National Donut Day

National Doughnut Day History

National Donut Day is an annual observance to appreciate and acknowledge the donut. This day recognizes the contribution of donuts to the food industry and the society’s love for the round-shaped pastries.

National Donut Day originated in the United States in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during the First World War. In Canada, Tim Hortons and Dunkin’ Donuts are some of the popular brands that offer donuts. National Donut Day in Canada is an opportunity for these brands and other bakeries to promote their products and for people to indulge in their love for these treats.

On National Donut Day, bakeries and coffee shops across the country offer discounts, giveaways, and special promotions on different types of donuts. Some bakeries even create unique donut flavors to celebrate the day. National Donut Day in Canada is obsereved on the first Friday of June every year.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 National Donut Day in Canada

• In 2026, the annual celebration of National Donut Day falls on Friday, June 5, continuing the tradition of being observed on the first Friday of June each year.
• The event was originally established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the Doughnut Lassies, a group of female volunteers who provided emotional support and fried treats to soldiers on the front lines of World War I.
• During the war, these volunteers were known for their resourcefulness, often using empty wine bottles as rolling pins and frying the dough inside the metal helmets of soldiers when traditional cookware was unavailable.
• Canada holds a global distinction in the pastry industry, boasting more donut shops per capita than any other country in the world.
• Canadians are among the most prolific consumers of the treat globally, collectively eating approximately one billion donuts every year.
• A notable Canadian culinary creation is the Donutopia, a luxury donut from Dolicious Donuts in West Kelowna that features Bling H2O, 24-karat gold flakes, and ice wine-infused cream for a price of $100.
• For the 2026 observance, industry experts anticipate a rise in Sourdough Donuts and AI-generated flavor profiles as major chains like Tim Hortons and Krispy Kreme look to modernize their traditional menus.
• Major retailers in Canada frequently mark the day by offering a free classic donut with any coffee purchase or through rewards programs like Tims Rewards.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Donut Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Donut Day

• Visit your local doughnut store for specials and promotions to celebrate National Doughnut Day. Many doughnut stores offer free doughnuts or specials.
• Try to make your own doughnuts with your favorite toppings, or try new blends of sweet and savory toppings. Some interesting twists include maple bacon doughnut, smoked salmon doughnut and grilled cheese doughnuts!
• Celebrate National Donut Day by enjoying various types of donuts. Here are our top picks:
  1. Maple Bacon Donuts- As a tribute to Canada's love for maple syrup, these donuts are topped with a delicious maple glaze and crispy bacon pieces.
  2. Tim Hortons' Timbits- Inspired by the iconic Canadian coffee chain, these mini donuts come in various flavors, such as chocolate, honey dip, sour cream-glazed, and more.
  3. Bear Claw Donuts- These Canadian pastries are shaped like a bear's paw and are filled with almond paste or other sweet fillings.
• Visit your local bakery or Tim Horton's as they often have special offers for donuts on National Donut Day.