As a picky shopper and retail industry expert, I know firsthand how important it is for restaurants and cafes to offer inclusive menu options. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all dining—modern consumers expect to see their diverse needs and preferences reflected in the food and drink choices available. This shift is particularly apparent when it comes to the rise of dairy-free milk alternatives like soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, and more.
For many quick-service restaurant chains, adapting to these changing customer demands is an ongoing process. Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee and donut shop, has made significant strides in recent years to provide more dairy-free alternatives on its menu. But navigating the options can still be tricky for those with specific dietary requirements. If you‘ve ever wondered, "Does Tim Hortons have soy milk?" or "Can I get oat milk in my Timmies latte?"—this comprehensive guide is for you.
The Scoop on Soy Milk at Tim Hortons
Let‘s start with the most burning question: yes, Tim Hortons does offer soy milk at a majority of their locations across Canada and the United States. However, it‘s not a guarantee at every single store. According to a Tim Hortons representative, while most standalone restaurants carry soy milk, some non-traditional locations such as gas stations, hospitals, and universities may not due to storage limitations and lower demand.
When Tim Hortons does stock soy milk, they use the well-known Silk brand. Silk has been a leader in the plant-based milk space for decades, known for their commitment to non-GMO soybeans and sustainable farming practices.
Nutritionally, soy milk stacks up quite well against cow‘s milk. A 1 cup serving of Silk Original Soymilk provides:
- 8 grams of plant-based protein (compared to 8 grams in dairy milk)
- 4.5 grams of fat (compared to 8 grams in 2% dairy milk)
- 30% of recommended daily calcium intake
- 50% of recommended daily vitamin B12 intake
- 120 calories (compared to 122 calories in 2% dairy milk)
Soy milk is also naturally lactose-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.
At participating Tim Hortons locations, customers can substitute soy milk in place of dairy milk or cream in any hot or iced beverage at no additional charge. This encompasses all coffee and tea drinks, from the classic "double-double" to flavored lattes and cappuccinos. However, it‘s important to note that Tim Hortons does not use soy milk as an ingredient in any food items—it functions solely as a beverage addition.
"We‘re proud to offer soy milk as an option to our guests looking for a dairy alternative in their favorite Tim Hortons drinks," said Jane McKenna, Head of Sustainability at Tim Hortons. "As part of our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, we aim to provide high-quality, tasty options to suit a variety of preferences and dietary needs."
The Rise of Oat Milk at Tim Hortons
In January 2020, Tim Hortons broadened their dairy-free menu even further by introducing oat milk at locations across Canada. This launch coincided with the explosion of oat milk‘s popularity in the coffee scene, spurred by its creamy texture, allergen-friendliness, and eco-conscious reputation.
Tim Hortons partnered with leading oat milk brand Chobani to supply this new offering to their stores. Chobani‘s oat milk is gluten-free, nut-free, non-GMO, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. A 1 cup serving contains:
- 3.5 grams of fat
- 2 grams of protein
- 25% of recommended daily calcium intake
- 20% of recommended daily vitamin D intake
- 120 calories
Similarly to soy milk, oat milk can be swapped for dairy milk in any Tim Hortons beverage at no extra cost. But even more excitingly, Tim Hortons has also integrated oat milk into their food menu by using it in their oatmeal. Customers can now enjoy a creamier, more flavorful oatmeal bowl that fits with plant-based diets.
While concrete numbers have not been released, all signs point to Tim Hortons‘ oat milk addition being a resounding success. A 2021 report from the Plant Based Foods Association and The Good Food Institute found that the U.S. plant-based milk market reached $2.5 billion in sales in 2020, up 20% from the prior year—and oat milk led the pack in terms of growth.
Toni Petersson, CEO of Oatly, the world‘s largest oat milk manufacturer, told CNBC that the company‘s 2021 sales topped $640 million, a 50% increase from 2020. While Tim Hortons hasn‘t disclosed exactly how much oat milk uptake has impacted their bottom line, the broader industry trends suggest it was a smart business move to capitalize on shifting consumer tastes.
