McDonald’s to start selling Krispy Kreme donuts, with national rollout by 2026

(CBS NEWS) — McDonald’s will begin selling Krispy Kreme donuts at its fast food locations this year as part of a phased rollout that will bring the baked goods to its restaurants nationwide by the end of 2026.

Under a partnership announced Tuesday, Krispy Kreme will deliver three versions of its donuts — glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles and chocolate iced with a cream filling — to McDonald’s locations each morning. Customers can buy the donuts individually or in a box of six.

The rollout, which will begin in the second half of 2024, comes after the companies tested the partnership at 160 McDonald’s locations in Kentucky and Indiana last year. Demand exceeded both companies’ expectations, Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth told CNBC.

The partnership could help McDonald’s bolster its breakfast and coffee sales, especially as the company competes with Starbucks and Dunkin’ for consumers willing to open their wallets for hot or iced drinks. The deal will also significantly expand Krispy Kreme’s footprint in the U.S., as the donut chain currently has 377 locations, mostly in California and the South.

McDonald’s has about 13,500 locations in the U.S., with about 95% operated by independent franchisees. Franchise owners will decide whether their locations will offer the donuts. The deal will more than double the locations where Americans can buy Krispy Kreme products, the companies said.