Whenever I find myself in the mood to munch on something sweet, my mind immediately jumps to Krispy Kreme. Known as one of the only major doughnut chains to make their pastries in-house, I adore their original glazed delights that keeps me coming back for more — paired with an iced vanilla coffee and I am satisfied for the rest of the day. The major thing that makes them unique? Their signature “Hot Light” neon sign that illuminates to signal when hot, fresh glazed doughnuts are being made in-stores. This means that these delicious doughboys are coming off the conveyor line and going through the glaze waterfall — so sweet!
While some locations have set hours on when they signal the Krispy Kreme Hot Light – which says “Hot Now” — it’s normally activated whenever fresh doughnuts are currently being made. But, what if the red light meant something more than just fresh doughnuts?
Does the Hot Light mean free doughnuts?
If you catch anybody at Krispy Kreme during the early morning hours or late evening hours, chances are that they are getting their hands on piping hot glazed doughnuts. And, if you’re lucky enough, a free doughnut might come in the works for you.
TikToker Lucia Matenaer, @luciarae33, posted a video of her driving up to the Krispy Kreme drive-thru in the late evening. There was one question that she was dying to know, asking the worker, “I heard a little rumor that when the red light is on, you guys give free doughnuts.” When the worker asked how many were in the car, Lucia replied two. To her surprise, the worker didn’t decline and informed Lucia to pull forward.
This wasn’t any other “meant to happen” scenario — some participating Krispy Kreme locations will offer you a free doughnut when the red light is on, but only if you make a purchase. However, some people have been getting away with making no purchase at all.
TikToker Katie Lyn, @katie.lyn21, posted a video depicting that you can receive a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme during their Hot Light hours just by simply walking in the store.
What other ways can you get a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme?
If you can’t wait until the Hot Light is on to score a free doughnut, fear not! By becoming a Krispy Kreme rewards member, you receive a free doughnut by signing up either online or through the app. You can also give yourself a free doughnut on your birthday as part of Krispy Kreme’s birthday reward. As a rewards member, you can earn points for every dollar spent to redeem free doughnuts. But next time you see the Hot Light sign on, stop into your local Krispy Kreme to see if you can get a hot, fresh doughnut.