Bakery owners, take note: the demand for donuts is on the rise.

Delicious and delightful, donuts of all types have captivated taste buds globally, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to Nielsen Byzzer and Retail Bakers of America, donuts average over $10 billion in sales in the US each year with over sixty percent of those sales coming from small retail bakeries. The market expects to see continued growth, with Datassential estimating a 6%-7% increase over the coming years. 

Luckily for you, National Donut Day is Friday, June 6th. This holiday is approaching fast, and it’s the perfect occasion to focus on donuts as an offering—bakeries that that promote National Donut Day see a 76% increase in sales that day, according to Square. 

What’s Driving Donut Popularity 

A shift in consumer preferences is a contributing factor in the recent rise. Interest in comfort foods continues to trend as consumers are seeking simple indulgences—and donuts offer a delicious option for those seeking a moment of joy in their busy lives. 

According to a recent survey conducted by Dawn Foods, consumers most often reach for a Boston Crème donut as their most preferred option, reflecting a strong consumer interest in filled donuts

In fact, what was once a breakfast staple has now evolved into a go-to snack, dessert, and special occasion treat. And the wide array of options makes it easy for customers to grab a donut for themselves or a box to share.

Source: Dawn Foods

Make sure your case is ready for National Donut Day with these comfort classic recipes for Boston Creme Pie donuts and Sour Cream Old Fashioned donuts from Dawn Foods. 

Innovative Formats And Specialty Options

Innovative formats and flavors have also propelled the donut bakery industry forward. Traditional mainstays like chocolate and glazed remain favorites, but consumers are also excited by unique combinations and flavorful donut trends. For example, donuts that offer a pillowy soft bite, a crackly glaze, a smooth filling, and a crunchy topping create a multi-sensory experience. Bringing the donut from a familiar classic to a more experiential snack has tremendous appeal to new generations of donut lovers.

Source: Dawn Foods 

The popularity of specialty donuts—including vegan, gluten-free, and mochi—accounts for additional customer base expansion as well.  When someone is buying a sweet treat to share, they want to be considerate of any dietary restrictions of their friends.  A bakery that offers both traditional and vegan donuts, for example, will attract the business of not only vegan customers, but also those who want to be thoughtful entertainers, including vegan donuts in their assortment.

Take advantage of the growing popularity of mochi donuts with these fun and flavorful recipes for Blue Razzelberry and Cookies & Cream mochi donuts.

Donut Demographics 

Donut consumption patterns vary across different age groups, according to Statista. Understanding these purchase drivers can help your bakery cater to your customers’ various preferences by offering a wide assortment of donut offerings.

Younger generations—think teenagers and young adults—are particularly strong consumers and currently favor donuts as snacks or dessert. They tend to prefer decadent, trendy and visually appealing donuts with unique flavors, vibrant colors, and eye-catching toppings.

Source: Dawn Foods

Middle-aged consumers are the most likely to be buying donuts for others—for family, for co-workers or for social occasions. They are more likely to buy a variety of both classics and newer flavors. 

Older adults love simple, classic donuts because of the nostalgia of sharing a simple donut and coffee.

For a donut that’s a mix of classic and extravagant, check out this recipe for a Strawberry Sprinkle Cake Donut. It’ll brighten up your case for National Donut Day with a colorful cake donut.  

The Right Strategy Can Make All The Difference

With donut sales expected to grow, bakeries are challenged to seek out ingredient suppliers who offer more than just products. To successfully meet changing consumer demands, it’s increasingly important to find a hands-on partner who understands your business and can help you grow profitably. 

By offering a high level of sales and technical expertise in addition to products, packaging and recipe inspiration, Dawn Foods is one such partner who can customize solutions to bakers’ needs. 

Says Scott Duncan, Market Sale Representative with Dawn Foods, “At Dawn, our job is to truly partner with bakeries—not just as salespeople, but as trusted consultants. We’re committed to understanding each customer’s unique business challenges and opportunities, and then actively supporting them through innovative product ideas and strategic solutions.”

Additionally, the Dawn Technical Sales Team has years of experience in the baking industry—an asset to help bakery operations perfect their products and maximize profitability. Says Randy McArthur, Dawn Foods Technical Sales Representative, “Whether it's troubleshooting production challenges or helping customers embrace new market trends, our goal is always to empower bakeries to thrive. By working directly alongside bakers to solve challenges, we ensure that every product leaving their shop meets the high-quality standards customers expect.”

Discover how Dawn Foods can help you boost your business by focusing on donuts—for National Donut Day and every day in 2025. Visit dawnfoods.com/national-donut-day or contact your sales representative today.