Dunkin’ Donuts vs Krispy Kreme: Who Has the Most Affordable Breakfast?

You may lean one way or the other when it comes to who makes the best donuts, but when comparing Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme, one can help you stretch your fast food budget further.

To decide which donut purveyor is the top breakfast choice, we compared the prices of 15 comparable items side by side.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location. 

All the prices listed here come from locations in the Chicago area.

The Original Glazed dozen is probably what Krispy Kreme is most known for. Twelve of their delectable doughnuts cost $14.49, while an assorted dozen is a bit pricier at $17.49.

If you want all-glazed at Dunkin', it's a bit of a price hike at $15.99. Although good news for Dunkin' Fans. The price stays the same even if you opt for an assortment.  

A six-count of Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed doughnuts is a bargain at just $9.99 for a box, while an assorted six-pack is $11.99.

Dunkin’s half-dozen box, which you can, again, fill with whatever doughnut flavors you choose, is a slightly better bargain at $8.99.

At Dunkin’, you’ll be paying the same price no matter which doughnut you want (for the most part) — $1.69.

At Krispy Kreme, the Original Glazed is cheaper ($1.99), but other varieties, like the Chocolate Iced Glazed, are more expensive at $2.39.

The Glazed Cinnamon Roll is another Krispy Kreme classic — and sells for $3.29.

The closest comparative item on Dunkin’s menu is the Coffee Roll, which is also glazed and “laced with cinnamon.” Dunkin’s option is slightly cheaper at $2.19.

Both establishments offer assorted doughnut holes in a variety of sizes.

Dunkin’s assorted Munchkins 10-pack goes for $3.99, while Krispy Kreme's equivalent is slightly higher at $4.49. 

Also Dunkin' offers up to a 50-count, while their competitor offers up to a 24-count. 

We compared the prices of special edition doughnuts by looking at the current offerings at both shops.

Dunkin' has a limited selection, but at a cheaper price, while Krispy Kreme has more variety for less than a dollar more. 

Dunkin’ currently offers a cookie butter specialty doughnut for $2.29.

Krispy Kreme's holiday-themed pastries starts at $2.39 for a chocolate iced doughnut with holiday sprinkles up to $2.79 for a Grinch-inspired green doughnut.  

Dunkin’s famous “Box O’ Joe” comes in three variations — original, decaf, and midnight blend — and all are $24.99. One box equals 10 cups of coffee.

Krispy Kreme’s equivalent, the Coffee Brew Box, is much cheaper at $18.99, and it serves 10 as well.

Although it may not be as well-known for its brews, Krispy Kreme is also significantly cheaper if you’re just looking for a standard cup of hot coffee.

The shop’s original coffees cost $2.49 for a small and $2.99 for a large. 

At Dunkin', prices range from $2.69 for a small and $3.29 for a large.  

For espresso, it all depends on size. 

A single shot goes for $1.99 at Dunkin' compared to $2.99 at Krispy Kreme. 

Surprisingly, they're both neck and neck for double shot espressos at $3.98. 

Dunkin's menu has a greater selection, since they offer triple shots for $5.97.  

Both establishments offer classic cappuccinos in sizes ranging from small to large. 

A medium cappuccino at Dunkin’ is $4.39, while Krispy Kreme’s version is just $3.99.

A classic iced coffee at Krispy Kreme is also significantly cheaper. Prices range from $2.69 for a small to $3.09 for a large. 

At Dunkin’, an original blend iced coffee ranges in price from $3.39 for a small to $3.99 for a large.

If you’re looking for a creamier iced drink, Krispy Kreme is still the significantly cheaper option.

A medium iced latte at Krispy Kreme costs $3.99, while the same at Dunkin’ is $4.99. However, Dunkin’ offers significantly more added flavor options for its lattes.

The frozen drinks at the two donut shops vary a bit, so these aren’t direct comparisons. Still, Dunkin’s Frozen Coffee with a dash of vanilla flavoring and Krispy Kreme’s Frozen Vanilla Specialty Latte are close enough — and Krispy Kreme is, yet again, the cheaper option.

Krispy Kreme’s vanilla specialty latte, topped with whipped cream, is $4.49 for a medium, while Dunkin’s Frozen Coffee is $4.99 for a medium.

Both sweet shops also offer their own frozen strawberry drink to satisfy your summer sweet tooth.

Dunkin’s Strawberry Coolatta starts at $4.49 for a small, while Krispy Kreme’s Frozen Strawberry Chiller starts at just $3.49.

And if you want to grab a bottle of juice with your breakfast, that’ll be cheaper at Krispy Kreme too by a few cents.

Krispy Kreme sells a bottle of OJ for $2.29, while Dunkin’ sells one for $2.49.

If you'd prefer standard breakfast food and drink items without all of the sprinkles and flavors, Krispy Kreme is the way to go. 

If you value customization and variety when ordering your favorite drink or break room snack, Dunkin' Donut's assorted food and flavor toppings could be worth springing for a few dollars more.  

Whether you'd like Krispy Kreme's more straightforward selections, or Dunkin Donut's endless combinations, both menus provide ways to keep more cash in your wallet at mealtime.