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.

National Donut Day facts

• The word "donut" is an American English variant of "doughnut." The shortened form became popularized by the Dunkin' Donuts chain in the mid-20th century.
• The largest donut ever made was created in 1998 in Utica, New York, USA. It weighed approximately 1.7 tons (3,739 pounds or 1,690 kilograms) and measured 16 feet (4.88 meters) in diameter.
• The origin of the donut shape is credited to a New England ship captain named Hanson Gregory, who in the mid-19th century reportedly removed the dough's center to ensure even cooking.
• Canada has the most donut shops per capita compared to any other country, which reflects the popularity of donuts in Canadian culture.
• Tim Hortons, one of Canada's most iconic coffee and donut chains, was founded in 1964 by NHL Hall of Famer Tim Horton. The chain's first location opened in Hamilton, Ontario, and has since grown to over 4,800 locations worldwide, with majority of them being in Canada.

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.