.
Casey's
Casey's offers a free donut to members of its Casey's Rewards loyalty program on National Donut Day. According to the terms, this free donut requires no additional purchase. From June 6 to June 22, Casey's Rewards members can also purchase a half-dozen donuts for $5.
Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts provides a free Cinnamon Sugar Donut to all customers on National Donut Day. This offer is available in-store only and requires no purchase. After the free donut, customers have the option to purchase additional Cinnamon Sugar Donuts for $6 per half-dozen.
Other Participating Chains
Additional retailers and chains are participating in National Donut Day 2025 with various deals: - 7-Eleven: Members of 7Rewards and Speedway Rewards can get a classic glazed doughnut for 50 cents on National Donut Day. After the holiday, members can continue to get the doughnut for $1 until June 24. - Honey Dew: This Massachusetts-based chain offers a free donut with the purchase of any medium beverage. - Paris Baguette: Members of the PB loyalty program can receive a free sugar mochi donut or small twisted donut with any purchase. - Tim Horton's: For the remainder of the weekend following National Donut Day, Tim Horton's Rewards members can receive a classic or specialty donut with the purchase of a beverage.
New Product Launches and Limited-Time Items
In addition to free donut deals, National Donut Day 2025 coincides with new product launches from several brands. Krispy Kreme, for example, unveiled nine new donut flavors, five of which will become permanent menu items. The remaining four will be available for a limited time, with the brand planning to rotate four new doughnuts on a seasonal basis five times per year. These new creations are described as a mix of indulgence and nostalgia, combining the brand's signature dough with dessert-inspired fillings and toppings.
The Salvation Army has also collaborated with Buddy Valastro, owner of Carlo’s Bakery and star of Cake Boss, to debut donuts at three of his New York-area bakeries for the first time. A full rollout of these donuts is planned for later in the year, according to a press release.
Special Events and Additional Activities
Beyond retail promotions, National Donut Day is marked by various events. The Salvation Army organizes activities in multiple U.S. cities to distribute donuts to veterans. In Washington, D.C., the National World War I Memorial will host the National Donut Day World Donut Eating Championship. These events underscore the holiday's dual focus on historical commemoration and community engagement.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When participating in National Donut Day promotions, consumers should be aware of several key factors: - Participating Locations: Not all locations of a given chain may participate in the offers. It is advisable to check with local stores beforehand. - Loyalty Program Requirements: Some freebies, such as those at Casey's and Paris Baguette, require membership in the company's rewards program. Consumers may need to sign up in advance. - Purchase Requirements: Offers from Dunkin', Honey Dew, and Tim Horton's require the purchase of a beverage. The Krispy Kreme "14 Days of Original Glazed" deals also require the purchase of a dozen donuts at regular price. - Time Limitations: Most offers are valid only on June 6, 2025, unless otherwise specified (e.g., the 7-Eleven promotion extends to June 24, and the Casey's half-dozen deal runs through June 22). - Geographic Restrictions: Some promotions, like the Honey Dew offer, are specific to regional chains. The Salvation Army's veteran distributions occur in select cities.
Conclusion
National Donut Day 2025 offers a diverse array of promotional opportunities for U.S. consumers, ranging from no-purchase-necessary free donuts at Krispy Kreme and Duck Donuts to discounted multi-dozen packs at Krispy Kreme and Casey's. The holiday's historical significance, established by The Salvation Army in 1938, is honored alongside contemporary commercial activities. Key brands including Dunkin', Krispy Kreme, Casey's, Duck Donuts, 7-Eleven, Honey Dew, Paris Baguette, and Tim Horton's have announced specific deals, each with distinct eligibility rules. Consumers are encouraged to verify participation at local outlets and understand the terms of each offer, particularly regarding purchase requirements, loyalty program membership, and time limits. The day also features new product launches and special events, reinforcing its role as both a commemorative occasion and a major food promotion event.