Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm in recent years, with a nearly 80% increase in sales from 2016 to 2021 according to the National Coffee Association. And Tim Hortons, Canada‘s largest coffee chain, has fully embraced the cold brew craze. As a coffee expert and former Tim Hortons employee, I‘ve tried every cold brew on the market – and I keep coming back to Tims for its bold yet smooth flavor. Let‘s brew up all the details on what makes Tim Hortons Cold Brew so special.
The Cold Hard Facts on Cold Brew
Before we dive into the specifics of Tim Hortons Cold Brew, let‘s lay out the basics of what cold brew coffee actually is. Unlike iced coffee which is regular hot-brewed coffee served over ice, cold brew coffee is never exposed to heat. Instead, cold brew is made by steeping coarse-ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours.
This brewing method produces a coffee concentrate that is less acidic and less bitter than hot brewed coffee, with a smoother mouthfeel. The flavor profile of cold brew is also quite different – it tends to highlight the sweeter, nuttier, and chocolate notes of coffee beans while downplaying the brighter and more acidic ones.
The lengthy brewing process and higher coffee-to-water ratio also results in a higher caffeine concentration compared to regular drip coffee. In fact, cold brew can have up to twice as much caffeine as regular coffee, depending on the brewing specifics.
Cold brew started gaining mainstream popularity in the 2010s thanks to its smooth taste and versatility for customizing with various add-ins. It transitioned from a niche beverage to a staple at major coffee chains rather quickly. The global cold brew coffee market reached $166 million in 2020 and is projected to reach over $944 million by 2025, a staggering growth rate.
Tim Hortons‘ Cold Brewing Process
Now let‘s get into the nitty gritty of how Tim Hortons makes their signature cold brew. Tims steeps 100% Arabica coffee grounds in cold water for 16 hours, which is longer than many other coffee shops. This extended brewing time allows for maximum flavor extraction and results in a super smooth coffee concentrate.
The type and origin of coffee beans used can significantly impact the final taste of cold brew. Tim Hortons uses a blend of premium beans sourced from various regions including Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil. The blend and roast profile is specifically formulated to shine when cold brewed – with a balance of bold and nutty notes with a hint of natural sweetness.
After brewing, the coffee concentrate is filtered to remove the grounds and then diluted with water to the optimal strength. The cold brew is then stored in special airtight kegs to maintain freshness until it‘s time to serve. Each batch is quality tested to ensure it meets Tim Hortons‘ high standards for taste and consistency.
One key factor that sets Tim Hortons Cold Brew apart is that the concentrate is never heated at any point. Some coffee shops will brew a large batch of cold brew and then heat a portion of it to make hot drinks, but not Tims. Heating cold brew can alter the flavor and aroma, so you can be sure your Tim Hortons Cold Brew is always truly 100% cold from start to finish.
Nutrition and Caffeine Content
If you‘re watching your calorie intake, you‘ll be happy to know that a plain black cold brew from Tim Hortons clocks in at a mere 4 calories per small (286 mL) serving. A medium (425 mL) has just 6 calories, and a large (563 mL) only has 8 calories. However, those numbers can quickly skyrocket once you start adding in milk, cream, sugar, and flavored syrups.
Here‘s how the caffeine content breaks down by size for Tim Hortons Cold Brew:
- Small (286 mL): 130 mg caffeine
- Medium (425 mL): 170 mg caffeine
- Large (563 mL): 430 mg caffeine
To put that in perspective, a small Tim Hortons Cold Brew has about the same amount of caffeine as a 12 oz can of Red Bull, while a large has more than double that. In comparison, here‘s the caffeine content for the same size cold brews at other major coffee chains:
| Chain | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Hortons | 130 mg | 170 mg | 430 mg |
| Starbucks | 155 mg | 205 mg | 310 mg |
| Dunkin‘ | 174 mg | 260 mg | 347 mg |
| McDonald‘s | 140 mg | 185 mg | 270 mg |
| Caribou Coffee | 190 mg | 315 mg | 375 mg |
As you can see, a large Tim Hortons Cold Brew is a serious jolt of caffeine that even outpaces a venti cold brew from Starbucks. Pregnant women, people with heart conditions, and those sensitive to caffeine should carefully monitor their cold brew intake.
