National Donut Day, celebrated annually on the first Friday of June, originated in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army “Donut Lassies” who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. In 2025, the holiday falls on June 6 and is marked by a nationwide celebration filled with sweet deals and freebies from major donut chains, convenience stores, and grocery retailers. For U.S. consumers, deal seekers, and food enthusiasts, this day presents an opportunity to enjoy complimentary treats and discounted purchases across a wide network of participating locations. The following guide details the specific offers, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes available on June 6, 2025, based on information from verified promotional announcements and brand communications.
The structure of these promotions varies significantly by brand, with some offering completely free products with no strings attached, while others require a qualifying purchase, app membership, or specific code. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for consumers aiming to maximize value. The deals outlined below are categorized by brand and include details on what is offered, the conditions for redemption, and any associated limitations. All information is derived exclusively from the provided source material, ensuring accuracy and reliability for the reader.
Major National Chains Offering Free Donuts
Several large, nationwide donut chains are participating in National Donut Day with prominent promotions that are widely accessible to consumers across the country. These offers are typically valid at participating locations, and consumers are advised to check with their local stores for availability and specific terms.
Krispy Kreme is offering a particularly generous promotion. On June 6, 2025, customers can receive a free donut of their choice with no purchase necessary. This offer is available in-store and via the drive-thru at participating locations. Additionally, Krispy Kreme has a second promotion for those looking to buy in bulk: when a customer purchases a dozen donuts at the regular price, they can get a dozen Original Glazed donuts for just $2. This dual offer provides both immediate gratification and value for group purchases, making it a versatile option for individuals and families.
Dunkin’ is celebrating by giving away a free classic donut with any beverage purchase at participating locations nationwide. This promotion requires a beverage purchase, which could be a coffee, tea, or other drink. Beyond the free donut, Dunkin’ has also partnered with the lifestyle brand Stoney Clover Lane to release a limited-edition merchandise collection. This collection includes donut-themed accessories and is available online and in select stores while supplies last, adding a retail element to the celebration.
LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee is providing a free glazed donut to every guest on June 6. This offer is valid both in-shop and at the drive-thru at participating locations, with no purchase required. It is a straightforward, no-strings-attached promotion designed to attract visitors and encourage sampling of their products.
Shipley Do-Nuts is offering a free glazed donut with any purchase on June 6. This deal is valid in-store, online, or within the brand’s app using the code DONUTMONTH25. The requirement of any purchase makes this a promotional tool to drive sales while still providing a complimentary item to the customer.
Voodoo Doughnut has two distinct offers for National Doughnut Day. First, customers can purchase a $10 box of 12 Pink Raised Glazed doughnuts. Second, with an in-store purchase of a $10 Pink Raised Glazed doughnut dozen, customers receive a free doughnut. These offers are available in-store only at participating locations. Voodoo Doughnut is known for its unique and creative flavors, and this promotion provides an opportunity to try their signature product.
Convenience Store and Gas Station Promotions
Convenience stores and gas station chains are also key players in National Donut Day, leveraging their widespread locations to offer quick and accessible deals. These promotions often tie into existing rewards programs, encouraging customer loyalty and app usage.
7-Eleven, Inc. is participating through its 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards programs. Members can order a glazed donut for just 50 cents at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations on June 6. For a longer promotional period, these glazed donuts are available for $1 until June 24, 2025. This extended discount provides value beyond the single holiday.
Kum & Go and Maverik, both convenience store chains, offer similar deals for their rewards members. At both chains, rewards members can receive half-off doughnuts on June 6. Additionally, upgraded Nitro cardholders at both chains can get a free doughnut. These offers are designed to incentivize membership in their loyalty programs.
Sheetz, a convenience store and restaurant chain, is running a promotion from June 6 through June 10. Customers can get one free doughnut with the purchase of any fountain drink, Sheetz Bros Coffee, or bottled beverage. To redeem, customers must add the single-use offer in the Sheetz app. This promotion extends the celebration for several days, providing flexibility for customers.
Krystal, a fast-food chain known for its small burgers, is offering a free four-count Glaze Bomb with a $10+ purchase online using the code DONUTDAY. This promotion is specific to online orders, making it a digital-only deal.
Grocery and Specialty Retailer Offers
Grocery stores and specialty retailers are also offering promotions, often requiring the use of their mobile apps or rewards programs to unlock the deals.
Lidl, a grocery chain, is providing a free glazed doughnut to its app users with any purchase made in the app on June 6. The code FREEDONUT must be used to redeem the offer. This promotion drives app engagement and online shopping.
Paris Baguette, a bakery-cafe chain, is offering its rewards members a free sugar mochi doughnut or a small twisted doughnut with any purchase on June 6. This offer is tied to their rewards program, rewarding member loyalty with a specialized treat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Redeeming National Donut Day Offers
To successfully navigate National Donut Day promotions, consumers should follow a structured approach. The following steps are derived from the common requirements outlined in the source material.
