We’ve made it! Another delicious day of free doughnuts for one and all across this beautiful nation on June 7, 2019. But first, let me share why we’ve been blessed with a national doughnut day holiday.
National Doughnut Day History
National Doughnut Day is always on the first Friday in June each year to honor the Salvation Army Lassies (the women that served doughnuts to soldiers during WWI).
In 1917, the original “Salvation Army Doughnut” was first served by the ladies of the Salvation Army. During WWI the Salvation Army Lassies went to the front lines of Europe. Home cooked foods, provided by these brave volunteers, were a morale boost to the troops.
The original doughnuts were often cooked in oil inside the metal helmets of American soldiers. American infantrymen were then commonly called “doughboys.” The word has since shortened to the more common spelling of “donut.”
Interesting stuff, right?! I love learning the history behind traditions.
Stan’s Donuts
Stan’s is giving away a free doughnut with any purchase all day long. They just started brewing their own blend coffee so what excuse to give it a taste and get a free doughnut out of the deal?? (@stansdonutschi)
Dunkin’ Donuts
What America runs on. They’re offering a free doughnut with any beverage purchase on Friday, June 7. (@dunkindonuts)
Krispy Kreme
No purchase necessary! Customers can select any doughnut on their menu for free on National Doughnut Day—no strings attached. Just when you think hey, that’s a pretty good— it gets better. If Krispy Kreme gives away one million free doughnuts on June 7, customers can come back later in the month for a second free doughnut when the brand introduces its “biggest doughnut innovation yet,” and you’ll get to try it for free if they’re able to give away one million doughnuts on June 7. What a dilemma, right? (@krispykreme)
Firecakes
The first 1,000 customers on June 7 will get a voucher for a free Buttermilk Old Fashioned or 12 oz. La Colombe Coffee that can be used on the next visit. So no day-of freebies, but I suggest dropping in here on your way to work anyway and grabbing a voucher to give yourself a second doughnut day freebie later! #allthefreebies (@firecakesdonuts)
Walmart
Even the big boxes are are getting in on the action – and in a big way. Walmart is looking to give away 1.2 million doughnuts on National Doughnut Day. Visit the bakery at a participating store and you’ll get one glazed doughnut for free (no mention of a purchase being necessary, but it is limited to one per person). (@walmart)
Tim Horton’s
For my East Coast/Canadian crew: Timmy’s is hooking you up with a new doughnut flavor: churro. Their churro doughnut is a honey cruller filled with caramel filling and topped with cinnamon sugar. It will be available at select locations starting June 7 and across the U.S. starting June 12, but only for a limited time. No word on if they are handing out freebies for the day though. (@timhortonsus)
Duck Donuts
While also more largely East Coast based, Duck Donuts is in several other larger Midwest/West markets, too. Plus, they’re giving out doughnuts no strings attached, so it’s worth the mention. Drop in any time on June 7 to grab a free doughnut, no purchase necessary. Your choices are one free bare, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar doughnut. (@duckdonuts)
Entenmann’s
Entenmann’s isn’t giving anything away on June 7 but they’re running a contest in correlation with the holiday if you’re looking for a 0-calorie way to celebrate. From now until June 14, Entenmann’s is running a contest to find its next new doughnut flavor, dubbed the Fan Flavor Challenge & Sweepstakes. To enter, head to the sweepstakes site and create your own doughnut with the “Flavor Maker.” Pick a base, flavor, glaze, and topping, then provide a brief summary of why you like Entenmann’s doughnuts. The winner will receive $5,000 and a year’s supply of free doughnuts (okay, so not totally calorie free if you win), and the winning doughnut will be sold for a limited time during the 2019 holiday season. (@entenmanns)
Am I missing any big MUST go-to events for National Doughnut Day? Share them in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to hear about National Doughnut Day and other foodie holidays in the future!
