Food

Why Krispy Kreme tosses hundreds of fresh donuts daily

Tonya Costoff Medeiros

06 Mar 2026 — 1 min read

Data shows that 85% of unused food in the restaurant industry is discarded rather than donated. ©Image Credit: Unsplash / Ravi Palwe

When it comes to donuts, Krispy Kreme has a cult-like following. If you know, you know. They are the kind of donuts that melt in your mouth—the kind you just can't get enough of. That's why so many will be shocked to learn that the popular donut maker throws out hundreds of fresh donuts daily. There are a few reasons for this.

Reddit user blows the whistle on Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme isn't the one admitting to the waste. Instead, it's a whistleblower who is calling them out.

You can thank Reddit user DaZestyProfessor for posting an image that showed what looked like hundreds of donuts in a dumpster in clear plastic bags. Some were also in branded boxes that were beside the dumpster.

The post went viral quickly, with 18,000 upvotes and 3,000 comments in only two days. It was clear by the comments that no one wants to see food wasted.

The store policy comes under fire

The spotlight is on Krispy Kreme now as customers and the public alike look for answers. Why so much waste, and why is it being thrown out?

Within the Reddit comments was at least one self-described former employee who explained that the donuts are made in huge batches daily. That means the location needs to sell a lot of product.

Krispy Kreme isn't the only one accused of food waste

Even though the heat is on Krispy Kreme right now, it's not alone when it comes to food waste.

A 2020 food industry analysis revealed a staggering 85% of unused restaurant food ends up in the trash. That equates to billions of dollars worth of wasted food.

It's a dirty secret in the industry

Food waste is a dirty secret in the industry, with customers starting to shine the light on it. You may want to ask your favorite restaurant what they do with daily food waste.

Source: Newsweek

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