The people of the United States often have a bad reputation for their love of all things sugary, from chocolates and candy to sugar and pastries. Although this may not be too far from the truth, their neighbors to the north outrank them in their donut indulgences. Canada has the highest donut consumption per capita in the world. This doesn't mean Americans still don't love donuts. They certainly do have an affection for the round pastries with a hole in the center. According to a 2018 survey conducted by bakery ingredients supplier, Dawn Foods, the average American eats 31 donuts annually, and over one-third of consumers eat donuts at least once a month.
It is thought that there are almost 13,000 donut shops in the nation, with some areas having higher numbers than others. Ten billion donuts are made in the U.S. every year, but the two most dominant chains account for only half of that number. Dunkin' Donuts sells 2.9 billion donuts per year (including munchkins), and Krispy Kreme sells approximately 1.6 billion. But not all donuts are created equal, and many are far greater than others. (Some donuts, like those at Pinkbox Donuts, may even remind you of the strawberry full moon that lit up the June sky recently.)
To create a list of the best donut shops in the U.S., 24/7 Tempo referred to articles and rankings from a variety of sources, including Eater, Food & Wine, Thrillist, Time Out, and Tasting Table, along with various local and regional sources. The final selection was based on editorial discretion. Some of these shops specialize solely in donuts, while others operate as full-service bakeries or cafés known for the excellence of their donuts as well as other foods. The majority of the shops on the list are independent, single-location businesses, with exceptions duly noted.
Many of the top-rated donut shops in the country feature adventurous flavors that go beyond the traditional glazed and creme-filled options. With flavors ranging from strawberry matcha to broccoli cream. and olive oil with black pepper, there's something for every adventurous palate. Some areas, like Southern California, have established themselves as a paradise for donut lovers, with five of the top donut shops listed being in that area.
Los Angeles, often known as the donut capital of the U.S., has a remarkable ratio of one donut shop for every 7,000 residents, in contrast to the national average of around one per 30,000 residents. Texas is also known for its donuts and is home to four of the donut shops on the list. (Click here to find out what the best donut shop in your state is.)
Here are the best donut shops in the U.S.