Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Most Americans in Germany have no idea where their donuts, bread, tortillas, and baked goods actually come from.
They're not being shipped in from the United States.
They're being made right here in Germany at the Grünstadt Bakery, a massive Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operation that produces more than 1.8 million pounds of baked goods every year for military communities across Europe.
And yes... even Krispy Kreme doughnuts are made fresh right here in Grünstadt. It's the only Krispy Kreme production facility in Germany.
AAFES (@shopmyexchange) invited me behind the scenes to see how this operation works, from giant mixers and production lines to fresh breads, tortillas, cakes, pastries, and doughnuts coming straight out of the oven.
The smell alone was worth the trip.
As if that wasn't enough, the team even surprised me with my own custom DTV cake made right there in the bakery. Definitely wasn't expecting that one.
Unfortunately, the bakery is not open to the public. Access is limited to employees and authorized personnel, which makes opportunities like this pretty rare.
So if you've ever wondered where those fresh baked goods at the Exchange come from, here's your chance to see what happens behind the scenes at one of the military community's largest bakeries in Europe.
Most Americans in Germany have no idea where their donuts, bread, tortillas, and baked goods actually come from.
They're not being shipped in from the United States.
They're being made right here in Germany at the Grünstadt Bakery, a massive Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operation that produces more than 1.8 million pounds of baked goods every year for military communities across Europe.
And yes... even Krispy Kreme doughnuts are made fresh right here in Grünstadt. It's the only Krispy Kreme production facility in Germany.
AAFES (@shopmyexchange) invited me behind the scenes to see how this operation works, from giant mixers and production lines to fresh breads, tortillas, cakes, pastries, and doughnuts coming straight out of the oven.
The smell alone was worth the trip.
As if that wasn't enough, the team even surprised me with my own custom DTV cake made right there in the bakery. Definitely wasn't expecting that one.
Unfortunately, the bakery is not open to the public. Access is limited to employees and authorized personnel, which makes opportunities like this pretty rare.
So if you've ever wondered where those fresh baked goods at the Exchange come from, here's your chance to see what happens behind the scenes at one of the military community's largest bakeries in Europe.
