Tim Hortons is a beloved Canadian institution known for its coffee and donuts. But did you know they also have an extensive bagel menu? As a breakfast fanatic and frequent Tim‘s customer, I‘ve done a deep dive into everything bagel-related at this popular fast food chain.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover what types of bagels Tim Hortons offers, how they‘re made, nutritional facts, vegan options, cost, and how they stack up to the competition. I‘ll also share my personal take on which bagels are the tastiest and provide the best bang for your buck.
Whether you‘re a devoted Tim‘s fan or just curious about their bagel selection, read on to become an expert on this doughy delight!
The History of Bagels at Tim Hortons
Before we bite into the bagel offerings at Tim Hortons, let‘s take a quick look at how this iconic chain came to be. Tim Hortons was founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964 by Canadian hockey player Tim Horton and Jim Charade. The original restaurant focused on coffee and donuts.
In the 1970s, bagels started gaining popularity in North America, particularly in cities with large Jewish populations like Montreal and New York City. Spotting this trend, Tim Hortons decided to add bagels to their menu in 1981.
At first, the bagel selection was limited to sesame seed and plain. These bagels were kettle-boiled and baked in-store using Tim Hortons‘ signature recipe. The chewy, slightly dense texture was a hit with Canadians looking for a more substantial breakfast option.
Over the years, Tim Hortons has experimented with various bagel flavors to keep up with changing tastes. Some varieties like the pretzel bagel turned out to be short-lived fads, while others like the 12-grain and cinnamon raisin have become mainstays. Today, bagels are an integral part of the Tim Hortons menu across Canada and in their U.S. locations.
Types of Bagels Available at Tim Hortons
Now let‘s sink our teeth into the main event – the bagels currently offered at Tim Hortons. Keep in mind that bagel availability may vary slightly between Canadian and U.S. restaurants. The standard bagel lineup at most Tim Hortons locations includes:
- Plain
- Whole Grain
- Everything
- Cinnamon Raisin
- Sesame Seed
- 12 Grain
- 4 Cheese
- Jalapeño Asiago
Some U.S. locations also carry Parmesan Herb and Blueberry bagels. Tim Hortons occasionally releases limited-time bagel flavors to mix things up, like the Apple Cinnamon bagel that made an appearance last fall.
If you‘re lucky enough to live near a Tim Hortons with a wide selection, you‘ll be spoiled for choice! But even the smallest Tim Hortons outlets typically stock at least 4-5 bagel varieties, with plain and sesame seed being the most common.
The Tim Hortons Bagel-Making Process
To achieve the perfect texture, Tim Hortons follows the traditional bagel-making method of boiling and then baking the dough. This two-step process is what gives bagels their chewy crust and dense, doughy interior.
According to the Tim Hortons website, their bagels are made from a blend of enriched wheat flour, water, sugar, salt, and yeast. The ingredients are mixed together and left to rise before being shaped into rounds.
The raw bagels are then briefly boiled in a kettle of water. This allows the dough‘s starches to gel and creates a chewy outer layer. Finally, the boiled bagels are placed in the oven and baked until golden brown.
Some of the flavored Tim Hortons bagels like the 12 Grain and Everything have additional toppings and inclusions mixed into the dough before baking. The 4 Cheese bagel is topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, asiago, and parmesan.
While the process of making bagels is fairly involved, Tim Hortons has it down to a science. Their bagels have a reliably satisfying taste and texture, whether you order them in Toronto or Toledo.
Nutritional Info for Tim Hortons Bagels
Let‘s be real – no one goes to Tim Hortons expecting a low-calorie meal. Bagels are an inherently hearty breakfast choice. But it‘s still helpful to know the nutritional facts, especially if you‘re watching your waistline or have dietary restrictions.
According to the Tim Hortons website, their bagels clock in at 290-334 calories each, depending on the variety. The 12 Grain bagel is the heftiest at 334 calories, while the Jalapeño Asiago is the lightest at 290 calories.
As you might expect, bagels are high in carbohydrates, with 53-64 grams of carbs each. They also contain a not-insignificant amount of fat (1-6g) and protein (9-13g).
If you add cream cheese, butter, or other toppings, the calorie and fat count will increase accordingly. A single serving of Tim Hortons cream cheese (20g) adds 70 calories and 6g of fat.
Vegan Bagel Options at Tim Hortons
Vegans and those avoiding animal products will be pleased to know that several of Tim Hortons‘ bagels are vegan-friendly. The plain, sesame seed, and 12 grain varieties are made without any eggs, dairy, or honey.