- Identify Participating Locations: Most offers are valid only at participating locations. Consumers should check the brand’s website or contact their local store in advance to confirm participation.
- Review Purchase Requirements: Determine if the free item requires a qualifying purchase. For example, Dunkin’ requires a beverage purchase, while Krispy Kreme’s primary offer does not. Purchases can range from a single beverage to a $10 order.
- Check for Membership or App Requirements: Many deals are exclusive to rewards members or require app usage. For instance, 7-Eleven’s 50-cent donut is for 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members, and Sheetz requires an app offer. Consumers should download relevant apps and sign up for loyalty programs ahead of time.
- Note Digital Codes and Promotions: Some offers require a specific code for online or in-app purchases. For example, Shipley Do-Nuts uses code DONUTMONTH25, and Krystal uses code DONUTDAY. These codes must be entered at checkout.
- Understand Time and Date Limits: While most deals are for June 6 only, some, like the $1 donuts at 7-Eleven locations, extend until June 24. The Sheetz promotion runs from June 6 to 10. Be aware of these windows.
- Prepare for In-Store or Online Redemption: Know whether the deal is for in-store, drive-thru, or online use. Voodoo Doughnut’s offers are in-store only, while Krystal’s is online-only.
- Act Early: Supplies may be limited, especially for popular items or specific promotions like Voodoo Doughnut’s Pink Raised Glazed dozen. Visiting earlier in the day can increase the likelihood of getting the desired item.
- Combine with Other Offers Judiciously: Some promotions cannot be combined with other deals. For example, the Tim Hortons in-app offer for a free doughnut with a beverage purchase cannot be combined with other deals. Read the fine print to avoid conflicts.
Potential Limitations and Considerations
While National Donut Day offers significant value, there are important limitations and considerations for consumers.
- Geographic Restrictions: The provided source material does not specify whether all participating brands are available in all 50 states. Consumers should verify local availability, as some chains may have regional footprints.
- Participating Location Variability: Even within a national chain, not every franchise or location may participate. The source material consistently advises checking with local stores.
- Supply Limitations: Several sources mention that offers are "while supplies last." This is particularly noted for Tim Hortons and the limited-edition Dunkin’ merchandise. Popular items may sell out quickly.
- Digital vs. In-Store Requirements: The shift toward app-based offers and digital codes (e.g., Lidl, Sheetz, Shipley Do-Nuts) means that consumers without smartphone access may miss out on certain deals. This creates a potential barrier for some demographics.
- Combination Restrictions: As noted with Tim Hortons, some offers cannot be combined with other promotions. Consumers planning to use multiple deals should understand the terms to avoid disappointment at the register.
- Verification of Membership Status: For offers tied to rewards programs (7-Eleven, Kum & Go, Maverik, Paris Baguette), consumers must ensure their membership is active and in good standing. Some programs may require an upgraded tier (e.g., Nitro cardholders) for the best deal.
Historical Context and Brand Strategy
National Donut Day has evolved from a charitable commemoration into a major commercial event. Brands use this holiday to drive foot traffic, increase sales of other products (like beverages), promote new items, and strengthen customer loyalty through rewards programs and app engagement. The variety of offers—from no-purchase-required freebies to purchase-with-purchase deals—reflects different strategic goals. For example, Krispy Kreme’s no-purchase free donut is a classic customer acquisition tactic, while Dunkin’s beverage-with-donut pairing encourages higher-margin sales. The limited-edition merchandise from Dunkin’ and Stoney Clover Lane serves as a brand-building exercise, extending the celebration beyond food.
The inclusion of convenience stores and grocery retailers highlights the broad appeal of donuts and the competitive landscape of the food industry. These retailers use donut promotions as a way to compete with dedicated donut shops and capture a share of the holiday traffic. The emphasis on digital codes and app usage across multiple brands indicates an industry-wide push toward mobile engagement and data collection.
Conclusion
National Donut Day 2025 offers a diverse array of opportunities for U.S. consumers to enjoy free and discounted donuts. The promotions range from completely free items with no purchase required, as offered by Krispy Kreme and LaMar’s Donuts, to deals that require a beverage or small purchase, such as those from Dunkin’ and Shipley Do-Nuts. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Kum & Go, and Maverik provide value through their rewards programs, while grocery chains like Lidl leverage their apps to drive digital engagement.
Success on National Donut Day hinges on preparation. Consumers are advised to research participating locations, understand specific eligibility rules—such as rewards membership or app requirements—and note any digital codes needed for redemption. Being aware of potential limitations, including supply constraints and geographic variability, can help manage expectations. By carefully reviewing the terms of each offer, consumers can fully participate in this annual celebration, enjoying a sweet treat while maximizing value from participating brands.