Nutrition Diet: What's the healthiest drink at Tim Hortons?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

A small Tim Hortons Iced Capp can contain around 29 grams of sugar—the equivalent of over five teaspoons. But not all menu items are sugar-laden calorie bombs, so what's the healthiest drink at Tim Hortons when you're looking for a healthier choice?

Quick Summary

Many popular Tim Hortons drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, but several zero or low-calorie alternatives are available. Choosing black coffee, plain tea, or customizing your order can significantly reduce sugar and fat intake.

Key Points

Go Black or Plain: The healthiest Tim Hortons drinks are simple black coffee, black americanos, or plain steeped tea with no added sugar or cream.
Unsweetened is Key: Opt for unsweetened versions of iced coffee, cold brew, and iced tea to avoid hidden sugars and calories.
Customize Smart: Reduce sugar content by ordering drinks with less syrup, substituting skim milk or a plant-based alternative, and skipping whipped cream.
Beware of the Iced Capp: Drinks like the Original Iced Capp and many specialty lattes are extremely high in sugar and calories and should be consumed in moderation.
Check the Menu: Tim Hortons provides comprehensive nutritional information online and in-app, which is the most reliable way to verify your order.
Milk Alternatives: Switching to skim or 2% milk instead of cream can significantly lower the fat and calorie count of your coffee.

The Healthiest Choices at Tim Hortons

When navigating the Tim Hortons menu for a healthier beverage, the best strategy is to stick to the basics. The addition of syrups, flavour shots, and creams is where calories and sugars can skyrocket. Focusing on simple, unprocessed beverages provides energy and flavor without derailing your nutritional goals.

Black Coffee and Americano

The undisputed champion of the healthy Tim Hortons menu is plain black coffee or a black Americano. Brewed from 100% Arabica beans, these drinks offer a pure boost of caffeine with virtually no calories, sugar, or fat. You can also enjoy a black cold brew with similar nutritional benefits. If you need a touch of creaminess, a small splash of 2% milk is a far better choice than cream. For those who prefer a less bitter taste, a sprinkle of cinnamon can add warmth and flavor without any added sugar.

Plain Brewed Tea

Another top-tier choice is plain brewed tea. Whether it's the classic English Breakfast, a soothing Peppermint Herbal Tea, or Green Tea, a plain tea is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar option. Green tea is particularly rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that can help protect your cells from damage. The variety of teas available means you can find a flavor that suits your preference without any added guilt. Steer clear of flavored teas that come pre-sweetened or opt for them plain.

Unsweetened Iced Coffee and Iced Tea

For hot weather, an unsweetened brewed iced tea or unsweetened iced coffee is a refreshing and hydrating choice. Like their hot counterparts, these options contain no sugar or calories by default. This makes them an ideal alternative to the sugar-laden bottled juices and sweetened iced teas found on the menu. If you need to cut the bitterness, ask for a splash of milk or a sugar-free vanilla shot, but be aware that sugar-free options and their availability vary by location.

How to Customize for Better Health

Even with less-than-ideal menu items, small modifications can transform a high-calorie drink into a healthier treat. Here are some strategies for building a better beverage at Tim Hortons:

Start with a basic unsweetened base. Many drinks, like iced coffee and cold brew, come in unsweetened versions. By starting with this base, you control exactly what goes into your cup.
Reduce or eliminate sugar and syrup. When ordering flavored drinks, ask for half the syrup or request it to be unsweetened. Each pump of syrup adds a significant amount of sugar, so this simple request makes a big impact.
Choose milk wisely. The standard cream and some flavored beverages can have a high saturated fat content. Instead, request 2% or skim milk. For a plant-based alternative, Tim Hortons often carries options like oat or almond milk, which can be a good compromise.
Skip the whipped cream and drizzles. The extra toppings on many specialty drinks add unnecessary calories and fat. Skipping them is a quick and easy way to lighten up your order.

Comparing Tim Hortons Drink Nutrition

To put things into perspective, comparing some common drink orders helps illustrate how your choices can impact your health. The table below shows the approximate nutritional values for a medium-sized beverage, based on typical menu items and customization.


Drink Item	Calories	Total Sugar (g)	Total Fat (g)	Customization Notes
Black Coffee	0-5	0	0	Unsweetened, no additives.
Plain Brewed Tea	0	0	0	Unsweetened, no additives.
Unsweetened Iced Coffee	0-10	0	0	Unsweetened, no additives.
Unsweetened Brewed Iced Tea	0	0	0	Unsweetened, no additives.
Original Iced Capp	305+	32+	18+	High in sugar and fat. Nutritional info from Tim Hortons UK.
Medium Latte (UK)	134	13	4.4	Still contains sugar from milk.
Customized Iced Coffee	~40-60	~10-15	~1-3	Medium iced coffee with a splash of milk and a sugar-free syrup.

The Drinks to Watch Out For

Many of Tim Hortons' most popular drinks are also their least healthy. The Original Iced Capp is notorious for its high sugar and fat content. Similarly, flavored lattes, hot chocolates, and specialty coffees with whipped cream are often packed with added sugars and calories. Even seemingly simple options like the regular bottled iced tea contain added sugar. Always check the nutrition information, either on the official Tim Hortons app or website, before ordering to avoid a high-sugar surprise.

Conclusion: Making a Smart Choice at the Counter

Choosing the healthiest drink at Tim Hortons doesn't have to be complicated. The best options are the simplest: black coffee, americanos, and plain brewed tea, either hot or iced. If you prefer a bit more flavor or creaminess, customize your drink by adding a small amount of milk and skipping the sugar syrups, whipped cream, and drizzles. Being mindful of these choices allows you to enjoy your Tim Hortons run without compromising your nutrition goals.

For a full list of menu items and detailed nutrition information, always check the official Tim Hortons website. A quick look at the facts can help you make a smart, informed decision every time you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

A regular coffee with a single milk and sugar is a relatively low-calorie choice compared to other options, but plain black coffee remains the healthiest. Each sugar packet adds calories, so minimizing or eliminating it is best.

To make an Iced Capp healthier, order a smaller size and ask for it to be made with milk instead of cream. You can also skip any extra toppings or flavor shots.

A basic black cold brew and black iced coffee have nearly identical nutritional profiles with zero calories and sugar. The difference is in the brewing process and flavor profile.

The menu often changes, but historically, sugar-free vanilla and other syrups have been available at some locations. The best practice is to check the current menu or ask the staff for available low-sugar flavorings.

Tim Hortons Quenchers contain significantly less sugar than other items like Iced Capps, making them a better choice for a flavored drink. However, they still contain sugar, so they are not a zero-calorie option.

Yes, Tim Hortons provides comprehensive nutrition and allergen information on their official website and via their mobile app.

Yes, unsweetened herbal teas like peppermint are an excellent, zero-calorie, and zero-sugar option. They are also naturally caffeine-free, offering a healthy alternative to coffee.