Updated Krispy Kreme Menu & Price Hikes (2023)

Does it feel like the prices at Krispy Kreme have increased in 2023? You aren’t imagining things. Krispy Kreme has publicly acknowledged they needed to increase prices this year due to higher costs for ingredients, packaging, labor, and other impacts of inflation.

In this post, I share the updated Krispy Kreme menu prices and analyze how much prices have gone up. On a positive note, I also share the best ways to save money and get a free doughnut at the franchise.

Doughnuts

Hot Beverages

Espresso

Chillers

Cold Beverages

Iced Beverages

Kool Kreme

Have Krispy Kreme Prices Gone Up?

Based on the Krispy Kreme prices I track, here’s how much prices have increased from 2019 – 2023 for some of the top selling items. As you can see menu prices increase by anywhere from 40% – 71% depending on the item you order.

• Original Glazed Dozen: $7.99 to $15.99 (66.7% price increase)
• Specialty Doughnuts Dozen: $11.39 to $17.99 (44.9% price increase)
• Original Glazed Doughnut: $0.99 to $2.09 (71.4% price increase)
• Specialty Doughnut: $1.29 to $2.29 – $2.39 (55.8% price increase on the low end)
• Bottled Soda: $1.79 to $2.69 (40.2% price increase)

Naturally, there’s no shortage of social media users expressing frustration over the noticeable price hikes at Krispy Kreme. Users have shared images and experiences indicating that they noticed a price increase in Krispy Kreme’s menu. While this provides anecdotal evidence, it’s important to note that individual experiences might not represent a larger trend.

Krispy Kreme menu poster.

Why Did Krispy Kreme Increase Prices?

Krispy Kreme announced in August 2022 that it would be raising its menu prices in response to inflation. The company said that the price increases would be “modest” and would vary by location. But as you can see from the examples above, the doughnut chain has been steadily passing on price hikes to customers.

According to a report by Yahoo Finance, Krispy Kreme CEO Mike Tattersfield said the price increases were necessary to protect the company’s margins from higher costs for key commodities such as edible oils and sugar. Tattersfield said that the company was “really disciplined on pricing” and that the price increases would not be “exorbitant.”

Supporting data used to justify price increase include the following:

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food increased by 7.5% in January 2023, the largest 12-month increase since February 1982.
• The cost of edible oils has increased by more than 50%.
• The cost of sugar has increased by more than 20%.
• Labor costs have gone up nation wide and globally.

In addition to inflation, Krispy Kreme is also facing higher costs for transportation. The company said that it expects to incur an additional $100 million in costs in 2023 due to inflation.

Related Reading: Tim Hortons Menu and Price Increases You Should Know

The price increase is likely to impact Krispy Kreme’s bottom line in the short term. However, the company believes that the price increases are necessary to protect its margins and ensure that it can continue to offer its customers high-quality doughnuts.

It is worth noting that Krispy Kreme is not the only company raised prices in response to everything inflation. Many other food and beverage companies have also announced price increases the past few years. For example, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola have all raised prices. The management of some of these brand have been criticized for taking advantage of this era of rising inflation as an excuse to boost profit.

Can You Buy Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for Less at Walmart or Other Stores?

Krispy Kreme doughnuts are available for purchase not only at their standalone retail stores, online, gas stations and even Walmart these days. You might think that buying the doughnuts at Walmart would be less expensive. But that’s not always the case. Check out these prices found at the time of writing.

Walmart Prices 

• Original Glazed Donuts – 12 Pack: $50.59 ($4.22 per doughnut)
• Chocolate Iced Glazed Donuts – 12 Pack: $47.92 ($3.99 per doughnut)

I don’t know who would pay more than $40 for a 12-pack of doughnuts. I suspect Walmart does not sell many of these at this price. After all, you could get a 12-pack of Original Glazed Donuts for 103% less and save $34.60 by driving yourself to a Krispy Kreme location and picking up a fresh box.

$50.59 for 12 Original Glazed Donuts?!?!?!

In addition to classic doughnuts you’ll find a variety of other Krispy Kreme products like Doughnut Bites (donut holes with a different name), Crullers, coffee, and even Jelly Belly available Walmart. Here are the prices I found for a sample of these items.

• 40 Pack of Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut Bites (Strawberry): $21.74 ($0.54 per Doughnut Bite)
• 40 Pack of Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut Bites (Chocolate and Original): $26.87 ($0.67 per Doughnut Bite)
• Jelly Belly 2.8 oz bag of jelly beans: $6.99
• Original Glazed Mini Crullers (16 count): $26.97
• Blueberry Mini Crullers (8 count): $25.69
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Classic Ground Coffee (12 oz): $19.30
• Classic Medium Roast K-Cup (48 count): $35.69

Other Grocery and Convenience Stores

In addition to Walmart, various other grocery and convenience store chains have been known to sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts. This includes places like Target, Kroger, Publix, 7-Eleven, and local supermarkets. Similar to Walmart, availability and prices vary by location and store chain.

What Makes Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Special?

A box of six Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts have earned their reputation as a beloved treat through a combination of exceptional taste, unique production methods, and a rich history. One of the key factors that sets Krispy Kreme apart is their signature “Hot Now” experience. Unlike many other doughnut chains, Krispy Kreme offers customers the chance to indulge in freshly baked doughnuts that are piping hot and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This focus on freshness and quality is a cornerstone of their appeal, creating a sensory experience that’s hard to replicate.

