Krispy Kreme Is Giving Away Donuts To New Graduates, But There's A Catch

Congrats, grads! While graduating students don caps and gowns and celebrate their achievement with loved ones, family and friends aren't the only ones recognizing academic success. Krispy Kreme is also on the list of those honoring high school and college graduates.

Students around the world have faced unique challenges while completing their studies, voicing frustrations with future academic and professional prospects (via The Hill). Krispy Kreme's Chief Marketing Officer Dave Skena recognizes these struggles in a company press release. 

"With the return of graduation ceremonies and a sense of 'normal,' it would be easy to forget how much of these seniors' high school or college years were turned upside down by COVID‑19," he said. Today's graduates face an unpredictable job market and quickly changing industries (per The New York Times).

Krispy Kreme has decided to inject a burst of optimism into graduation festivities by offering free doughnuts to qualifying students. 

This isn't the first time the company has stepped up to the motivational plate. Free Krispy Kreme doughnuts were provided to health care workers during the pandemic and those showing valid COVID-19 vaccination cards (via Krispy Kreme). And, for planners organizing weddings and baby showers, colorful boxes of decorated doughnuts can be ordered online.

Whether surprising us with donuts containing hidden candy bars, decorating donuts like bees, or announcing new flavors, it seems Krispy Kreme always has something up its sleeve. Following successes in both 2021 and 2020, the Graduate Dozen is becoming an annual tradition.

This year, doughnuts are decorated with the numbers 2-0-2-2, and flavors include traditional glazed, chocolate, strawberry, and cake batter served with icing and rainbow sprinkles. While this boxed set can be purchased from May 23-29, the focus is solely on students on May 25, when they can receive a free Senior Day Dozen.

However, to claim the donuts, graduates must be prepared.

Any graduating high school or college student who shows up to a participating Krispy Kreme location on May 25 with proof of their 2022 graduation will walk away with a free Senior Day Dozen. 

What counts as proof? Think cap and gown, T-shirt or sweater, class ring, or athletic jacket labeled with the school and year. Announcement cards, student IDs, and other forms are also acceptable as long as the name on the item matches the identification in hand. With a deal like this, we suggest arriving early. It only lasts until supplies are gone.

If there's not a location near you and you're craving sweet treats, try making your own glazed doughnuts from scratch at home. And, if you made it to a store but can't seem to finish that dozen in one sitting, learn how to keep donuts fresh for the next day's festivities.