America Celebrates Its Second National Donut Day of 2025
For many, the idea of a National Donut Day immediately brings to mind early June. However, donut enthusiasts across the United States are in for a second sweet surprise as November 5, 2025, marks another official National Donut Day. This dual celebration often causes a bit of confusion, but it ultimately means more opportunities to indulge in the beloved fried pastry.
The Dual Origins of Donut Day
The existence of two National Donut Days stems from distinct historical roots:
- June 6th: This date is the more widely recognized and celebrated, tracing its origins back to World War I. In 1938, the Salvation Army established this day to honor the “doughnut lassies”—approximately 250 women volunteers who served U.S. troops on the front lines in France. These women famously used soldiers’ helmets as makeshift frying pots to prepare fresh doughnuts, providing comfort and a taste of home to the soldiers.
- November 5th: The origins of the November 5th celebration are a bit more nebulous. Food historians, such as John Bryan Hopkins, have traced references to this date back to the 1930s in publications like Ladies’ Home Journal. Some speculate it may have been informally linked to Veterans Day on November 11th, further honoring the WWI volunteers. Regardless of its exact inception, November 5th has become a recognized day for donut appreciation.
What’s Happening This November 5th, 2025?
While the June celebration often brings a wave of freebies from major chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’, this November 5th is seeing a different kind of celebration. Major national chains are generally not offering free doughnuts for this date. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing new for donut lovers.
Krispy Kreme’s Menu Refresh
Krispy Kreme is making headlines by “refreshing its doughnut menu,” expanding its everyday lineup from 10 to 16 full-sized doughnuts. Announced on November 3, 2025, this expansion introduces nine exciting new flavors, giving customers “more ways to dozen.” The new flavors, already available nationwide, include:
- New York Cheesecake
- OREO Cookies and Kreme
- Original Glazed Cake
- Cinnamon Apple Filled
- Original Glazed Kreme Filled Doughnut
- Biscoff Cookie Butter Kreme
- Maple Iced
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie Doughnut
- Original Glazed Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut
Local Celebrations Abound
Across the country, local bakeries and donut shops are embracing the November 5th celebration. From Glaze Bakery in East Wenatchee, Washington, to Ridge Donut Cafe in Rochester, New York, and MS Donuts in Gulfport, Mississippi, communities are finding ways to enjoy fresh, handcrafted treats. Many local establishments in areas like Northern Illinois and Western Massachusetts are also highlighted as prime spots to grab a delicious donut today.
Donut Preferences Across the Nation
When it comes to favorite donut varieties, tastes vary regionally. According to Google Trends data, Washington State shows a partiality towards chocolate frosted donuts. Nationally, the top donut varieties include Glazed, Powdered Sugar, Chocolate Frosted, Chocolate Glazed, Apple Fritter, Buttermilk, Apple Cider, Boston Cream, Jelly, Old-Fashioned, and Strawberry Frosted. In the ongoing “donut chain battle,” Krispy Kreme’s freshly made glazed donuts are a favorite for many, particularly for those in Washington State, while Dunkin’ is often credited for popularizing the “donut” spelling in the U.S.
Krispy Kreme’s Evolving Strategy
This focus on expanding its core menu comes after Krispy Kreme recently concluded a highly anticipated partnership with McDonald’s. The collaboration, which aimed to bring Krispy Kreme doughnuts to McDonald’s locations nationwide, officially ceased on July 2, 2025. The decision was primarily driven by Krispy Kreme’s inability to achieve a cost-effective and sustainable business model for the venture, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. This strategic shift allows Krispy Kreme to redirect its efforts towards driving sustainable growth through high-volume retail points of distribution and international franchise expansion.
Indulge and Enjoy!
Whether you prefer a classic glazed, a new innovative flavor, or a local bakery’s specialty, November 5th offers a perfect excuse to celebrate National Donut Day. So, grab a dozen, share with colleagues, or simply treat yourself to a sweet moment.
