National Donut Day

A cheerful image of a smiling person enjoying a delicious donut in a vibrant cafe, adorned with colorful decorations and surrounded by happy customers, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere. The person wears a trendy outfit with a stylish hat, showcasing their unique fashion sense. The scene captures the spirit of National Donut Day, celebrating the love for these delightful treats and the joy they bring to people's lives.. — National donut day illustration

Welcome to the deliciously exciting world of National Donut Day. This is your all-access pass, portal, guide, ticket, wormhole (yep, we said it) into the cosmic ring of all things donut. Buckle up; there's just so much sugar, we guarantee you a delightful 'sugar-rush' of knowledge!

When is Donut Day?

It's national donut day on the 5th June.

A History Sweeter Than Sugar

So, ever wondered how the National Donut Day came to be? Well, it's a tale as delicious as the treat itself! Initiated by the Salvation Army in 1938, this day was meant to honor the 'Donut Lassies', the brave women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. They aimed to spread cheer with donuts amidst the ominous echoes of war, proving that ladies, love, and lard are indestructible!

The Donut Effect

Fast forward a few years, and National Donut Day has taken the internet by storm! Our stats show a staggering 422044 mentions online, with the peak of these mentions falling on the 5th of June, 2015. Now, that's what we call a 'Donut Effect'!

You Had Me at Donut

Over time, National Donut Day has extended beyond just being a commemorative event. Today, it's a celebration of the universal love for Donuts. A day to indulge to your heart's content, whether you're a 'sugar sprinkles' enthusiast, a 'classic glaze' purist, or a 'cream-filled' connoisseur. Oh, jelly-filled gods of dough, we anoint March 3rd as the day of indulgent extravagance in your holy name!

Go Nuts for Donuts

And, what better way to join the merriment than by feasting on your favorite donut? Or better yet, playing 'ring toss' with them and then eating the ones you miss (a win-win if you ask us)! Donut-themed parties are a common sight, proving that when it comes to Donut Day, the more the merrier... and the more donuts, the happier!

History behind the term 'Donut'

1809

Doughy Beginnings

The term 'donut', short for 'doughnut', first appeared in Washington Irving's book 'A History of New York'. The story described balls of sweetened dough that were cooked in oil and referred to as 'doughnuts'. The term quickly caught on.

1847

The Perfect Shape

In 1847, a young sailor named Hanson Gregory changed the history of donuts by inventing the hole. Tired of the doughy center of the traditional 'doughnut', he came up with the idea of removing the center to create a more evenly cooked and easier to-digest treat. This innovation resulted in the classic ring shape we know today.

1920s

Mass Production and Popularity

During the 1920s, donuts experienced exponential growth in popularity. This was largely due to the introduction of mass production techniques, allowing for efficient and widespread distribution. The availability and affordability of donuts during this time helped solidify them as a beloved treat in American culture.

1930s

Donut Shops and the Great Depression

The Great Depression of the 1930s played a significant role in popularizing donut shops. As people sought affordable indulgences during challenging times, small donut shops flourished. These shops became gathering places for communities, offering a sweet escape from the hardships of the era.

1950s

The Doughnut Craze

In the 1950s, the popularity of donuts skyrocketed. The introduction of automatic donut-making machines allowed for consistent quality and increased production. Donut shops became iconic symbols of American culture, with coffee and donuts becoming staple breakfast choices for many.

Did you know?

Did you know? During World War I, approximately 250 Salvation Army volunteers provided assistance to American soldiers fighting in France, and among other things, they served the soldiers freshly baked donuts!