The donut isn’t just a sweet treat — it’s big business. As the world craves indulgent snacks with innovative twists, the global doughnut market is on a growth trajectory. If you’re considering entering the donut franchise space, now is a great time to understand where the industry is headed.
In this post, we explore the market size, trends, consumer behavior, and what this means for franchise investors in 2025.
🌍 Global Donut Market Size (2025 Forecast)
According to industry reports from Statista and Mordor Intelligence:
- Estimated Market Size (2025):
$68 billion+ USD globally - CAGR (2022–2025):
4.9% annual growth rate - Top Growth Regions:
- North America (led by the U.S. and Canada)
- Asia-Pacific (especially Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia)
- Middle East (UAE and Saudi Arabia)
- Top Product Categories:
- Yeast Donuts (Glazed, Filled)
- Cake Donuts (Old-fashioned, Chocolate)
- Gourmet / Premium / Vegan
- On-the-go (packaged donuts, mini donuts, food truck formats)
🇺🇸 U.S. Doughnut Industry Snapshot
- 2025 Projected Size (U.S.): $20.3 billion
- Annual Revenue Growth: 3.5%
- Top Chains: Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, Shipley, Daylight Donuts
- Independent Shops & Regionals: Still make up >45% of all donut sales
🛒 Consumer Trends Fueling Growth
✅ Health-Conscious Offerings: Gluten-free, vegan, low-sugar options now account for ~12% of donut product searches.
✅ Gourmet Craze: High-end artisanal donuts (like Parlor Doughnuts or Donut Bar) are priced at $3–$6 apiece and continue gaining market share.
✅ Mobile & Events: Food trucks, donut trailers, and pop-up donut bars are growing due to event catering demand.
✅ Combo Concepts: Coffee + donut pairings are driving larger ticket sizes and repeat footfall.
📈 Market Share by Format (2025)
| Format | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Retail Donut Shops | 50% |
| Mobile / Food Trucks | 15% |
| Grocery Packaged | 20% |
| C-store Chains | 10% |
| Cafés & Hybrids | 5% |
🔮 What This Means for Franchise Investors
The donut industry in 2025 offers:
- Multiple entry points: from low-cost mobile units to premium cafés
- Flexibility: Full storefront, kiosk, or trailer format
- Brand leverage: Consumers trust franchises for food safety, consistency, and innovation
- Strong unit economics: High-margin products and efficient labor costs
👉 See our curated list of the Top 30 Donut Franchise Brands »
💼 Franchise Opportunity Categories
| Investor Type | Suggested Format | Brands to Explore |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (Under $250K) | Mobile or Compact Retail | DonutNV, Daylight Donuts |
| Growth-Focused | Multi-unit or Gourmet | Parlor Doughnuts, Shipley, Dripp |
| Passion Project | Vegan / Boutique | Mighty-O, Peace Love & Little Donuts |
🎯 Ready to Enter the Donut Industry?
Explore top-performing franchise brands by:
- Investment level
- Location format
- Brand personality
👉 Compare All Donut Franchises »
👉 Download the 2025 Donut Franchise Guide »
👉 Speak With Our Franchise Experts »
📌 Final Thought
With rising consumer demand, evolving dietary preferences, and the power of specialty branding, 2025 is a golden year to enter the donut franchise market — whether you’re eyeing a trailer, kiosk, or full-scale shop.