Top Donut Brands that Sugar-coat Happiness

Donuts have become a beloved treat around the world, with a rich variety of brands offering their unique take on this sweet delight. From artisanal bakeries creating gourmet donuts with innovative flavors to well-established chains known for their classic offerings, there's something for every donut enthusiast. With so many options available, choosing the best can be a delightful yet challenging endeavor. If you're curious to find out which brands rise to the top in the world of donuts, read on to discover our list of the best donut brands below.

Illustration of donuts

Best brands of donuts in 2025

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is a leading producer of donuts, holding a significant market share in the industry. In the United States, Krispy Kreme held approximately 9.6% of the doughnut chains market share in 2020, making it the third-largest player. Globally, Krispy Kreme operates in over 35 countries with more than 13,000 fresh points of access, including its unique network of fresh doughnut shops and a growing e-commerce and delivery business. In China, Krispy Kreme dominates with a market share of around 30% as of 2021. The company continues to expand, with plans to open new locations and enhance its Delivered Fresh Daily network, including a nationwide rollout with McDonald's expected to add over 12,000 new points of access by 2026. For more information, visit the official Krispy Kreme website.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Donuts is a leading brand in the donut industry, renowned for its vast global presence and impressive sales figures. With over 13,200 outlets across nearly 40 countries, Dunkin' sells an astonishing 2.9 billion donuts per year, including their popular munchkins. In 2019, the company generated $1.37 billion in revenue worldwide, highlighting its significant market presence. Dunkin' also dominates in coffee sales, with 60% of its revenue coming from coffee and coffee-related beverages as of 2016. The brand's commitment to quality and consistency has earned it a tie with Starbucks as the brand of the year in the coffee shop category in the 2021 Harris Poll. For more detailed Dunkin' Donuts sales statistics, visit their site.

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is renowned as one of the best producers of donuts, with Canadians consuming an impressive 1 billion donuts annually, largely attributed to the brand. The Apple Fritter, after adding 40% more apples to its recipe, became Canada's favorite donut in 2023, surpassing the Boston Cream. Tim Hortons' donuts are baked fresh daily in small batches to ensure maximum freshness. The brand's cold beverages, including the popular Iced Capp, make up 40% of their drink sales in Canada. With over 4,700 locations across Canada and a growing presence globally, Tim Hortons remains a dominant force in the quick service industry. Learn more with these facts to know about Tim Hortons.

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is a renowned brand in the doughnut industry, founded in 2003 by Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Tres Shannon in Portland, Oregon. Known for its innovative and picture-worthy doughnuts, such as the Bacon Maple Bar and the Memphis Mafia, the company has achieved significant growth, with an estimated annual revenue of $61.2 million and 206 employees as of recent data. Voodoo Doughnut has expanded to 19 locations across seven states as of 2023 and is celebrated for its unique flavors and strong market presence. The company has seen a 21% employee growth rate and a revenue growth rate of 139.9% since its founding. Voodoo Doughnut's success is also attributed to its strong branding and customer engagement. Discover more about their offerings and locations on their website.

Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley Do-Nuts, one of the nation's oldest and largest donut brands, has cemented its position as a leader in the industry with a record-setting 6.3% increase in same-store sales in 2023 and a milestone of over 350 stores across 12 states. The brand accelerated growth through the systemwide rollout of online ordering, the launch of its first loyalty program, and innovative marketing strategies. In 2023, Shipley introduced its Do-Happy Rewards loyalty program, which quickly gained 70,000 members, and expanded into new markets including Maryland, Georgia, and Colorado Springs. The company also reported its 14th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales in 2024 and is projected to open more locations in states like North Carolina and Virginia. Shipley's commitment to product quality and strong support for franchisees has earned it the top spot in the donut shop franchise category in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500.

Mister Donut

Mister Donut is a renowned international chain of doughnut stores, particularly dominant in Asia, with over 1,000 outlets in Japan and a significant presence in seven East Asian markets. Founded in the United States in 1956, the brand was later acquired by Allied Domecq and expanded globally through licensing agreements, adapting to local tastes and preferences. In Japan, Mister Donut is the largest donut franchise chain, with 961 retail shops as of March 2021, and it gained a 17% favorability rating in a 2013 survey among Japanese citizens. In Thailand, Mister Donut has been a market leader since 1978, with over 320 branches and a notable increase in donut consumption. The brand's international expansion and local adaptations have solidified its position as a major player in the doughnut industry. For more detailed history and insights, you can visit their Wikipedia page.

Randy's Donuts

Randy's Donuts, founded in 1952, is a renowned brand celebrated for its high-quality, handmade donuts, selling approximately 8,000 doughnuts daily, with sales increasing by 15-20% annually since its acquisition by Mark Kelegian. The brand is famous for its giant rooftop donut and has expanded to 35 global locations, including 15 in California and Las Vegas, and others in the Philippines, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Randy's Donuts is consistently rated as one of the top donut shops in the U.S. and is the most reviewed and highest-rated donut shop on Yelp. The brand is now seeking franchise partners for its UK launch, aiming to replicate its success in new markets. With a diverse range of classic and premium donut selections, Randy's Donuts continues to attract a wide audience.

Stan's Donuts

Stan's Donuts, founded in 2014 by Rich Labriola in partnership with Stan Berman, is renowned for its high-quality, made-from-scratch donuts and exceptional coffee. The brand has been featured on several prestigious lists, including Food & Wine's "America's Best Doughnuts" and The Daily Meal's "America's 25 Best Donuts." With 30 locations in the Chicago area, Stan's Donuts has been named the best donut shop in Chicago by numerous media outlets. The donuts are crafted with fresh butter, eggs, and vanilla, ensuring a superior taste experience. Stan's Donuts also offers a variety of products, including a recently introduced San Francisco Sourdough bread with a 48-hour starter and hearth oven baking.

Top Pot Doughnuts

Top Pot Doughnuts, founded by brothers Mark and Michael Klebeck in 2002, is a renowned chain of coffee and doughnut cafes primarily located in the Puget Sound region, with 17 cafe locations as of 2023. Known for their high-quality donuts, Top Pot supplies its products to over 7,000 Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as to regional grocery chains like QFC. The brand has garnered a positive reputation, with an average rating of 3.7 from over 4,600 reviews, indicating general customer satisfaction. Top Pot Doughnuts are also the official donuts at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC. Their commitment to quality and freshness has made them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts is a renowned brand, celebrated for its made-to-order donuts and exceptional customer experience. With over 133 locations across 23 states in the U.S. and international presence, the company has achieved significant growth, averaging 12% sales growth and 11% unit growth over the past three years. Ranked 445 in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2024 Franchise 500, Duck Donuts excels in unit growth, financial strength, and brand power. The brand's average annual gross sales stand at approximately $548,000, with a potential EBITDA margin of 15%, indicating strong financial performance. Known for its unique donut customization options and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, Duck Donuts continues to sprinkle happiness in the communities it serves. For more information, visit their website.