Krispy Kreme is one of the most popular and beloved donut chains in the United States. Known for their fresh, hot Original Glazed donuts, Krispy Kreme has been satisfying customers’ cravings for delicious donuts since 1937. However, with rising awareness of gluten sensitivities and celiac disease, many donut lovers find themselves wondering: Does Krispy Kreme offer gluten-free donut options?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten causes damage to the small intestine and can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headache, and more.
People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding any foods and ingredients containing gluten. This includes most breads, pastas, baked goods, and even beer.
Are Original Krispy Kreme Donuts Gluten-Free?
Krispy Kreme’s famous hot Original Glazed donuts are not gluten-free.
The original glazed donuts at Krispy Kreme contain wheat flour as a main ingredient. Wheat contains gluten, so these donuts are off limits for people avoiding gluten.
In addition to wheat flour, Krispy Kreme’s original glazed donuts also contain barley malt. Barley is another gluten-containing grain.
So unfortunately, Krispy Kreme’s signature fresh, hot original glazed donuts that melt in your mouth are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Does Krispy Kreme Offer Any Gluten-Free Donuts?
The good news is that Krispy Kreme does offer some gluten-free donut options!
In recent years, Krispy Kreme has introduced a line of gluten-free donuts to their menu, making the deliciousness of Krispy Kreme accessible to more customers.
Here are the gluten-free donut options currently available at Krispy Kreme:
Gluten-Free Original Glazed Donut
Krispy Kreme’s Gluten-Free Original Glazed Donut gives you the classic Krispy Kreme taste you love, without the gluten. This donut is coated in Krispy Kreme’s signature glaze, but uses a gluten-free rice flour blend instead of wheat flour.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Iced Glazed Donut
This is a gluten-free take on another Krispy Kreme classic. It’s an original glazed donut dipped in chocolate icing. Made with a gluten-free rice flour mix and chocolate that does not contain barley malt.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Donut
Krispy Kreme takes their Gluten-Free Chocolate Iced Donut and adds a colorful sprinkle blend on top. A fun, gluten-free treat!
Gluten-Free Strawberry Iced with Sprinkles Donut
This donut is coated in Krispy Kreme’s strawberry icing and topped with sprinkles. The strawberry icing does not contain gluten.
In addition to these four core gluten-free donuts, Krispy Kreme’s gluten-free menu does change seasonally and vary by location. Some limited time flavors may be offered.
So be sure to check with your local Krispy Kreme shop to see what gluten-free flavors they currently have available.
Availability of Gluten-Free Donuts at Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme’s gluten-free donuts are available at most locations. However, not all stores offer the gluten-free options yet.
You can check if your local Krispy Kreme location sells the gluten-free donuts by looking on the Krispy Kreme website or app and searching the shop locator. The listings will specify “Gluten Free Donuts Available” for the stores that carry them.
You can also call your neighborhood Krispy Kreme ahead of visiting to ask if they offer the gluten-free donut range. Availability may depend on demand in each area.
The gluten-free donuts are typically packaged separately from the classic wheat flour donuts, to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutritional Profile of Krispy Kreme’s Gluten-Free Donuts
Here is the nutrition information for Krispy Kreme’s gluten-free donuts:
| Donut | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Original Glazed Donut | 190 | 7g | 30g | 2g |
| Gluten-Free Chocolate Iced Glazed Donut | 220 | 9g | 34g | 2g |
| Gluten-Free Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Donut | 230 | 9g | 36g | 2g |
| Gluten-Free Strawberry Iced with Sprinkles Donut | 210 | 8g | 33g | 2g |
While gluten-free, these donuts are still high in calories, fat, and carbs like Krispy Kreme’s classic donuts. They are considered more of an occasional treat food rather than daily diet food.
Ingredients in Krispy Kreme’s Gluten-Free Donuts
Here are the main ingredients Krispy Kreme uses to make their gluten-free donuts:
– Rice Flour – The base of the gluten-free donuts is a rice flour blend specifically formulated for taste and texture similar to wheat flour.
– Sugars – Cane sugar and brown rice syrup provide sweetness.
– Yeast – Yeast helps the donuts rise and get that fluffy, airy texture. Krispy Kreme uses a gluten-free yeast.
– Binders – Xanthan gum and methylcellulose give the dough elasticity to stretch, shape, and hold together.
– Egg Whites – Help bind and add structure.
– Canola Oil – Vegetable oil is needed for moisture and fried texture.
– Natural Flavors – For taste.
– Salt
– Leavening Agents – Like baking powder and citric acid.
– Toppings – Glazes, icings, and sprinkles specific to each donut. Most Krispy Kreme glazes and icings are gluten-free.
Krispy Kreme avoids wheat, barley, rye, and malt ingredients that contain gluten. Their facilities have protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination as well.
Are Krispy Kreme Gluten-Free Donuts Safe for Celiacs?
For people with celiac disease, following a strict 100% gluten-free diet free of any cross-contamination is important. Consuming even small traces of gluten can cause intestinal damage.
