Tim Hortons Herb & Garlic: Deciphering the Calorie Count
Tim Hortons offers several popular menu items featuring a rich Herb and garlic flavour profile, but the calorie counts vary significantly depending on the product. The most commonly inquired-about items are the Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread and the newer Herb & Garlic Savoury Pastry. A full nutritional picture requires looking beyond just the energy content to understand the macronutrient composition of each item.
The Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread
The Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread is a fan-favourite for complementing a toasted bagel. Based on nutritional data, a standard 1.5-ounce serving contains approximately 100 calories. This portion size is typically intended for a single bagel, but it's important to remember that the total calorie intake will increase with larger servings or if used on multiple items. The spread's richness comes from its creamy base, which also contributes to its higher fat content.
Here is a detailed look at the typical nutritional breakdown for one serving of the cream cheese spread:
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
It's important to note that nutritional values can vary slightly by region and may be subject to minor changes over time. The Tim Hortons website or app is the most reliable source for the most up-to-date information.
The Herb & Garlic Savoury Pastry
Introduced as a savoury snack option, the Herb & Garlic Savoury Pastry is a distinct item from the cream cheese spread. This flaky, buttery pastry is filled with a creamy, herbed filling. A single pastry contains a higher calorie count due to its richer dough and larger portion size. The calorie count for one Herb & Garlic Savoury Pastry is 240 calories.
Here is the macronutrient breakdown for one Savoury Pastry:
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 6g
A comparative look at Tim Hortons' Herb and Garlic products
To better understand how these items fit into a balanced diet, here is a comparison table outlining their nutritional differences.
| Nutritional Aspect | Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread | Herb & Garlic Savoury Pastry |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 kcal | 240 kcal |
| Serving Size | 1.5 oz | 1 Pastry |
| Total Fat | 9g | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 6.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 29g |
| Protein | 2g | 6g |
| Sodium | ~210mg | ~470mg |
As the table shows, the savoury pastry has a much higher carbohydrate and total calorie count, making it a more substantial snack. The cream cheese spread, while lower in calories overall, is significantly higher in saturated fat per gram due to its creamy base.
The impact of pairings and portion control
Your total calorie count will also depend on what you pair your Herb and garlic product with. A common choice is a bagel, and a standard plain bagel from Tim Hortons can add around 260 calories. When you combine the Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread with a plain bagel, you are looking at a total of approximately 360 calories for the complete item. Choosing a lighter bagel or using less spread can help manage the calorie intake.
For those watching their caloric intake, opting for a lighter cream cheese option or a smaller portion size is always a consideration. Similarly, enjoying the Herb & Garlic Savoury Pastry as a standalone snack rather than part of a larger meal can be a useful strategy. It's about being mindful of the full nutritional context, not just the single component.
Understanding the ingredients
The Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread uses a rich cream cheese base combined with herbs and spices. Its primary ingredients, including milk and cream, contribute to its high fat and creamy texture. In contrast, the Savoury Pastry features a more complex ingredient list including unbleached enriched flour, butter, and a blend of flavouring agents, creating its flaky texture and rich taste.
Conclusion
In summary, the calorie count for Tim Hortons' Herb and garlic items varies based on the product. The Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread contains approximately 100 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, while the Herb & Garlic Savoury Pastry is 240 calories. For a balanced diet, it's beneficial to consider the complete nutritional profile, including saturated fat and carbohydrate content, as well as the calories added by any additional food items like a bagel. The best approach is to check the official Tim Hortons nutrition information for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
