Corporate marketing teams proved they’re faster than paparazzi when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement on August 26, 2025. Within hours of the announcement, major food brands launched promotional campaigns that would make a NASCAR pit crew jealous. The result? A buffet of freebies and discounts for savvy consumers willing to capitalize on celebrity romance.
The Deals Worth Chasing
Swift-inspired promotions range from immediate freebies to ongoing subscription discounts.
- Krispy Kreme offered the sweetest immediate payoff—two hours of free doughnuts on announcement day, positioning themselves as proud “Swifties” according to their press release
- DoorDash provided broader appeal with 13% off all orders using code “THIRTEEN” through August 28
- Olipop went long-term, offering an extra 13% off for subscribers with code “LOVERS13” that reportedly lasts “forever”
- Portillo’s targeted perks members with free small onion rings for any $1.13 purchase, valid for seven days post-engagement
The number 13—Swift’s lucky digit—became the unofficial promotional currency across platforms, with multiple brands incorporating the digit into their campaigns.
When Marketing Teams Strike Gold
The engagement coincided perfectly with Starbucks’ fall menu launch, creating viral content opportunities.
Starbucks won the timing lottery. Their Pumpkin Spice Latte returned the same day as the engagement announcement, leading to Instagram posts connecting Swift’s lyrics with PSL season according to ABC7 news reports. Other brands joined the social media celebration with varying degrees of creativity—Auntie Anne’s asked to be the “flower girl,” while Panera posted a bread bowl engagement ring with “She said yeast!” as documented in their official social media posts.
This wasn’t random luck. Food brands now monitor celebrity news feeds like stock traders watch market fluctuations. The speed of these campaigns reveals sophisticated social listening operations designed to hijack trending moments within hours.
The Real Recipe Behind Viral Marketing
Celebrity engagement promotions signal the evolution of real-time brand opportunism.
You’re witnessing marketing’s new reality—where cultural moments become instant promotional opportunities. The Swift-Kelce phenomenon demonstrates how brands balance genuine fan enthusiasm with calculated business moves. These campaigns work because they offer tangible value while acknowledging shared cultural experiences.
Smart consumers can leverage this trend. Following major brands on social media during viral celebrity moments often yields unexpected freebies and discounts. The intersection of pop culture and promotional calendars has created a secondary economy where being culturally aware literally pays off.
Just verify regional participation and expiration dates before heading out for your free doughnuts.