While Krispy Kreme states their gluten-free donuts contain less than 10ppm of gluten from wheat, barley, and rye, people with celiac disease and high sensitivity should use caution and consider these factors:
– The donuts are fried in shared fryers with non-gluten-free donuts. Though the fryers are filtered, trace amounts of gluten may get introduced.
– There is a small chance of cross-contact with gluten-containing ingredients in factory and store environments.
– Employees assembling donuts work with both regular and gluten-free donuts.
Some celiacs report eating Krispy Kreme’s gluten-free donuts without reacting. However, others choose to avoid them due to the potential of trace gluten exposure.
It’s best for each celiac to make their own judgment based on their comfort level and past experiences eating at restaurants with shared equipment. Those extremely sensitive may want to avoid or limit Krispy Kreme’s gluten-free donuts.
Gluten-Free Krispy Kreme Menu Items Beyond Donuts
In addition to their gluten-free donuts, Krispy Kreme also offers a few other gluten-free menu items:
Brewed Coffee
Krispy Kreme serves fresh brewed coffee that is gluten-free. Their coffee blends do not contain gluten ingredients. Ask for your coffee black to be safest.
Original Chillers
Krispy Kreme Chillers are blended frozen beverages made with ice, milk, and flavors. Some of the Chiller flavors are gluten-free including their original chiller.
Iced Coffee
Unsweetened iced coffee is also gluten-free at Krispy Kreme. Customize it without flavor shots too.
Bottled Drinks
Krispy Kreme sells various bottled beverages like water, soft drinks, and juice. Check labels, but most of these are gluten-free.
Overall the choices are limited for gluten-free food at Krispy Kreme beyond their specialty donuts. Stick to the gluten-free donut range for the best experience if you are gluten-free.
Tips for Dining at Krispy Kreme Gluten-Free
Here are some tips for safely enjoying Krispy Kreme’s gluten-free menu items when you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity:
– Call ahead to confirm your local Krispy Kreme location sells the gluten-free donuts. Availability varies.
– Visit early in the morning right after they are made fresh for best chance of less cross-contamination.
– Check labeling carefully to ensure you receive the gluten-free product.
– Request a manager help avoid cross-contact if very concerned.
– Ask for your donuts to be placed in a separate box and bag separate from other items.
– Wash hands and sanitize surfaces after eating to prevent contamination risk.
– If very sensitive, consider asking about their cleaning protocols between regular and gluten-free donuts.
– Enjoy your coffee black with no added flavorings to ensure it’s gluten-free.
– Avoid heavily breaded items cooked in shared fryers like Kreme Filled Doughnuts.
Being upfront with staff about your needs typically helps! Most stores want to ensure you have a safe experience.
Gluten-Free Donuts Similar to Krispy Kreme
While not exactly the same, these bakeries also offer delicious gluten-free donuts nationwide that may appeal to Krispy Kreme lovers:
Katz Gluten Free
Katz makes gluten-free and kosher donuts in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and pumpkin spice. They ship frozen donuts nationwide.
Bakery on Main
This brand sells certified gluten-free packaged donuts in grocery stores. Flavors include chocolate, lemon, and maple bacon.
Jelly Donut
Jelly Donut has gluten-free mini donuts available for delivery in some regions. Flavors include cinnamon sugar.
Mister Donut
This chain in Asia offers gluten-free pon de ring donuts. They have locations in Japan, China, Thailand, and Philippines.
Check your local gluten-free bakeries as well. Many donut shops now cater to gluten-free diets with dedicated gluten-free fryers and ingredients.
Is Krispy Kreme Expanding Their Gluten-Free Range?
While Krispy Kreme’s current gluten-free range is small, there are signs the brand is expanding it:
– In 2021, Krispy Kreme introduced their first-ever gluten-free theme collection around St. Patrick’s Day, featuring green-colored gluten-free donuts. This suggests they are open to doing more unique seasonal gluten-free flavors.
– They regularly introduce new limited-time donuts for holidays, signaling potential for special gluten-free editions too.
– Consumer interest in gluten-free foods is increasing, especially among millennials. Krispy Kreme caters to consumer preferences. Expanding their gluten-free range allows them to tap into this growing market.
– Competitors like Dunkin’ Donuts have grown their gluten-free menus, giving Krispy Kreme incentive to innovate too.
– Many stores have dedicated fryers for gluten-free now, which may allow for safely expanding options.
While Krispy Kreme has not formally announced plans, they are positioning themselves to cater to the modern gluten-free consumer. We will likely continue to see enhancements to their gluten-free range in coming years.
Conclusion
Krispy Kreme does offer a limited assortment of gluten-free donuts, including popular flavors like Original Glazed, Chocolate Iced, and Strawberry Iced. Their flagship original glazed donut contains wheat and barley, making it unsafe for gluten-free diets. availability of gluten-free options varies by location. While not 100% gluten-free safe for all celiacs, Krispy Kreme provides a tasty way for many gluten-free consumers to enjoy the occasional donut treat. We may see the brand expand their gluten-free range even further in the future. But for now, be sure to call ahead and request the gluten-free product specifically. Follow precautions for dining out gluten-free. With some adjustments, even those avoiding gluten can enjoy the one-of-a-kind taste and texture of hot, fresh Krispy Kreme donuts.
