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After my recent move up north, I had one thought on my mind – getting myself a Timmies coffee.
I used to live near one before moving out to the middle of nowhere, so I was curious whether I would miss that familiar, easy cup and how it would compare with the other coffee chains I still use.
Most of all, does Tim Hortons coffee still hold up?
Key takeaways
Tim Hortons coffee: Is it actually any good?
Whether or not Tim Hortons coffee is good is entirely subjective. There are many things to consider when determining if coffee is any “good.” It ultimately comes down to taste and flavor.
When rating a cafe, I also have to think about price, versatility, customization options, customer experience, food items, and the number of coffee shop locations.
The first thing I notice is the taste. Tim Hortons uses Arabica medium-roasted beans for its Original Blend.
That usually gives me a softer, smoother cup than a darker roast, and that is pretty much what I taste here. It is mellow enough to sip quickly, but it still reads as coffee rather than something milky.
If you already know what you like, the menu is easy to narrow down. Here is the quick breakdown of the coffees I end up looking at most at Tims:
Regular coffee
If I want a no-frills coffee, I usually go back to the regular brewed Tim Hortons blend.
The medium roast beans are smooth and perfectly balanced and can be deemed “good coffee.”
It pairs especially well with Tims breakfast items like sweet donuts and savory sandwiches.
Dark roast coffee
Dark roast is where the cup gets noticeably deeper. I get a stronger roasty edge than with the Original Blend, which is why a lot of people reach for it.
Even so, it does not turn harsh on me. The finish stays fairly smooth, so it still works as an easy drink whether I am at home or in line.
A splash of cream takes this dark roast above and beyond!
Decaf coffee
I usually expect decaf to taste thin or tired, but that has not been my experience here. It is harder to get right than regular coffee, and Tim Hortons does a decent job with it.
It tastes close enough to the regular coffee that I would not mistake one for the other in a blind sip, especially once I add a little milk or sugar.
Latte & cappuccino
Tim Hortons is not the first chain I think of for espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
They’re decent at best; Tim Horton’s lattes have often been compared to vending machine coffee, so don’t expect much (other than a cheaper option than Starbucks).
Iced coffee & cold brew
The same goes for the cold brew and iced options. They are on the menu, but the chain does not lean on them the way some other coffee spots do.
On a really hot day, I still tend to go somewhere with a stronger cold-coffee lineup if that is the drink I want most.
If you’re craving something cold, the best option for customers is to go with the Tim Horton’s Iced Cappuccino, or Iced Capp for short.
This blended drink comes in several flavors, including regular cappuccino, mocha, caramel, and Oreo (a fave among Tims customers).
Espresso
If espresso shots are what I am after, Tim Hortons probably would not be my first stop.
Espresso is meant to be bold and strong, but I find that it’s weak and lacking in flavor at Tims.
Tim Hortons K-Cups
At home, Tim Hortons K-Cups are a handy way to keep that flavor around without leaving the house.
The Original Blend is the one I see most often, but the Maple flavor has its own appeal when I want something a little sweeter. The ground coffee also works well in a drip machine or French press if that is how I brew at home.
How does Tim Hortons compare to other popular coffee chains?
Once I narrowed down the drinks I actually cared about, the comparison started to feel simpler.
Tim Hortons vs Starbucks
The Starbucks or Tim Hortons debate is a tricky one. However, Starbucks is more popular with more locations and is definitely the most-recognized brand out there.
Tim Hortons is less common outside its core markets, so in a lot of places it still feels like the harder chain to run into.
To top it off, Starbucks is king in terms of the actual menu.
The drinks usually cost more, but the rewards program makes the spend feel a little easier to justify if you use it often.
Tim Hortons vs Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros is newer by comparison and still concentrated in a smaller part of the country.
Tim Hortons is more recognized, but it’s also much more traditional. Dutch Bros is all about pushing boundaries of good coffee, both with their outgoing baristas and funky Rebel drink options.
Just keep in mind that it’s a pricey chain (which isn’t surprising considering it’s based on the West Coast), especially for specialty drinks.
Tim Hortons vs Peet's Coffee
Peet’s is also a smaller chain. Outside California, I do not run into it nearly as often.
What stands out to me about Peet’s is the calmer atmosphere. The shops tend to feel quieter and more low-key, which makes them easy places to sit with a laptop or a book.
They offer a great tea selection as well as a wide array of organic coffees, all of which fall in the midrange price point.
Tim Hortons vs Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin is the giant in this group.
Tim Hortons and Dunkin Donuts both offer an extensive food menu, although the main focus at Dunkin is donuts (obviously). However, you can also order muffins, bagels, breakfast sammies, and of course, coffee that’s cheaper than most.
Both brands are extremely affordable, and that applies to food as well as beverages. One thing that takes Dunkin above and beyond is the brand’s ability to innovate new beverages and flavors.
FAQs
Why does Tim Horton’s coffee taste so good?
Tim Hortons coffee tastes good to me for a simple reason: the cup stays clean and familiar. That matters a lot with this kind of coffee.
What is Tim Hortons well known for?
Tim Hortons is best known for its Double Double, a brewed coffee with two creams and two sugars.
What is unique about Tim Hortons?
The food menu is another part of the appeal. Alongside coffee, you can get pastries, donuts, sandwiches, snacks, and more.
How much caffeine is in Tim Horton’s coffee?
A small cup of Tim Hortons coffee has 140mg of caffeine. The medium size contains 205mg, and the large has 270mg.
Does Tim Hortons use real coffee?
Yes, Tim Hortons uses REAL coffee, stating that every cup is “created using 100% Arabica beans from the world’s most renowned growing regions.”
Conclusion
So, is Tim Hortons coffee good? For me, yes, especially when I want an affordable cup that is easy to drink without overthinking it.
Across the menu, the brewed coffee, decaf, and dark roast all hold up well enough for everyday drinking. The Double Double is still the order I associate most with Tims, and the Iced Capp is what I would point to if someone wants something cold and familiar.
I still look elsewhere when I want more espresso-heavy drinks, especially lattes, cappuccinos, cold brews, or straight espresso.