However, vegans should steer clear of the 4 Cheese, Cinnamon Raisin, and Jalapeño Asiago bagels, which contain milk and/or eggs. The Everything Bagel is also off-limits due to the addition of honey in the dough.
Of course, vegans will need to skip the cream cheese and butter toppings. Some Tim Hortons locations offer jams and peanut butter as vegan-friendly spread options.
Cost of Bagels at Tim Hortons
Now that we‘ve covered the bagel basics, let‘s talk price. Tim Hortons offers both individual bagels and multi-packs at most of its locations.
A single bagel at Tim Hortons will run you $1.69-$1.99, depending on the variety. Classic flavors like Plain tend to be on the cheaper end, while fancier options like 4 Cheese are pricier.
You can also buy bagels by the half-dozen or baker‘s dozen (13 bagels) at Tim Hortons. A half-dozen runs $5.99-$7.99, while a baker‘s dozen costs $9.99-$11.99.
Keep in mind that bagel prices may vary slightly between Canadian and U.S. locations due to currency differences. Some U.S. Tim Hortons charge up to $2.49 for specialty bagels!
Personally, I think the multi-packs provide the best value – especially if you‘re feeding a family or bringing bagels to the office. The per-bagel cost is significantly lower when you buy in bulk.
Topping and Spreads for Your Tim Hortons Bagel
A bagel is only as good as its toppings, and Tim Hortons has no shortage of spreads to deck out your breakfast. Their standard offerings include:
- Plain Cream Cheese
- Flavored Cream Cheese (Herb & Garlic, Strawberry)
- Butter
- Margarine
At select locations, you can also find:
- Peanut Butter
- Jam (Strawberry, Raspberry)
- Nutella
- Avocado Spread
I‘m a big fan of the Herb & Garlic cream cheese, which adds a nice savory note to any bagel. The Strawberry is also delicious if you‘re craving something sweet. And you can‘t go wrong with a simple schmear of butter!
For a heartier breakfast, Tim Hortons also offers several "Built-to-Order Bagel Sandwiches" at U.S. locations. These include combos like Bacon, Egg, & Cheese and Sausage, Egg, & Cheese served on the bagel of your choice. Canadian customers can likewise customize a bagel B.E.L.T. sandwich.
When Are Bagels Available at Tim Hortons?
Bagels are a quintessential breakfast food, but at Tim Hortons, you can enjoy them any time of day. Most locations serve bagels from opening until close.
That means you can grab a Jalapeño Asiago bagel at 6 AM before your morning commute or midnight after a late hockey practice. The 24-hour Tim Hortons are especially clutch for satisfying round-the-clock bagel cravings.
However, I have noticed that bagel selection tends to dwindle later in the day as popular flavors sell out. If you have your heart set on a particular variety, it‘s best to visit Tim Hortons in the morning or early afternoon.
How Do Tim Hortons Bagels Compare to Other Chains?
Finally, let‘s address the elephant in the room – how do Tim Hortons bagels stack up to the competition? As a certified bagel enthusiast, I‘ve sampled extensively from other coffee chains and dedicated bagelries.
In my opinion, Tim Hortons bagels are a solid choice for a fast food breakfast. They have good flavor, decent chew, and a generous size. The variety of flavors is also impressive for a non-specialty shop.
However, Tim Hortons bagels aren‘t quite on par with those from artisanal bagel bakeries. Chains like Einstein Bros. and Bruegger‘s have a leg up in terms of freshness and quality ingredients. And of course, nothing beats a hand-rolled bagel from a local deli.
Where Tim Hortons really shines is value and consistency. You can count on getting a tasty, filling bagel at any Tim‘s location without breaking the bank. For a quick and affordable breakfast, they‘re hard to beat.
Final Thoughts on Tim Hortons Bagels
So there you have it – the lowdown on all things bagels at Tim Hortons! Whether you‘re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, I hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what this Canadian chain has to offer.
The next time you find yourself at a Tim Hortons, consider branching out from your usual donut and trying one of their signature bagels. With so many flavors and topping combinations, you‘re sure to find a combo that satisfies your cravings.
And if you‘re watching your waistline or following a plant-based diet, rest assured that Tim Hortons has options for you, too. Their vegan-friendly bagels and lighter topping choices mean you can indulge without the guilt.
At the end of the day, bagels are a fun and filling way to start your morning – and Tim Hortons makes it easy to enjoy them on the go. So the next time you‘re looking for a quick breakfast that will keep you fueled all day, remember the humble bagel!
