California

Krispy Kreme is giving away doughnuts — again. How to get a free one & when

Krispy Kreme is inviting fans to celebrate National Doughnut Day, and it won’t cost you a penny.

On Friday, June 5, anyone can get a free doughnut of their choice at participating Krispy Kreme shops nationwide, according to the North Carolina-based doughnut chain.

No purchase is required.

Here’s how to take advantage of the deal:

What is National Doughnut Day?

National Doughnut Day is one of our most joyful traditions — a moment to celebrate the doughnuts people love, the guests who inspire us every day and the simple happiness that comes from sharing something sweet,” Alison Holder, chief brand and product officer at Krispy Kreme, said in a news release.

First celebrated by the Salvation Army in 1938, the first National Doughnut Day was a fundraiser to benefit those impacted during the Great Depression, according to the organization’s website.

“Donut lassies” also served the sweet pastries to World War I soldiers, the Salvation Army said.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is known for its glazed doughnuts.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is known for its glazed doughnuts.

What’s on the menu at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts?

In addition to its signature glazed doughnuts, Krispy Kreme’s menu features a variety of iced and filled doughnuts.

Other treats include apple fritters and doughnut dots.

In the fall, the brand added nine new doughnut flavors to its lineup, including New York Cheesecake, Cinnamon Apple Filled and Original Glazed Cake, CharlotteFive previously reported.

Seasonal flavors include Strawberries and Kreme and Original Glazed Blueberry Cake.

The chain serves up a variety of hot and iced coffee drinks, including cappuccino, lattes and mochas, plus lemonade and strawberry chillers.

Are there any limits to free donut deal?

The National Doughnut Day deal comes with a few restrictions.

Free doughnuts are limited to one per person, and will be available in-shop and drive-thru only, Krispy Kreme said.

Limited-time and seasonal treats — such as the banana pudding doughnut and the new “Masters of the Universe”- themed doughnut collection — are excluded from the offer, along with Original Glazed cinnamon rolls.

Where are Krispy Kreme locations in California?

There are a total of 41 Krispy Kreme doughnut shops in California, according to the company’s website.

Krispy Kreme has locations in or near most major cities, including:

Sacramento

Roseville

Fresno

Santa Maria

The Krispy Kreme location closest to Modesto and Merced is in Stockton, at 2809 West March Lane.

Find your nearest Krispy Kreme shop here.

What deals are available on National Doughnut Day

Krispy Kreme isn’t the only national chain offering special freebies on National Doughnut Day, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.

Several chains also are offering discounts or deals with purchases.

Offers are at participating shops only:

This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 11:47 AM.

Sarah Linn
The Tribune
Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.
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