McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme have recently announced their nationwide partnership; for a limited time, Krispy Kreme’s beloved doughnuts are now available at certain McDonald’s across the country.
On March 25, the two companies told CNN that three types of doughnuts–chocolate-iced with sprinkles, original glazed, and chocolate-iced “kreme”-filled–will be available at certain McDonald’s restaurants, starting in late 2024.
“This partnership is a chance to unlock new business opportunities in the breakfast category and throughout the day,” McDonald’s USA’s Chief of Marketing and Customer Experience Tariq Hassan said in a press release. “Our fans’ love for Krispy Kreme runs deep, and we can’t wait to make it even easier for them to satisfy their sweet tooth at McDonald’s restaurants across the country.”
Unfortunately for many consumers, the doughnuts are currently only available at certain locations in Kentucky and Indiana. However, the companies plan to reach full, country-wide availability by the end of 2026.
“The top request we receive from consumers every day is ‘Please bring Krispy Kreme to my town,’” Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth said in an interview with CNN. “Partnering with McDonald’s on a national scale will provide our fans and doughnut lovers unprecedented daily access to fresh doughnuts and the joy that is Krispy Kreme.”
According to Charlesworth, this new partnership has the potential to broaden the relevance of Krispy Kreme, as it gives customers more access to their favorite doughnuts.
“Significantly, by making Kreme Krispy accessible to fans nationwide through this partnership, we expect to more than double our points of access by the end of 2026,” Charlesworth said in another press release. “The partnership accelerates the development of our existing Delivered Fresh Daily channel, creating operating leverage through distribution density and production utilization.”
Our fans’ love for Krispy Kreme runs deep, and we can’t wait to make it even easier for them to satisfy their sweet tooth at McDonald’s restaurants across the country.
— Tariq Hassan
Some even view this development as the first of many menu innovations, considering the possibilities that a new item could bring to the current offerings at McDonald’s. Still, many consumers are thrilled about this news and are taking to social media to share their excitement.
“We had Krispy Kreme when I was a kid, but it went out of business and now the closest one is out of state,” TikTok user @Sandra said in a video covering the partnership. “We then had them at a local supermarket chain but that was put to an end too. I’m so excited!!”
Overall, many foodies across the country are looking forward to the opportunity to get both their beloved McDonald’s and the coveted Krispy Kreme pastries at the same time. The future of the fast food industry looks sweet.
“The Krispy Kreme near me closed down, but McDonald’s is close by,” TikTok user @missykm72 said in a news video. “This would be great.”
