Costco Officially Carries Krispy Kreme Doughnuts — but Customers Aren't Loving the Price

Once you've bitten into a fresh, hot Krispy Kreme delight, it's hard to go back to other doughnuts — so it's always exciting when they pop up in other stores that make it easier to grab some on the go without having to stop by a Krispy Kreme location. 

Redditor u/_sportyscience_ spotted what some call a "Costco dozen" being sold in pre-packaged variety boxes at Costco, but some commenters are outraged at the idea that they might cost more than a dollar a doughnut. 

The rising cost of groceries has many squinting harder at prices, evaluating whether the value is worth the price tag, and seeking additional ways to lower spending. Find out what makes Krispy Kreme so in demand and how the price compares to other doughnut options.

Price: $19.89 (varies by location)

Some have considered the 15-pack of doughnuts a "Costco dozen" because it's a strange amount for those used to buying in increments of a dozen. But the price breaks down to about $1.33 per doughnut. The pricing varies by location, though roughly in the $20 range. 

Pro-tip: Pop your doughnut in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Price: $16.49

Costco members bemoaning the price of Krispy Kreme aren't going to be happier shopping directly, as a variety dozen still works out to be roughly $1.37 per doughnut. Paying four cents more not to have to make an additional shopping stop seems pretty reasonable. 

Price: $1.99 - $2.99 

Purchasing a single doughnut directly from Krispy Kreme is much more expensive than buying a box from Costco. The basic original glazed is marked lowest at $1.99, with limited-time specialty doughnuts priced higher. Regularly stocked flavors are $2.29 per doughnut.

Costco has Krispy Kreme doughnuts now, and there seems to be some sticker shock over the pricing, mainly due to the non-standard sizing of the pack. 

The expression "dollars to doughnuts" may need to be updated to a "dollar and a half to doughnuts" to account for inflation. In reality, the doughnuts are priced only a few cents more than they would cost directly from a Krispy Kreme location. 

Worrying over the cost of doughnuts and any other food is typical in today's economy. There are still ways to stretch your shopping budget further to squeeze more doughnuts into your weekly purchases.