Entering a Krispy Kreme and seeing Bulbasaur staring back at you from a display case is almost surreal. But starting on August 18, the donut chain will formally launch its Pokémon Donut Collection, which consists of six limited-edition items timed to the 30th anniversary of the franchise.
The partnership between Krispy Kreme and The Pokémon Company International touches on a nostalgic theme that makes a lot of sense when you consider who grew up with both at the same time. In February 1996, the first Pokémon games were released. The children who played them on Game Boy Color are now well into their thirties, old enough to be employed, have extra money, and have a sincere affection for Pikachu.
Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and a Poké Ball option for those who simply want the symbol without committing to a particular creature are among the six donuts in the lineup. The most intriguing aspect of it all is that each one is based on a unique flavor profile. The Charmander is a shell donut stuffed with toasted marshmallow and chocolate, covered in orange caramel frosting, and garnished with red and gold sugar—fire-like energy transformed into pastry.
The Squirtle takes a different approach, piping cotton candy buttercream over an Original Glazed base and dipping it in nonpareils and sanding sugar. The Pikachu donut, which is undoubtedly the most photographed of the group, has yellow lightning-bolt nonpareils strewn across the top and is filled with lemon and vanilla icing.
It’s important to note that American fans of Pokémon have long observed similar character-themed collections being offered at international Krispy Kreme locations, such as South Korea and Australia. In those parts of the internet, there was a subdued annoyance. Therefore, this release feels, at least in part, like an acknowledgment of that. The fact that it is finally taking place here is more significant than whether or not it was intended that way.
With buttercream piped over glazed dough and strawberry cookie crumbs on top, the Jigglypuff donut leans toward strawberry. Alongside the richer Charmander, it’s a lighter, fruitier choice. The Poké Ball donut keeps things simple with chocolate piping to create the recognizable dividing line, vanilla icing, and red sprinkles over the top half. Subtle, yet identifiable from a distance.
Additionally, Krispy Kreme is releasing limited-edition cups with ten Original Glazed Gold Dots in each of five distinct Pokémon designs. Additionally, you will receive a complimentary Original Glazed donut (limited to one per person, in-store and drive-thru only) if you arrive at a participating location on Saturday, August 22 wearing Pokémon merchandise. Even tho it’s a minor detail, it’s the kind of thing that makes people show up at ten in the morning wearing Pikachu hoodies.
Orders can be placed individually or in groups of twelve at Krispy Kreme locations across the country starting on August 18. Special Pokémon packaging featuring all five characters is included with the dozen box. As of August 13, the Krispy Kreme website was accepting preorders for the dozen. A six-pack version that comes with two Original Glazed and one of each of Charmander, Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and Poké Ball will also be available at some retail establishments.
For any franchise to remain relevant, thirty years is a long time. Through games, trading cards, anime, films, and the 2016 cultural phenomenon that was Pokémon Go, Pokémon has accomplished this. Although a donut collection isn’t particularly significant in that history, it’s still a lot of fun. The translation of Squirtle’s shell into sanding sugar and nonpareils has an almost loving quality. That was carefully considered by someone, somewhere. And that kind of attention to detail is more important than people might think for a short-term collaboration.
