From throwback childhood flavors – like Root Beer, Butterscotch, Neapolitan, Key Lime and Banana Split – to today’s unconventional flavor mashups – like Strawberry Matcha, Dragon Fruit Pineapple, Lavender Lemon, Raspberry Sriracha and Chai Cinnamon, Bashas’ is seeking new doughnut flavor ideas that tempt the tastebuds.
The theme for Bashas’ 8th Annual Donut Flavor Craze contest is “Retro vs. Future.” As such, Arizonans are invited to share doughnut ideas inspired by the throwback, nostalgic flavors of yesteryear all the way to today’s modern flavor combinations that reflect an increasingly adventurous palate.
Now through Saturday, May 13, Arizonans are invited to submit their favorite retro or futuristic donut flavor idea at bashas.com/donut-flavor-craze. Contestants are encouraged to get creative with their flavor submissions, from sweet to savory and everything in between. Entries in each category (kids ages 8-17 and grown-ups ages 18 and over) will consist of a 100-word summary of their doughnut flavor, including the proposed name, key ingredients and doughnut description, including whether it’s a “Then” or “Now” flavor idea.
Two lucky winners (one kid and one grown-up) will get their doughnut creations featured in the grocery chain’s bakery cases this summer, earning them each a Bashas’ 2023 Donut Ambassador title, and $500 in prizes including a Bashas’ gift card, baking/cooking gadgets and one dozen doughnuts every month for a year. The two winning doughnut flavors will also be available for purchase in Bashas’ doughnut cases across Arizona for a limited time this summer, joining more than 45 varieties already offered in the bakery. Two runners-up (one kid and one grown-up) will each receive a $50 Bashas’ gift card. Six honorable mentions (three kids and three grown-ups) will each receive a $20 Bashas’ gift card.
Submissions will be accepted now until 11:59 p.m. MST on May 13. A panel of celebrity judges will select 10 finalists (five kids and five grown-ups) by May 18. They will then narrow down the field to the two winning doughnut flavor ideas (from one kid and one grown-up) on May 30, just in time for National Donut Day on Friday, June 2. The winning doughnuts will be featured in Bashas’ bakery cases across the state during the month of June, joining the grocer’s other made-from-scratch treats, including doughnuts, fritters, croissants, Danishes, brownies, frosted cookies, cakes, cupcakes and more.
“Consumers are seeking comfort, self-care, and indulgence with their food choices,” said Ashley Shick, director of communications and public afairs for Bashas’ Family of Stores. “They’ll always look for the familial flavors they know and love from simpler times, but they’ll also continue to look to the future by expanding their palates with sophisticated flavor combinations.”
Bashas’ Family of Stores is a division of The Raley’s Companies. The grocer operates in Arizona, New Mexico and four Tribal Nations under five well-known brands including Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. Founded in 1932, the grocer has a rich history of serving families with quality products and great customer service. With more than 100 supermarkets in Arizona, Bashas’ is one of the largest employers in the state. Bashas’ has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit bashas.com.
