The Underground Donut Tour is once again looking for America’s greatest donuts and donut shops. Back for a third year, America’s Greatest Donuts Contest is asking fans across the country to nominate their favorite donuts and donut shops. In the first year, 2022, there were 8,000 votes cast for the winners, and in 2023, there were 22,000 votes cast. The stated goal for 2024 is 50,000 votes from around the country.

In both 2022 and 2023, the most overall votes went to the Cinnamon Caramel Donut from Rise n’ Roll Bakery, based in Indiana. Other past winners include such great donut shops as Dahlia Bakery, Donut King, D&D’s, Stan’s Donuts, Kane's Donuts, Café Du Monde, Five Daughters Bakery, Duck Donuts, Peter Pan, Union Square and Voodoo Donuts.

Now through March 19, the contest is accepting nominations from anyone who wants to submit their donut shop and their best donuts. Using those nominations, a list will be compiled of the best categories of donuts in the country (Best Cake, Best Croissant, Best Chocolate, etc.) and put up for a vote between March 26 and April 15. Once voting is completed, the results will be tallied and America’s Greatest Donut Winners will be announced on May 18, just a few short weeks ahead of National Donut Day on Friday, June 7. 

Each winning shop will receive an award and the ability to tout that they have some of America’s Greatest Donuts. The one shop that receives the most overall votes will receive a $500 prize and recognition as America’s Greatest Donut: Fan Favorite. Additionally, five participants from across America will be picked to come and attend the Underground Donut Tour for free in any of its cities.