National Donut Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Friday of June in the United States, offering consumers a variety of free and discounted doughnut deals from participating chains. The event has historical roots, originating in 1938 when The Salvation Army established it as a fundraiser for those affected by the Great Depression and to honour the legacy of the "Donut Lassies," who delivered morale-boosting doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. The tradition continues each year, with many national and regional doughnut shops offering promotions to mark the occasion. The next National Donut Day is scheduled for Friday, 5 June 2026. The following details outline the predicted and historical deals for that date, based on information from promotional websites and deal-tracking sources. All offers are subject to change, and consumers are advised to check directly with individual retailers for final terms and conditions.
Predicted National Donut Day Deals for 2026
A range of doughnut chains are expected to participate in National Donut Day 2026 with various promotional offers. These deals typically require specific actions, such as making a purchase, using a mobile app, or being a rewards programme member. The offers vary from free single doughnuts to discounted dozens and special menu items. The information below is compiled from predictive reports and historical patterns.
National and Regional Chain Offers
- Dunkin’ is anticipated to offer a free classic doughnut with every in-store or in-app beverage purchase on National Donut Day. Classic flavours may include vanilla frosted, strawberry frosted, chocolate frosted, jelly, powdered, Boston Kreme, glazed, blueberry glazed, double chocolate, and Old Fashioned. The offer is expected to be redeemed via the Dunkin’ mobile app in-store.
- Krispy Kreme is predicted to give customers a free doughnut of any kind with no purchase necessary. This is consistent with their historical participation in the event. Additionally, there is a prediction that Krispy Kreme will offer a $2 Original Glazed Dozen with the purchase of any dozen doughnuts at regular price, available in-store or via drive-thru.
- Duck Donuts is expected to celebrate by giving a free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut in-store.
- Honey Dew Donuts is predicted to offer a free doughnut with the purchase of a medium drink on 5 June 2026.
- LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee traditionally gives away a free Ray's Original Glazed Doughnut with no purchase necessary, a practice expected to continue in 2026.
- Casey’s is likely to offer a free doughnut to rewards members.
- Tim Hortons is expected to provide rewards members with a free doughnut when they purchase any beverage, using an in-app offer.
- Shipley Do-Nuts is predicted to offer a free glazed doughnut with any purchase on National Donut Day.
- Stan's Donuts & Coffee (Chicagoland area) is expected to give away a free Chocolate Dipped Doughnut with a purchase. A special promotion is also predicted: if the doughnut is pink, the customer wins free doughnuts for a year.
- Voodoo Doughnut is predicted to offer a free doughnut of choice with the purchase of a $10 Pink Raised Glazed dozen.
- Dapper Doughnuts is expected to offer a free 6-pack of Cinnamon Sugar or Powdered Sugar doughnuts with any purchase.
- Doughnut Plant (New York-based) is predicted to celebrate with special-edition doughnuts available only on 5 June.
- Legendary Doughnuts is expected to offer a free doughnut card to the first 50 guests at each location and is likely to hold a raffle for a free dozen doughnuts each month for a year.
- Maverik and Kum & Go rewards members can look forward to 50% off doughnuts, with no limit on the number of doughnuts. Maverik Nitro cardholders are predicted to receive a free doughnut on 5 June 2026.
- Paris Baguette PB Rewards members are expected to receive a free Sugar Mochi Doughnut or small Twisted Doughnut with any purchase.
- Sheetz is predicted to offer a free doughnut on National Doughnut Day 2026 with the purchase of any fountain drink, bottled drink, or Sheetz Bros beverage.
Historical and Contextual Deal Information
Historical data from previous National Donut Day celebrations provides context for the types of offers that are commonly available. For example, in 2025, AARP reported that Dunkin’ customers could score a free classic doughnut with any beverage purchase on the first Friday of June, redeemable in-store via the mobile app. Similarly, Krispy Kreme offered any one doughnut for free with no purchase necessary. These historical patterns help inform the predictions for 2026.
The event is not to be confused with "National Doughnut Day," which may use alternative spelling but refers to the same celebration of fried dough on 5 June 2026. The deals are often communicated through restaurant promotions, loyalty programmes, and in-app offers. For instance, some promotions may require an in-app beverage purchase or a specific tab within a mobile application to find the offer.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While the predicted deals are based on historical patterns and promotional reports, it is crucial for consumers to verify the final terms and conditions directly with the participating retailers. Offers can change, and eligibility may depend on factors such as location, membership in a rewards programme, or the use of a specific mobile application. The information provided here is based on predictive reports and should be used as a guide rather than a guarantee of the offers available on 5 June 2026. Consumers are encouraged to check official brand websites or contact local stores for the most accurate and up-to-date information before travelling to participate in the event.
Conclusion
National Donut Day 2026, scheduled for Friday, 5 June, is expected to feature a wide array of free and discounted doughnut offers from numerous national and regional chains across the United States. Predicted deals range from free single doughnuts with or without a purchase to discounted dozens and special menu items. The event continues a tradition established by The Salvation Army to honour the "Donut Lassies" of World War I. Consumers interested in participating should monitor official announcements from their favourite doughnut shops and be prepared to meet specific requirements, such as using a mobile app or being a rewards member, to redeem the offers.