National Donut Day

National Doughnut Day History

National Donut Day is celebrated annually to honor the treat that has become an iconic symbol in the world of confectionery: donuts. This observance is celebrated by baking and consuming donuts, as well as enjoying various discounts and promotions from donut shops across the country. Initially created by The Salvation Army in 1938, this celebration aims to recognize the organization’s female volunteers or “Donut Lassies,” who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

While the origins of National Donut Day are firmly rooted in American military history, donuts have since gained popularity in the UK. The versatility and accessibility of the donut makes them a beloved treat for people from all walks of life. The United Kingdom also has a thriving donut industry, with specialty donut shops and bakers creating variations on the classic sugar-coated ring donut.

In the United Kingdom, National Donut Day is observed on the first Friday in June. It is celebrated by various donut shops, cafes, and bakeries across the country, who offer discounts and promotions to their customers on this day. Some establishments may even offer limited edition flavors or styles of donuts to mark the occasion, making National Donut Day an anticipated event for donut lovers everywhere.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 National Donut Day in the UK

• In the United Kingdom, the upcoming observance often involves a distinction between the American-led National Donut Day in June and the home-grown National Doughnut Week, which is a significant charity event traditionally held in May to support The Children's Trust.
• The historical origins of the day trace back to 1938, when it was established to honour the Donut Lassies of the Salvation Army who provided treats and emotional support to soldiers on the front lines during the First World War.
• One of the most enduring pieces of trivia likely to be searched is the ingenious method used by these volunteers, who reportedly fried up to seven doughnuts at a time inside the shrapnel helmets of soldiers when proper cooking utensils were unavailable.
• While the treat is often associated with the United States, historical research has identified a 19th-century British reference to dow nuts within the pages of The Recipe Book of Baroness Dimsdale, suggesting the confectionery has deep roots in English culinary history.
• For the 2026 celebrations, many independent bakeries across Britain are expected to follow the industry theme Go Big, which encourages the creation of extravagant, limited-edition flavours such as Sticky Toffee Pudding and Rhubarb and Custard to entice local customers.
• A major point of interest for British consumers is the charitable impact of the event, as the UK-specific week was founded by Christopher Freeman of Dunns Bakery and has since raised over £1 million for children with brain injuries.
• Public interest often peaks around the "hole" in the middle, a design credited to the American sea captain Hanson Gregory, who allegedly punched a hole in the dough to ensure the centre cooked through properly during stormy voyages.
• In Scotland, the day is frequently associated with the "doughnut fever" of 2013, when the opening of a major branch in Edinburgh caused significant traffic delays on the M8 motorway as fans queued for miles to receive free glazed rings.

In the News and Trending in the UK for National Donut Day

Top things to do in the UK 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!
• Celebrare National Donut Day by preparing one of these donut recipes popular in the UK. Here are our top picks:
  1. Jam Donuts: Classic sugar-coated donuts filled with strawberry or raspberry jam.
  2. Lemon Curd Donuts: Donuts filled with tangy lemon curd and dusted with powdered sugar.
  3. Cronuts: A croissant-donut pastry, featuring layers of flaky dough and filled with cream or other sweet fillings.
• Visit your local Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Donuts, as bakeries often have special offers or giveaways for National Donut Day in the UK.