The Pickle Donut from Hurts Donut Co.
 
Recently released findings show that more than 80 percent of Gen Z (ages 18-21) and Millennial (22-34) consumers are interested in trying unique and adventurous donut flavors. The inaugural Donut Day survey from Dawn Foods found that 82 percent were willing to taste outside-the-box donuts.

“Today, the options to delight consumers are virtually limitless,” says Dawn Foods Chief Marketing Officer Angie Goldberg. “Whether it's National Donut Day or Friday at the office, we know donuts will continue to be enjoyed by consumers for years to come.”

The top unique flavors that these consumers are craving include S’mores (29 percent), Mango (18 percent), Alcohol-Inspired (17 percent), Breakfast Cereal (16 percent), Bacon-Infused (16 percent), and Peanut Butter & Jelly (16 percent).

Other findings from the survey indicate that more than one-third of consumers (37 percent) eat donuts at least once a month, classic donuts like chocolate and plain remain strong (more than 50 percent), and the more adventurous palates reside out West (72 percent willing to try bold flavors).

Americans certainly love their donuts. More than 10 billion donuts are produced in the U.S. every year, a number of donuts that could stretch around the Earth 19 times. The U.S. has over 25,000 donut shops producing these treats, with the city of Boston having the most shops (one for every 2,500 people).

We’ve seen a variety of unusual donuts that have become quite popular with customers recently. Hurts Donut Co. recently made headlines with its Pickle Donut, a yeast donut stuffed with a pickle cheesecake filling, dipped in vanilla icing, sprinkled with dried dill, and topped with pickle juice cubes. Donuts are getting more savory as well, as evidenced by the popularity of the grilled cheese donut that New York City’s The Doughnut Project introduced last year.