Celebrating National Doughnut Day

Before we dive into the festivities of National Doughnut Day on Friday, June 1, it’s important to understand if the proper spelling for this sweet fried dough is “doughnut” or “donut.” According to Time, the Official Dictionary spelling is “doughnut,” however, Grammarist notes that the Americanized spelling of “donut” didn’t start until the late 19th century, but really picked up in the late 20th century.

With National Doughnut Day on the horizon, what better way to celebrate than look into some of the best doughnut shops in Houston and see which places get two thumbs up from Buzz residents. But first, why have such simple desserts been turned into a work of art, and specifically what’s driving the trend for upscale and fancy doughnuts?

Forbes notes that upscale doughnuts are becoming the new urban food craze. What originally started as inexpensive treats that many would eat while drinking their coffee has now turned into a trend full of crazy flavors and exotic toppings. From maple bacon doughnuts to apple fritters and doughnut sandwiches, doughnut shops across the country are taking this sweet treat to the next level and leaving customers wanting more.

According to a Yelp search, the top 5 doughnut shops in the Houston area are: Hugs & Donuts, B&B Donuts, Duck Donuts, Christy’s Donuts and Glazed – the donut café.

Here’s how some Buzz residents rank their favorite donuts:

Jordan Leder, a junior at The Emery/Weiner School, prefers River Oaks Donuts because of their variety of donuts and donut holes, although she notes, “I like donut holes more than donuts because they're smaller.”

On the other hand, whileThe University of Texas at Austin sophomore Ashley Doctor likes River Oaks Donuts, if she had to choose, Glazed Donuts is her pick. She said, “I like glazed because of the variety of flavors they have. They have a grilled cheese donut (which even though it sounds gross is super yummy!) and a crème brûlée donut that is toasted on the top.”

Some Buzz residents like to stick to the classics like UT Austin sophomore Joseph Engelhart, who said that Shipley’s and Krispy Kreme are his favorites because they’re fast and have a great glaze.

These are two of Duck Donuts’ featured donuts: the Beach Ball and the Blueberry Pancake.

The Abreu family is split when asked about their favorite doughnut shop. Emery/Weiner School graduate and now an Indiana University sophomore Rachel Abreu and her mom, Cindy, both like Shipley’s, adding, “you can never go wrong with any donut you get there. Every donut is really simple.” However, Rachel’s sister, 15 year old Bellaire High School sophomore Sara, prefers Duck Donuts because of their large variety. After trying Duck Donuts, though, Rachel says she will definitely return because of their unique flavors, while noting that Shipley’s has some competition.

For junior Kinkaid School student Kendall Kalmans, Dunkin’ Donuts takes first place because, “you can find them anywhere, and they were always a special treat when I was a camper at sleep-away camp in Maine because they are everywhere in the Northeast, so I guess eating them at home reminds me of camp.” At the same time, her family enjoys Shipley’s and Krispy Kreme, even though Kendall notes that she thinks Krispy Kreme is “overhyped.”

To celebrate this national holiday, here are some discounts and freebies that Houston area doughnut shops are offering:

• Dunkin’ Donuts is giving away a free donut with the purchase of any beverage on Friday, June 1.
• No purchase is necessary to get a free donut from Duck Donuts. They are offering bare, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar at no cost to mark this special day.
• Shipley Do-nuts is offering a free glazed donut with any purchase from 5 a.m.-12 p.m.. A portion of all sales in Houston will benefit the Houston Salvation Army.
• Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut with no purchase necessary. 
• River Oaks Donuts is giving away one dozen free donut holes to the first 100 customers. 

Comment below what your favorite doughnut shop is and send us a picture of your favorite doughnut, and you might be featured on our social media as we celebrate the National Doughnut Day's 80th anniversary.