This should come as a shock to very few people, but Krispy Kreme doughnuts, which typically needs very little reason to give away its doughnuts, is giving away free doughnuts today.

This time, the free doughnut giveaway is in honor of Fat Tuesday 2026. But there’s a catch. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Fat Tuesday?

Today (Tuesday, February 17) is Fat Tuesday, otherwise known as Mardi Gras. The holiday always falls on the final Tuesday before the Christian holy day of Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the Lent observance period.

Traditionally, Christians refrain from eating certain foods during Lent, particularly rich and fatty ones.

Subscribe to the Daily newsletter.Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SIGN UP

Privacy PolicyFast Company Newsletters

As a result, the Tuesday before the Lenten fasting period began has historically been a day when followers binged on sweet and fatty foods—their last chance to do so for over a month. This Tuesday thus became known as Fat Tuesday.

Why is Krispy Kreme giving away doughnuts on Fat Tuesday?

The ubiquitous doughnut chain never seems to miss an opportunity to give away free doughnuts.

While this practice may appear anathema to a profitable business model, Krispy Kreme knows that giving away a few doughnuts will likely spur customers to spend more in-store than the chain is losing by giving away carefully formulated dough that costs it just a few cents each. 

© Fast Company