Does krispy kreme give free donuts when the light is on

Krispy Kreme donuts are a staple in the quick stop confections business, competing with several local chains, Dunkin' and others. And for some, seeing the glowing red from the Hot Now sign sent a signal that donuts were as advertised and a few things unadvertised.

@baileyhaleigh

Testing the hot & ready sign theory at Krispy Kreme in Fort Lauderdale 😂😂😂 #Krispykreme #donuts #florida #fortlauderdale #funny #shocked #elfitup @jordanbrown211

♬ original sound – Haleigh

For one TikTok user, they had to discover one of those hidden treats for themselves. All they found, however, was a disappointment. According to The Daily Dot, TikTok user Haileigh took a ride to her local Florida Krispy Kreme to determine if the red light indeed indicated the donuts were hot, ready now and free.

As Delish notes, rumors have swirled for years that when the light comes on, you can get a free donut. This is not the truth and as Krispy Kreme addressed themselves back in 2017, noting that it was at a shop's discretion usually and not a company policy.

"The Hot Light signals that donuts are hot and fresh coming off the line, not a free donut. Some shops sometimes offer samples, but that isn't dependent on the Hot Light being on," Krispy Kreme told the outlet via email. "There may be groups that continue it at random intervals."

Haleigh must've heard the rumor and decided to see what her local shop did regarding the light. Sadly, her disappointment is immeasurable, and her day ended up ruined. "Is it true that you get a free donut when that hot sign is on?" Haleigh says in the video posted to TikTok. The voice on the other end of the drive-thru shows no hesitation with their answer, quickly replying, "No, ma'am." Haleigh then double checks and receives a similar response, leaving her to purchase her tonights and label Krispy Kreme as frauds.

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We know this is a bit of an overstatement and Haleigh doesn't have all of the information about the Hot Now sign. Still, hard to deny she's disappointed. The commenters don't help either. "She was QUICK and READY for you to get out her line," one wrote. "I've gotten so many free donuts at the hot light!" another added. "It's actually true but [due] to covid we can't give out anymore," a third wrote.

Meanwhile, Dunkin is still throwing away old and unsold donuts that people would willingly eat. Maybe we just need to be happy we can have a donut at the end of the day?

Did you know that there are several times during the year that you can get free Krispy Kreme donuts? It may sound like a sweet dream but it's actually one very scrumptious reality.

Get free Krispy Kreme donuts for joining their rewards club, downloading their app, celebrating your birthday, donning a Halloween costume, and even just stopping by the store at the right time.

Join Krispy Kreme Rewards

Do you want a free Krispy Kreme doughnut right now? No problem!

Sign up for Krispy Kreme Rewards and you'll immediately get an email that you can take to your nearest Krispy Kreme and redeem for a free doughnut of your choice. That's right, any of the donuts you can get for free. Now that's our kind of instant gratification.

By being part of their email list, you may also get periodic emails throughout the year that contain coupons for more free donuts or discounts. Those are emails you want to be sure you don't miss.

Krispy Kreme Rewards keeps track of your purchases and gives you rewards. For example, you can buy a glazed doughnut and you'll receive one credit. After you've purchased 12 donuts you can get one for free. You can also earn reward credits for coffee and a dozen donuts. It's easy to redeem your rewards, just give your phone number, email, or show them your app to get your free donut. All rewards expire 90 days from when they were earned so don't delay in redeeming your reward.

National Doughnut Day

Krispy Kreme also gives out free doughnuts to celebrate National Doughnut Day which happens on the first Friday in June.

There's no purchase necessary, you just have to show up on Friday, June 2, 2023, and ask for your free donut. This is valid in the US and Canadian Krispy Kreme. 

Halloween

Krispy Kreme usually runs a promotion each year on Halloween for free donuts. If you come into a Krispy Kreme on October 31st wearing a costume, you'll get a free doughnut. Kids and adults can both get into the fun.

Your Birthday

Krispy Kreme regularly sends out coupons for a free Krispy Kreme donut and coffee during the month of your birthday.

To get this sweet birthday treat, you'll need to be a member of Krispy Kreme Rewards. Be sure to enter your birthday when you register so they'll know when to send the coupon for your free birthday doughnut.

Look for the Krispy Kreme "Hot" Sign

Drive by a Krispy Kreme and look to see if their "Hot" neon red sign is lit shouting out to the world that they just made a batch of their original glazed doughnuts. Some stores (and this isn't necessarily at all the stores) will give away free hot doughnuts off the line to customers that come in during this time.

Veterans Day

Veterans can stop by Krispy Kreme on Veterans Day and get a free doughnut and a small coffee.

National Coffee Day

To celebrate National Coffee Day, October 1, 2022, you can head out to Krispy Kreme and get a free coffee as well as a doughnut. You'll get a free original glazed doughnut and a 12 oz. cup of brewed coffee.

Does Krispy Kreme give out free donuts when light is on?

Our Hot Light means we are making fresh, hot doughnuts in store! If you visit us while the Hot Light is lit up, you can receive one free Original Glazed doughnut per person, with any purchase made.

Does Krispy Kreme give free donuts for a?

Students get Krispy Kreme free donuts for every “A” on their report card. Students, just show your report card to the cashier and earn up to six Krispy Kreme free donuts. Some Krispy Kremes have age restrictions and might not participate, so make sure to check your local Krispy Kreme by giving them a call.

How long does Krispy Kreme Hot light stay on?

Specialty doughnuts are baked just once a day, and it's up to management to pick that time. The stores we talked to have their hot lights on from early to mid-morning, and again from early evening to close, though that won't be the same across the board.

What does it mean when the Krispy Kreme Hot light is on?

The welcoming glow of the Krispy Kreme Hot Light™ means our doughnuts are piping ready and deliciously divine—right now—and there is no better time to enjoy them.