Global Doughnuts Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Doughnuts Market Outlook

The global doughnuts market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% between 2024 and 2032.

Key Takeaways

• The most expensive doughnut in the world is called the Golden Cristal Ube and is covered in 24-karat gold.

• Some distinct doughnut flavours include Champagne, Wasabi Cheese, Southern Spice, Poi, Bubble Gum, Rosemary Olive Oil, and Chicken & Waffle.

• Doughnuts are a popular snack among professionals who have to work long and odd hours.

Doughnuts (also donuts) are a pleasant, sweet treat made of fried dough; generally deep-fried in oil, doughnuts may be ring-shaped, with or without a hole. Often, doughnuts without holes are filled with cream or jelly. Doughnuts have become deeply embedded in many cultures worldwide, often associated with celebrations, morning coffee routines, and comfort food and are sold in bakeries, dedicated doughnut shops, supermarkets, and coffee shops.

Rapid urbanisation and increased modern retail formats like supermarkets and hypermarkets in emerging economies, with shifting consumer preferences towards these channels for their convenience and affordability, are some of the major factors driving the doughnuts market growth. Moreover, innovation is another major driver, with consumers seeking unique tasting experiences. Salted caramel, matcha, cookies and cream, and other innovative flavours and fillings are enticing consumers back to doughnut shops. The rise of in-store bakeries within supermarkets and hypermarkets has also contributed to the increased consumption of doughnuts. These bakeries offer convenience, a variety of baked goods including doughnuts at lower prices, and the appeal of one-stop shopping, making them attractive to value-conscious consumers.

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Key Trends and Developments

Consumer preferences for quick and convenient treats; interesting flavours; high-end doughnuts; and expansion of food service outlets are the major trends impacting the doughnuts market expansion

Doughnuts Market Trends

Doughnut serving companies are readily offering interesting flavours and experimenting with new recipes. For example, companies like Crosstown doughnuts offer a variety of flavours, including salted caramel, chocolate, and chilli cream. Doughnuts are judiciously styled with high-quality glazing and toppings to appear playful and colourful. The doughnut segment represents fun and light-heartedness, enabling producers to play and experiment with toppings and flavours, and some popular flavour combinations include brownie & raspberry, strawberry & pistachio, and lime & cream cheese.

In February 2024, Ankerbrot, an Austrian bakery chain, partnered with NEOH to launch a sugar-free vegan doughnut. The partnership leverages NEOH’s expertise in creating sugar-free products, offering consumers a guilt-free indulgence that aligns with dietary preferences and health-conscious eating trends. This launch not only broadens Ankerbrot’s product range but also marks its foray into the increasingly popular market segment of vegan and sugar-free treats.

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Market Segmentation

“Doughnuts Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Yeast doughnuts account for a major doughnuts market share as they offer a traditional eating experience to consumers

Yeast doughnuts tend to hold a significant share of the market, primarily because of their light, airy texture and the traditional doughnut-eating experience they offer. They are leavened with yeast, which results in a fluffy texture and is often preferred for its classic taste and mouthfeel. These doughnuts can be glazed, sugar-coated, or filled with various sweet fillings, making them versatile and widely appealing. The popularity of yeast doughnuts is driven by their traditional appeal and the variety of ways they can be flavoured and filled.

Cake doughnuts, leavened with baking powder or baking soda instead of yeast, hold the second-highest share in the doughnuts market as they have a denser, crumbly texture similar to that of a cake and can come in a wide variety of flavours. Cake doughnuts are often preferred for their moist texture and the ability to incorporate various flavours directly into the batter, including chocolate, vanilla, and spice and their denseness also makes them suitable for a rich coating or thick glaze, adding to their appeal.

The food service sector maintains its dominance in the market as it offers freshly made doughnuts which are widely preferred by people

The food service segment, including restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs), holds the largest share of the doughnuts market. Doughnuts sold in food service establishments offer convenience for consumers looking for quick, on-the-go treats and these locations are typically accessible, making it easy for consumers to purchase doughnuts during their daily routines. Consumers frequent food service outlets to enjoy freshly made doughnuts available in a wide range of flavours and styles and the opportunity to try new and seasonal offerings also draws customers.

The doughnuts market is also supported by their rising accessibility through retail stores. Retail outlets offer pre-packaged and ready-to-eat doughnuts, appealing to consumers looking for convenience and the ability to purchase in bulk. Doughnuts in the retail segment are widely available and can be purchased during regular shopping trips, making them a convenient option for at-home consumption or for serving guests. Moreover, retail outlets often offer competitive pricing and promotions, making doughnuts an attractive purchase.

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Competitive Landscape

The market players are increasing their collaboration efforts and are launching new products to gain a competitive edge in the market

Leading companies are focusing on experimenting with new items including doughnuts on their menus to draw customer attention. For example, in 2023, it was reported that McDonald’s would sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts at nine locations in Kentucky to determine how associating with Krispy Kreme would impact its operations.

Doughnuts Market Analysis by Region

More than ten billion doughnuts are reportedly produced in the USA every year as doughnuts are considered a morning snack in the USA. Several fast-food chains in the region produce doughnuts, making the American doughnut sector fairly large. Canada also has a significant market for doughnuts. North American doughnut shops are also known for their innovation, offering a wide range of flavours, fillings, and types of doughnuts. From classic glazed doughnuts to gourmet and artisanal creations with unique toppings and fillings, the variety caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences.

The Europe doughnuts market is anticipated to witness a robust growth in the forecast period. Doughnuts in Europe are relatively soft and have a more delicate structure; these are seen as a ‘cake’ item to be consumed with coffee during a break or with tea in the afternoon. Moreover, international doughnut chains like Krispy Kreme have expanded their presence in European markets, alongside the growth of local artisanal bakeries offering gourmet doughnuts. This expansion has made doughnuts more accessible, adding a variety of flavours and styles to the European palate.

Key Highlights of the Report