"We‘ve been blown away by the customer response to our oat milk roll-out," McKenna said. "Offering plant-based options that are both delicious and environmentally-minded is a key priority for us, and the Chobani oat milk has been a home run in that regard. We‘re excited to see how we can expand its use across our menu in the future."
The State of Other Dairy-Free Milks at Tim Hortons
What about other popular plant-based milks like almond and coconut? Some Tim Hortons locations do carry these options, but they are far less common than soy and oat milk.
Silk almond milk appears to be the next most likely dairy-free alternative to be stocked, after soy and oat. However, since almonds require significant water to grow and harvest, some environmentally-conscious consumers are shifting away from almond milk.
Coconut milk may be available at select Tim Hortons restaurants in the US, but has not been widely introduced in Canada. "We‘re always assessing customer preferences and demand to determine what beverages to offer," said McKenna. "While almond and coconut milk aren‘t a focus for us currently, we certainly aren‘t ruling them out for the future."
For now, soy and oat milk remain the frontrunners of Tim Hortons‘ dairy-free initiatives, with oat milk in particular generating buzz. As plant-based diets continue to gain mainstream popularity, it‘s likely we‘ll see Tim Hortons iterate further on their milk alternative lineup.
Industry research firm Technavio predicts the global dairy alternatives market will grow by $11.04 billion from 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 10.4%. As a major player in the quick-service restaurant space, Tim Hortons is well-positioned to capitalize on that growth and solidify their reputation as an inclusive brand.
Key Considerations for Dairy-Free Diners at Tim Hortons
If you follow a dairy-free diet for any reason—whether due to lactose intolerance, veganism, or general wellness—there are a few important things to keep in mind when visiting Tim Hortons.
Always check with your specific location about their dairy-free milk availability. While this guide provides an overview of Tim Hortons‘ soy and oat milk offerings, restaurant menus and inventory can vary. A quick call ahead to your go-to Tim Hortons can save disappointment and help you plan your order.
Be mindful of potential cross-contamination. Even if you order your latte with soy milk, for instance, there‘s a chance it could come into contact with trace amounts of dairy via shared equipment like steaming wands or blenders. If you have a severe dairy allergy, alert the staff and they can take extra precautions.
Customize your order to suit your needs and preferences. Don‘t be afraid to ask for modifications or substitutions to make a menu item work for you. For example, you could request a flavored latte to be made with oat milk and no whipped cream for a fully plant-based treat.
Provide feedback to the company. If your local Tim Hortons doesn‘t carry your preferred dairy-free milk, let them know. The more customers voice their desires, the more incentive Tim Hortons has to expand their offerings across all locations. You can reach out through the contact form on their website or by speaking to a store manager.
Support brands that align with your values. By choosing to purchase dairy-free options at Tim Hortons, you‘re signaling the demand for these products and encouraging the company to continue innovating in this space. Every dollar spent is a vote for a more sustainable, inclusive food system.
Ultimately, while Tim Hortons‘ dairy-free milk selection may not be perfect or all-encompassing yet, they‘ve made significant strides in the past few years alone. As a consumer, you have the power to keep pushing for positive change and greater accessibility.
The Bottom Line
So, does Tim Hortons have soy milk? Yes—and that‘s just the beginning of their dairy-free offerings. With oat milk now a fixture on the menu and hints of further plant-based innovation to come, Canada‘s largest restaurant chain is setting an admirable example for the quick-service industry.
No longer a niche market, the demand for dairy alternatives is here to stay. Research from Mintel reveals that nearly half (49%) of Americans now regularly consume both dairy and plant-based milks. As that number continues to climb, restaurants like Tim Hortons will need to stay on the cutting edge of menu diversification to remain competitive.
"Our goal is to provide a great experience for every guest who walks through our doors," said McKenna. "Integrating high-quality, sustainable options like soy and oat milk allows us to cater to a wider range of needs and preferences. We‘re committed to learning and evolving our menu based on what we hear from our customers."
The next time you visit your neighborhood Tim Hortons, I encourage you to branch out and sample one of their dairy-free beverages or oatmeal bowls. Not only will you be supporting a more eco-friendly choice, but you‘ll also be part of the movement toward a more inclusive dining landscape. And that‘s a future this picky shopper can raise a plant-based latte to.
