We all love donuts. They're round, soft, and irresistibly delicious, providing the perfect pick-me-up any time of the day. But, did you know there's a lot more to donuts than meets the eye?

We've all come to love donuts as one of the best desserts around, but even the most devoted donut enthusiasts might not know some of the hidden secrets behind these sweet treats. Buckle up for some surprising facts!

Americans Consume Over 10 Billion Donuts Every Year

It's no secret that donuts are a beloved indulgence, especially in the U.S. On average, an American eats at least 63 donuts every year, adding up to over 10 billion donuts consumed nationwide annually. With donut shops lining almost every street corner, it's no wonder that donuts are a daily treat for so many. But here's the catch: not all donuts are created equal! If you want the best, you know where to go—MyShipleyDonuts for that perfect bite.

Cops Do Love Donuts

The famous connection between cops and donuts has roots in history. Back in the 1950s, police officers working late-night shifts would stop at donut shops to grab a quick bite and catch up on paperwork. As time went on, donut shop owners began offering donuts to cops as a form of thanks for their protection. This mutual relationship blossomed into the strong association between police officers and donuts that we know today.

25 Mouth Watering Doughnut Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Video by List 25

Donuts Were Declared the “Hit Food of the Century”

In 1933, during the Chicago Fair, donuts earned the title of the “Hit Food of the Century of Progress.” This was a significant recognition, especially since donuts were gaining popularity thanks to the invention of donut-making machines. Affordable, easy to make, and beloved by the working class, donuts became the “staple of the working class” throughout the 1930s. Their accessibility and comfort quickly made them a national favorite.

A Ship Captain Invented the Hole in Donuts

Here's a fun fact: Hansen Gregory, a ship captain, is credited with inventing the donut hole. While on one of his voyages, Gregory brought homemade donuts to feed his crew. These donuts didn't have holes, but one day, as he was handling the ship's wheel, he placed a fried dough pastry through the spokes of the wheel. And that's how the iconic donut hole came to be. Talk about a delicious accident!

Donuts Can Help You Get Into Character

It turns out donuts can even help with acting. Just ask Renee Zellweger. To transform into the iconic Bridget Jones for her role in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Zellweger famously ate 20 donuts every day for several weeks. She joked that “one donut doesn't do a thing, you've got to eat 20 a day for at least five weeks to see any results.” Well, if it helps her get into character, maybe we should all take a page out of her book...or donut box.

Donuts Were Once Called “Oily Cakes”

The original donuts weren't exactly what we think of today. When they were brought to America by Dutch settlers, they were called “olykoeks,” which means "oily cakes." These early versions were simply sweet dough balls, fried in oil and served on special occasions. It wasn't until they arrived in America that donuts began their transformation into the sweet, frosted, and filled treats we adore today.

There you have it—some surprising facts about donuts that you probably didn't know! From their rich history to their accidental invention, donuts have come a long way. We're sure there are still many more fascinating tidbits to discover, and we'll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more.

In the meantime, reading about donuts has probably made you crave one, right? Go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth. Treat yourself to some fresh, hot, and delicious donuts today!