National Coffee Day, which takes place on Sept. 29, honors one of America’s best-loved drinks. Across the country, coffee chains and restaurants usually offer discounts and freebies to celebrate this caffeinated beverage.
Every year, we look forward to which chains will offer their usual deals, and which ones will have a last-minute surprise. For example, last year Starbucks didn’t give out free coffee as it did in 2021 to mark its 50th anniversary, but what’s in the store for 2023? We’re waiting to see.
That said, these are the coffee deals and coffee discounts we saw last year, and the coffee shops that usually participate in National Coffee Day. While we’re anxiously awaiting to hear this year’s confirmed deals, read on for some 2023 predictions.
When Is National Coffee Day 2023?
National Coffee Day occurs on Sept. 29 every year. In 2023, the “holiday” falls on a Friday, giving us all something to look forward to before the weekend hits. While some coffee shops only offer freebies and discounts on the day itself, others will extend special deals to include the days before and after National Coffee Day.
1. Krispy Kreme
Last year, Krispy Kreme delighted customers on National Coffee Day with its offer of a free brewed coffee for all guests at participating shops and via drive-thru, no purchase necessary. Plus, Krispy Kreme Rewards members received a free doughnut of their choice to enjoy alongside their complimentary cup of joe.
2. Panera Bread
In 2022, Panera offered a week of major perks for those who signed up for the MyPanera rewards program. The deals included two months of free Unlimited Sip Club membership (typically $10.99 a month), $2 off drinks and smoothies for existing members, 20% off gift cards, discounted or waived delivery fees, and a free baguette. Fingers crossed for more free coffee this year.
3. Dunkin’
Dunkin usually comes through for National Coffee Day by offering its DD Perks members a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase. Prepare in advance by signing up for the free rewards program by visiting the Dunkin website.
Related: Dunkin’ vs. Krispy Kreme: The Best Doughnut Is No Contest
4. Wawa
Last year, this cult-favorite convenience store chain gave members free self-serve coffee up to 24 ounces at its 900-plus locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington, D.C. We’re expecting the same deal this year.
Related: Road Trippers Go Out of Their Way for These Convenience Stores
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5. Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s gave away free small cups of drip coffee with any purchase for four straight days last year. The chain also offered up to 20% off coffee beans, K-Cup pods, and espresso capsules in stores and online. Even better, orders placed through the Peet’s app had delivery fees waived so you could get your coffee anywhere.
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6. Dutch Bros
Last year, the Oregon-based coffee chain offered its Dutch Reward members the chance to win up to one year of free drinks in honor of National Coffee Day. Nothing has been formally announced so far, but we’re betting on some sort of National Coffee Day deal this year.
Related: 15 Drinks To Try From the Dutch Bros Secret Menu
7. Pilot Flying J
By signing up for the rewards app, customers were able to get any size dispensed hot, iced, or cold-brew coffee for free at more than 650 Pilot Flying J locations across the country last year.
Related: I’m a Coffee Snob. This Cheap Coffee Is the Best, IMHO
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8. Duck Donuts
This rapidly growing doughnut chain offered a free medium hot coffee or cold brew with the purchase of any doughnut. In-store guests also received a coupon for a free medium coffee or cold brew that was redeemable at their next visit until the end of October.
9. Tim Hortons
The popular Canadian chain usually offers hot or iced coffees for 25 cents for orders placed through its app or online. Guests also participated in a National Coffee Day challenge where they ordered three different coffee-based beverages through the app to earn an extra 50 Tims Rewards points.
10. Caribou Coffee
Last year, Caribou Coffee offered $3 medium handcrafted beverages for all its perks members on National Coffee Day. To sign up now in preparation, download the Caribou app and enter your information. The program is free to join, and your first drink is on the house.
11. La Colombe
For National Coffee Day, La Colombe Coffee Roasters offered buy one, get one 50% off all 12-ounce boxes of coffee beans in cafes and online. The deal lasted a few days, giving customers extra time to stock up.
12. Atlas Coffee Club
Customers were able to get their first 12-ounce bag of coffee for free with Atlas Coffee Club (you just had to cover the cost of shipping). Keep an eye out this year for an online code for the site.
13. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble found a perfect way to draw in customers last year on National Coffee Day by offering a free tall hot or iced coffee. We’re hoping participating Barnes & Noble cafes nationwide do the same again, because we’ll take any excuse to hit the bookstore.
National Coffee Day is always a great opportunity to grab a free or discounted cup of coffee, so don’t forget to head out to your favorite coffee shop or restaurant on Sept. 29!