But what exactly makes these donuts so special? The secret behind Krispy Kreme’s delectable doughnuts lies in their carefully crafted recipe and production process. The dough is made with high-quality ingredients and a special yeast that imparts a distinct flavor and texture. What truly sets Krispy Kreme apart is their innovative method of cooking the doughnuts, which involves a continuous conveyor belt system. This process ensures a consistent level of perfection in every doughnut, resulting in the iconic golden-brown exterior and airy interior that fans have come to adore.

Beyond their trademark cooking process, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts hold a special place in popular culture and nostalgia. The company’s humble beginnings date back to 1937, when founder Vernon Rudolph began selling his doughnuts to local grocery stores.

The Original Glazed doughnut, which remains the brand’s flagship offering, quickly gained a dedicated following. Throughout the years, Krispy Kreme’s expansion and innovative marketing campaigns have solidified its status as not just a doughnut chain, but a cherished and iconic brand that has helped distinguish Krispy Kreme Doughnuts worldwide.

Does Krispy Kreme Offer a Free Birthday Doughnut?

Sign up and get a free doughnut for your birthday.

Krispy Kreme indeed offers a delightful treat for your special day in the form of a free birthday doughnut and coffee. This gesture is a part of Krispy Kreme’s birthday rewards program, which aims to make birthdays even more enjoyable. To partake in this indulgence, all you need to do is sign up for the Krispy Kreme Rewards program on their official website.

Once you’re a member, you’ll receive an email notification when your birthday rolls around, reminding you to claim your free doughnut. This offer reflects Krispy Kreme’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its customers beyond just providing delicious doughnuts.

In addition to birthday doughnuts, Krispy Kreme occasionally runs other free doughnut promotions. For example, earlier in the year, Krispy Kreme awarded graduating seniors a free Original Glazed dozen. No purchase was required to claim this deal either.

Another way to earn free doughnuts? Get good grades. Krispy Kreme will give you on free glazed doughnut for each A you get on a report card. The doughnut chain will give each student a maximum of six free doughnuts per report card. At Krispy Kreme, scholastic achievement offers delicious rewards.

Does Krispy Kreme Offer Fundraising Opportunities?

Krispy Kreme has fundraising options.

Krispy Kreme offers fundraising opportunities for various organizations and groups to help them raise funds for worthwhile causes. These fundraising programs help Krispy Kreme generate additional revenue helping others in the community get funds. This creates a true win win for the doughnut chain and groups that needs to raise money like youth sports teams or non profits.

Related Reading: Dutch Bros Menu Prices: More Price Increases? 

Fundraising Options

Krispy Kreme provides a variety of fundraising options that allow organizations to choose the most suitable approach for their needs:

• Selling Original Glazed Doughnuts: Organizations can sell Krispy Kreme’s signature Original Glazed doughnuts as part of their fundraising efforts. The appeal of these iconic doughnuts can attract more donations and make the fundraising process more effective and fun.
• Online Ordering: Krispy Kreme’s online ordering system allows organizations to create their own unique fundraising webpage. Supporters can then order doughnuts online and the organization will receive a portion of the sales. This convenient approach eliminates the need for in-person handling of orders and payments or traditional marketing efforts like door to door sales.

Krispy Kreme provides a portion of the sales revenue generated through the fundraising efforts to the participating organization. The exact percentage may vary based on the specific fundraising program and location.

Benefits of Krispy Kreme Fundraising

1. Tasty Incentive. Krispy Kreme’s reputation for delicious doughnuts can motivate supporters to participate in the fundraising campaign.

2. Ease of Execution. The online ordering system simplifies the process of managing orders and payments.

3. Community Engagement. Fundraising with a well-known brand like Krispy Kreme can enhance community engagement and support.

4. Customizable Approach. Organizations can choose the fundraising option that aligns best with their needs and resources.

5. Positive Brand Association. Partnering with Krispy Kreme can project a positive image for the fundraising organization.

Krispy Kreme offers fundraising opportunities that allow organizations to raise funds in an engaging and delicious way. Their range of options, including selling Original Glazed doughnuts and utilizing the online ordering system, offers flexibility and convenience for organizations looking to raise funds for their causes. Detailed information about these opportunities can be found on the Krispy Kreme Fundraising webpage.

What are the Hours of Operation for Krispy Kreme?

Get hot doughnuts right off the line when the Hot Light turns on.

Regular Store Hours

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday): Typically, Krispy Kreme stores open in the early morning hours, often around 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM. This allows them to cater to the breakfast crowd and commuters looking for a sweet treat to start their day
• Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): On weekends, Krispy Kreme stores tend to open at a similar time to weekdays, possibly slightly later. This is to accommodate people looking for a leisurely breakfast or a morning indulgence.

Closing Time

• Weekdays and Weekends: Most Krispy Kreme stores close in the late afternoon or early evening, around 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. However, some locations might stay open a bit later, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, to cater to customers looking for dessert or late-night snacks.

Delivery and Online Ordering

Krispy Kreme offers delivery and online ordering options in many locations. These services might have separate operating hours and typically delivery services end 30 – 60 minutes before store closing. Check with your specific Krispy Kreme location to see when delivery ends in your area.