Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s are collaborating for breakfast.
The doughnut chain and the fast food giant have revealed plans to sell Krispy Kreme products at McDonald’s restaurants throughout the United States. The rollout is expected to begin later this year, and the products should be available at all participating restaurants nationwide by the end of 2026.
McDonald’s did not specify how many of its 13,500 U.S. locations, 95% of which are franchised, would take part in the partnership. In a statement, Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth mentioned that this partnership would offer customers widespread access to the company’s glazed, filled, and frosted treats.
“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.
Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer for McDonald’s USA, said the deal presents an opportunity to “unlock new business opportunities” in the breakfast category and the sweet items it sells throughout the day.
McDonald’s aims to offer three Krispy Kreme doughnut varieties — original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and a filled chocolate iced — both individually and in six-count boxes, while supplies last each day.
This partnership is not the first to bring together major restaurant chains and popular food brands. For instance, Taco Bell has long offered Doritos-flavored tacos, and Wendy’s recently added a Cinnabon “pull-apart” treat to its menu.
Krispy Kreme has partnered with other businesses in the past. Their doughnuts are available at Walmart, Kroger, and other grocery chains, in addition to their own stores. Altogether, the company operates in 35 countries and has over 14,000 “fresh points of access” through its shops, retail partnerships, and e-commerce business.
Following the announcement of the McDonald’s partnership, Krispy Kreme’s shares surged nearly 30% by late morning Tuesday, while McDonald’s stock increased by about 0.08%.
A Krispy Kreme spokesperson stated via email to The Associated Press that the company will not disclose any financial details about the deal, which is exclusive to the U.S. until 2026. McDonald’s has not yet responded to a request for further comment.
