McDonuts were launched in the late 1980s and discontinued in the early 1990s. McDonald’s was known for burgers, fries, and breakfast sandwiches, not bakery goods. Customers didn’t associate the brand with fresh donuts like they did with Dunkin’ or Krispy Kreme. Meanwhile, McDonald’s kitchens were designed for grilling and frying, not making delicate pastries. Without a unique twist or flavor, they didn’t stand out enough to justify keeping them on menus. In addition, fryers for donuts conflicted with fryers for fries, causing cross-contamination and smell issues.
