China Doughnuts Market Overview, 2030

The doughnut market in China is undergoing a notable transformation, shaped by the country's rapid urbanization, changing consumer behaviors, and the growing penetration of Western culinary influences. As younger generations become more exposed to global food trends through social media, travel, and international education, there is an increasing appetite for Western-style baked goods, with doughnuts emerging as a key symbol of indulgence and novelty. Unlike traditional Chinese pastries, doughnuts offer a new sensory experience through their variety of textures, toppings, and fillings, which has helped them gain popularity among younger urban consumers looking for trendy snack options. The influx of international brands into the Chinese market has further fueled this interest, with chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts strategically opening outlets in high-traffic urban centers, shopping malls, and transport hubs. However, success in this market requires more than just presence it requires adaptation. These brands are actively localizing their products, creating regionally inspired flavors such as taro, matcha, and black sesame to appeal to the Chinese palate, and aligning their marketing efforts with culturally significant events and festivals. The integration of doughnuts into China's thriving coffee culture is another significant growth driver. As specialty coffee shops and Western-style cafés proliferate in major cities, doughnuts have become a natural pairing for coffee, much like in Western countries. This association has elevated the status of doughnuts from a fast food item to a more refined treat that complements the leisurely experience of café culture.

According to the research report ""China Doughnuts Market Overview, 2030 "" published by Bonafide Research, the China Doughnuts Market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.14% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Health and wellness trends are becoming equally influential in reshaping the doughnut market in China, prompting manufacturers and retailers to innovate beyond traditional offerings to meet the expectations of a more conscious and discerning consumer base. Chinese consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the health implications associated with processed foods, especially among urban professionals, young families, and fitness-conscious millennials. This shift in awareness has led to rising demand for doughnuts made with healthier ingredients such as whole wheat flour, plant-based milks, and natural sweeteners like honey and agave syrup. In response, both multinational and domestic brands are developing gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie options that do not compromise on taste or visual presentation. Artisanal bakeries are taking this trend even further by incorporating functional ingredients such as flaxseed, quinoa, chia, and spirulina into their recipes, aiming to turn the doughnut from a guilty pleasure into a smart choice for health-conscious consumers. Another aspect that is contributing to the health-forward evolution of the market is the growing popularity of baked doughnuts over fried ones, which are marketed as lighter and more suitable for daily consumption. This development has opened the door for creative flavor combinations that emphasize freshness and nutritional value, such as fruit-filled centers, yogurt-based glazes, and even probiotic-enhanced doughnuts. In parallel, the surge in online food ordering and delivery apps has made it possible for smaller, health-focused bakeries to compete with larger chains by offering customizable orders and contactless delivery. Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and WeChat also play a pivotal role in promoting niche doughnut brands, with influencers and food bloggers sharing photos and reviews that boost consumer curiosity and trust.

Yeast doughnuts continue to enjoy widespread popularity for their light, fluffy texture and mildly sweet flavor, making them a favored choice for breakfast or casual snacking. These doughnuts provide a versatile base for a variety of toppings and fillings, which supports continual product innovation. Cake doughnuts, known for their denser and more crumbly consistency, appeal to consumers seeking a richer taste and texture reminiscent of homemade baked goods, often infused with unique local flavors to suit regional palates. Filled doughnuts are gaining traction as they offer a delightful surprise with each bite, featuring fillings such as custards, sweet bean pastes, or fruit jams, which resonate with traditional Chinese desserts while also introducing more Western-style cream and chocolate options. Frosted and glazed doughnuts attract consumers with their vibrant colors and sweet coatings, often enhanced by nuts, sprinkles, or exotic flavors, creating a visually appealing treat that entices younger generations. Additionally, the market has seen growing interest in niche varieties like mini doughnuts, which are convenient for sharing and snacking, as well as powdered doughnuts and mochi doughnuts that offer different textures and flavor experiences. Savory doughnuts, though still a niche segment, have started to attract adventurous consumers who appreciate the blending of sweet and savory profiles, reflecting the evolving tastes in China’s urban centers.

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) serve as a primary outlet, offering doughnuts as quick and affordable treats, often paired with coffee or tea, catering to busy urban professionals and students who seek fast, tasty snacks throughout the day. Retail chains and convenience stores have a strong presence in both metropolitan and suburban areas, capitalizing on their extensive networks and long operating hours to make doughnuts readily available for on-the-go consumption. The rise of online retail has dramatically influenced the market, allowing consumers to order customized doughnut assortments and specialty flavors through e-commerce platforms, which is particularly attractive to younger, tech-savvy customers and families looking for convenience. Cafés and coffee shops provide an experience-oriented venue where doughnuts complement premium beverages, attracting customers who view these treats as part of a social or relaxation experience. Artisan bakeries also play an important role, emphasizing high-quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and artisanal craftsmanship that appeal to discerning consumers seeking authenticity and exclusivity. In addition to these mainstream channels, niche outlets such as amusement parks, zoos, mobile food trucks, and pop-up stands contribute to the market by offering doughnuts in recreational and event settings, often introducing limited-edition flavors and seasonal varieties that capture consumer interest. This diverse sales channel ecosystem supports wide product availability, catering to a variety of consumption occasions and preferences throughout China.

Individual consumers constitute the largest segment, as doughnuts are enjoyed widely as convenient snacks, breakfast items, or indulgent treats across different age groups and social strata. This broad appeal encourages manufacturers to offer an extensive range of flavors, formats, and packaging options to suit different tastes and occasions. Catering services represent a significant and growing segment, providing doughnuts for weddings, corporate events, parties, and other social gatherings, where customization and premiumization are key drivers. Corporate offices are increasingly embracing doughnuts as part of their workplace culture, using them to foster team spirit, celebrate achievements, or simply enhance employee satisfaction during meetings and casual gatherings. Events and special occasions such as festivals, holidays, and celebrations continue to stimulate demand, positioning doughnuts as popular dessert items that can be customized to fit various themes and cultural preferences. Additionally, other end users like transportation hubs, airlines, and educational institutions contribute by offering convenient, on-the-go doughnut options for travelers, students, and busy professionals. This broad spectrum of end users necessitates a flexible approach in product development and marketing, ensuring that doughnuts remain relevant and appealing across diverse contexts, consumption habits, and demographic groups throughout China, thereby supporting sustained market growth and innovation.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Doughnuts Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Yeast Doughnuts
• Cake Doughnuts
• Filled Doughnuts
• Frosted/Glazed Doughnuts
• Others (mini, powdered, mochi, savory)

By Sales Channel
• Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)
• Retail Chains
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Cafés & Coffee Shops
• Bakeries
• Others (Amusement Parks & Zoos, Mobile Food Trucks & Pop-ups)

By End User
• Individual Consumers
• Catering Services
• Corporate Offices
• Events & Occasions
• Others (Transportation Hubs & Airlines, Educational Institutions)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry. Show more