Krispy Kreme and McDonald's are giving away free donuts

Two giants of the quick-service industry have officially tied the knot and are celebrating with freebies for the rest of us.

Krispy Kreme has announced the arrival of its donuts at McDonald's restaurants in the Chicago area. Starting October 15, McDonald's customers can enjoy three flavors of the chain's donuts before rolling out the offering nationwide by the end of 2026.

While the rest of us wait for this expansion, Krispy Kreme is giving away a free Original Glazed one at participating stores across the U.S. between October 10th and 14th to anyone who presents a McDonald's receipt (paper or digital) from that date Donut Offer limited to one per guest.

Back in March, Krispy Kreme and McDonald's announced a partnership that would see Krispy Kreme supply donuts to the latter's restaurants. Krispy Kreme plans to serve fresh donuts daily in more than 1,000 McDonald's restaurants by the end of this year, reaching a total of 12,000 by the end of 2026.

“The number one request we receive from consumers is greater access to our delicious, fresh donuts,” Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth said in a press release. “Having Krispy Kreme Donuts among the Golden Arches is very special for our fans and we are excited to celebrate by giving our guests who also visit a McDonald's a free Original Glazed Donut.”

Which Krispy Kreme donuts are sold at McDonald's?

McDonald's carries three of Krispy Kreme's most popular donuts, sold individually starting at breakfast time or in packs of six while supplies last:

• Original glazed donut
• Chocolate icing with sprinkles donut
• Kreme donut filled with chocolate ice cream