Successful donut marketing starts with understanding how today’s consumers think about and enjoy donuts, points out Deborah Andrews, director, product – donuts, Rich Products.

“Donuts are not just for breakfast anymore. Consumers love them and see them as viable options throughout the day,” Andrews says. “This is something in-store bakeries need to recognize – they have an ability to serve this need beyond the early morning bakery case fill.”

It’s not easy to resist a good-looking donut. And why would you? Donuts are rings of pure happiness. Rich’s devotion to donuts means we have the perfect products for your operation. From fully finished favorites to jaw-dropping flavor combos, or doughs to transform into the donuts of your dreams, there’s plenty of happiness to go around.

“We are seeing demand for grab-and-go donuts grow. Consumers are looking for that treat that they can take and eat on the go or indulge in for a mid-day snack,” Andrews points out.

Also, donut holes are on the rise because they perfectly align with key consumer needs – delicious flavor, grab-and-go convenience, indulgence, snacking, shareability, and portion control.

“We're making this a major focus area moving forward,” Andrews says.

Last year, Rich’s found that 68% of consumers see donuts as a daytime snack, 55% enjoy them for breakfast, 53% indulge in them as a late-night treat, and 39% serve donuts at social gatherings, according to Bill Heiler, senior manager, customer marketing, Rich Products

Donuts have universal appeal across demographics, he adds, as 88% of U.S. consumers say they love or like donuts, according to Datassential.

“The world of donuts is evolving, with flavors becoming more diverse, globally inspired, and geared toward sophisticated palates,” Heiler points out.

According to Datassential, the fastest-growing donut flavors and varieties over the past year include cheesecake donuts, churro, orange, saffron, berry, and dulce de leche.

Donut bites

Rich Products bakes three trends into its new Double Chocolate Filled Donut Bites: an increasing demand for donuts, snacking, and indulgence. Ideal for limited-service restaurants with labor constraints, these flavorful Donut Bites are the perfect portable option for consumers seeking casual snacks or sweets on the go. Each bite-sized chocolate cake donut is made with premium ingredients and stuffed with an indulgent, gooey, chocolate filling. This turnkey solution arrives frozen, ready to thaw and serve or heat and serve.

The Double Chocolate Filled Donut Bites join two other ready-to-finish, decadent donut holes from Rich’s: Jumbo Birthday Cake Filled Donut Bites with Vanilla Frosting Filling and French Toast Cake Filled Donut Bites with Maple Filling.

Donuts are an American favorite, as 86% of consumers love or like donuts, and the predicted market growth for donut holes in the next four years is +34% (According to SNAP! Datassential – Menucast™ Food Profile, March 2024). Consumers are looking for items that you can grab and go as well as something that will satisfy their cravings, according to FMI (The Food Retailing Industry Speaks, 2023). Plus, Gen Z’s #1 snack motivator is indulgence, revealed in the Datassential “Snack Trend” FoodBytes, 2023.

“Rich’s Donut Bites are the ideal solution for labor-challenged operators who want to offer an indulgent treat that satisfies consumers who snack throughout the day,” explains Alyssa Barrett, senior customer marketing manager, Rich Products. “Rich’s offers a wide portfolio of unique donut hole options such as churro bites, corn poppers, pancake bites and French toast bites, some with unique fillings like maple, confetti, and now chocolate.”

This craveable bite-sized donut can be a breakfast champion, an anytime snack, or after-dinner dessert. The ready-to-finish Double Chocolate Filled Donut Bites require a simple thaw or an optional oven refresh, with endless opportunities for decorating and frosting to finish them off. To elevate the menu, operators can create Instagrammable treats, like donut pops, parfaits, and breakfast skewers. The possibilities are endless by adding dipping sauces, sweet coatings and decorative toppings like colorful sprinkles or nuts. The 1.3-ounce donut bites come frozen, 220 per case.

New Double Chocolate Filled Donut Bites join the extensive Rich’s donut bite portfolio of decadent Jumbo Filled Bites and Donut Holes. The lineup includes classic and on-trend flavors in filled and unfilled cake and yeast varieties.