2026 Donut Trends and Insights

As a timeless treat, donuts are popular with everyone from young adults to families to foodies. Whether your customers have a taste for nostalgia

Across all age groups, consumers have a strong affinity for donut delights! Be ready to deliver on customer cravings with our donut doughs, fully finished options and ready-to-finish options.

From sweet starts to late-night snacks, donuts are not confined to a daypart. Although breakfast is still the most likely time consumers want donuts (with 56% saying that’s when they’re most likely to consume), they also say snacking is a great occasion for donuts, with 47% craving them for a morning snack, 30% choosing them as an afternoon pick-me-up and 21% opting in for a late night treat. Our recent Donut Consumer Survey taps into this customer frequency and reveals a large group of consumer buying once a month or more as a result of this all-occasion timing.

While consumers still love the classic donut flavors and formats that have delighted tastebuds for generations, new and exciting donut trends are making waves with adventurous eaters and donut enthusiasts alike! From seasonal sensations, like springtime strawberry lemonade and apple cider for fall, and popular food flavors, including birthday cake and PB&J, to global favorites and savory takes, to donut sandwiches and more–donuts offer infinite possibilities for innovation.