Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Ground Coffee
✅ PROS
- Rich flavor profile from quality ingredients
- Easy brewing process for daily enjoyment
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
Let’s cut through the gimmick: Krispy Kreme’s ground coffee isn’t trying to be a third-wave, single-origin pour-over experience. It’s a $12 bag of commercial medium roast designed to deliver a comforting, slightly sweet cup that nods to the brand’s glazed doughnuts. And honestly? It mostly succeeds.
What You Actually Get
A 12-ounce bag of pre-ground coffee, sealed in a foil pouch with a one-way valve (good for freshness, though not resealable — more on that below). The grind is consistent, medium-fine, which works across drip machines, pour-over cones, and French presses without turning sludgy or weak. At $11.99, you’re paying roughly $1 per ounce — squarely in the mid-range for supermarket coffee, cheaper than bags like Starbucks or Peet’s, pricier than Folgers.
How It Actually Brews
I tested this in a standard drip machine and a pour-over. The first thing you’ll notice is the aroma — it’s unmistakably Krispy Kreme. Sweet, almost vanilla-like, with a toasted-nut undertone. It fills the kitchen in a way that feels more like a bakery than a coffee shop.
The flavor itself is smoother than expected. No harsh bitterness, moderate acidity, and a caramel-like sweetness that comes through clearly if you drink it black. It’s not a “doughnut in a cup” — that would be absurd. But it does have a pleasant, dessert-adjacent quality that pairs naturally with cream and sugar. One reviewer put it well: “Tastes like a light, sweet coffee, not artificial at all. I add a splash of cream and it’s my daily morning treat.”
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. The bag isn’t resealable, so unless you transfer the grounds to an airtight container, they’ll go stale within a week or two. That’s a real issue for solo drinkers who don’t go through 12 ounces quickly.
Also, this is a commercial blend. It’s not going to wow anyone who drinks specialty roasts regularly. The flavor profile is pleasant but shallow — there’s no complexity, no evolving notes, just a straightforward sweet medium roast. If you’re used to Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or a dark Sumatran, this will feel flat.
One more thing: the sweetness is in the aroma more than the taste. Don’t buy this expecting a sugary coffee. It’s coffee with a hint of sweetness, not a dessert drink.
Who Should Buy This
- Doughnut fans who want a nostalgic morning ritual without a trip to the shop
- Cream-and-sugar drinkers — this coffee holds its flavor beautifully with additions
- Gift-givers looking for a fun, affordable stocking stuffer for coffee lovers
- Office kitchens where a crowd-pleasing, inoffensive brew is the goal
Skip It If
- You drink black coffee and want bold, complex, or dark-roast characteristics
- You buy beans in small quantities and need a resealable bag
- You’re a specialty coffee snob — this won’t change your mind
FAQ
Q: Is it actually flavored, or does it just smell like doughnuts? A: Lightly flavored. The scent is stronger than the taste, but there’s a subtle caramel-sweet note in the cup that’s natural-tasting, not syrupy.
Q: Does it work in a Keurig? A: No — it’s ground coffee, not K-Cups. Use it in a drip machine, pour-over, or French press. If you have a reusable K-Cup filter, it’ll work fine.
Q: Is it caffeinated? A: Yes, it’s a standard caffeinated medium roast. No decaf version is currently available.
The Verdict: 4.6/5 — Buy It
Buy it if you want a smooth, crowd-pleasing medium roast with a nostalgic twist at a fair price. It’s especially good with cream and sugar, and the aroma alone is worth the $12.
Skip it if you’re a black-coffee purist or need a resealable bag for long-term storage. For everyone else, this is a genuinely enjoyable, no-fuss daily brew that delivers exactly what the brand promises — just don’t expect a glazed doughnut in your mug.
Related: If you’re looking for a stronger, darker option, check out our roundup of best medium-dark roasts under $15.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
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