$20 per dozen? Krispy Kreme’s 150 percent price increase pushes customers away

By Kelly Chapman  

Nevada News and Views

How much would you pay for a dozen donuts? If you’re heading to Krispy Kreme these days, get ready to fork over $19.99.

That’s not a typo. What used to cost around $8 back in 2016 has more than doubled.

The $20 donut debate is lighting up social media, with some users calling it “price gouging”, others shrugging it off as the cost of doing business in 2025.

More than just being frustrating, this is a clear example of how bad economic policies, runaway inflation, and government interference have made everyday treats feel like luxury items.

The Real Cost of “Bidenomics”

Let’s talk numbers. From 2016 to now, inflation across the board has risen around 30 to 35 percent, according to the U.S. Consumer Price Index.

Krispy Kreme’s price hike? About 150 percent. That’s five times faster than inflation.

Why? Part of it’s the usual suspects: ingredient prices have gone up — wheat, sugar, cooking oil. Labor costs have jumped too, thanks to minimum wage hikes and shortages. But what’s driving all of that?

Conservatives point the finger at Washington. Trillions in government spending, like the $1.9 trillion so-called “American Rescue Plan,” flooded the economy with money and set off a chain reaction of higher prices.

This is what happens when you print trillions and regulate businesses to death — $8 donuts turn into $20 ripoffs.

Big Business vs. Small Shops

Krispy Kreme isn’t just charging more because it has to. It’s also charging more because it can.

They know people love their brand. They rely on nostalgia and that glowing “Hot Now” sign to keep the crowds coming.

But that strategy only works if customers keep buying. According to plenty of folks online, they’re not willing to.

More and more donut lovers say they’re skipping the chain and going to local bakeries. Better taste. More unique flavors.

And often, a dozen costs $10 to $12 — not $20.

That last part hits home for a lot of conservatives: support small business. While big corporations get tax breaks and bailouts, local mom-and-pop shops are left to fend for themselves.

The Free Market Works If You Let It

High prices aren’t always a bad thing. They send a signal. If people stop buying $20 donuts, Krispy Kreme will be forced to lower prices or risk losing customers.

That’s the free market in action. No need for government price controls or handouts.

But there’s a deeper issue, too. When basic treats like donuts become too expensive for working families, it’s not just about the donuts. It’s about the bigger picture — how far your dollar goes.

Conservative commentators say it all ties back to reckless spending, overregulation, and government policies that squeeze the middle class. Whether it’s gas, groceries, or glazed donuts, families are paying more and getting less.

Bottom Line

If you’re frustrated that a dozen donuts now costs nearly $20, you’re not alone.

The answer isn’t to whine about greedy corporations or demand price caps. It’s to fix the root of the problem: inflation driven by big government, overregulation, and bad economic policy.

In the meantime, skip the overpriced sugar rings and visit your neighborhood bakery. You’ll save a few bucks, get better service, and support folks who actually live in your community.

That’s a sweet deal everyone can agree on.

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Kelly Chapman is the executive director of the Nevada Business Alliance, a candidate for Nevada Assembly District 8, and a 46-year resident of Las Vegas. You can reach her at NevadaBizAlliance@gmail.com or (702) 483-0186. You can follow her on Twitter/X here: @Chapman4Nevada.