Now let‘s compare the nutrition facts for a medium cold brew coffee at Tim Hortons to some of their other popular iced coffee drinks:
| Drink | Calories | Fat | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew Coffee (Black) | 6 | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cold Brew Coffee (Vanilla) | 190 | 10 g | 24 g | 1 g |
| Iced Coffee | 90 | 6 g | 8 g | 1 g |
| Mocha Iced Capp | 280 | 14 g | 29 g | 4 g |
| French Vanilla Iced Capp | 360 | 17 g | 41 g | 6 g |
The vanilla cream cold brew has significantly more calories and sugar compared to the plain black version. An iced coffee is a decent middle ground, while the iced capps are more of an indulgent treat with their sky-high sugar content.
Flavor Options and Customization
In addition to regular cold brew, Tim Hortons offers several tasty flavor variations. The vanilla cream cold brew is a popular pick, with a subtly sweet and smooth flavor that complements the bold cold brew nicely. For those who prefer a nuttier taste, the roasted hazelnut cold brew delivers rich notes that pair perfectly with a splash of creamer.
Tim Hortons also releases limited edition cold brew flavors for different seasons and occasions. Recent examples include a peppermint mocha cold brew for the holidays, an Irish Cream cold brew for St. Patrick‘s Day, and a toasted coconut cold brew for summer. I always look forward to trying their innovative new flavors and making a DIY version at home.
You can also customize your Tim Hortons Cold Brew in countless ways by adding different milks, creamers, syrups, and toppings. Some popular combinations include:
- Vanilla cold brew with oat milk
- Hazelnut cold brew with a mocha swirl
- Plain cold brew with a dash of cinnamon and splash of half & half
- Pumpkin spice syrup and almond milk topped with whipped cream
According to a survey by Statista, the most popular add-ins for cold brew coffee are:
- Milk or creamer (55% of respondents)
- Sugar or other sweeteners (34%)
- Flavor syrups like vanilla or caramel (21%)
- Nothing, drink it black (19%)
Tim Hortons also launched a line of ready-to-drink bottled cold brew in 2022 to meet the growing demand for convenient on-the-go options. The bottled cold brews come in three flavors – original, vanilla, and mocha – and can be found at grocery and convenience stores across Canada.
This move into the retail space was a smart one, as the ready-to-drink coffee market is booming right now. In fact, sales of cold coffee and energy drinks increased by 20% in 2021 according to a report by Mintel. And a survey by the National Coffee Association found that nearly half of all coffee drinkers had a ready-to-drink coffee within the past week.
How It Stacks Up To The Competition
So how does Tim Hortons Cold Brew compare to other heavy hitters in the coffee world? When it comes to price, Tims is pretty middle of the road. A medium cold brew will set you back $2.89, while a medium iced coffee is $2.29. For comparison, here are the prices for a medium cold brew at other popular chains in Canada as of March 2023:
- Starbucks: $3.95
- Second Cup: $3.95
- McDonald‘s: $2.29
- Dunkin‘ Donuts: $3.29
In terms of taste, Tim Hortons Cold Brew consistently ranks high in consumer reviews and taste tests. In a blind taste test conducted by Narcity, Tim Hortons Cold Brew was described as "smooth, not too bitter, and having an almost chocolate-y flavor" and received high marks for its bold yet balanced flavor profile.
Starbucks is often seen as the gold standard for cold brew, thanks to their use of small-batch brewing and high quality single-origin beans. However, their cold brew also tends to be the most expensive. McDonald‘s and Dunkin‘ both offer solid cold brews at a lower price point, but some find them to be more hit-or-miss in terms of flavor and strength.
One area where Tim Hortons could improve is in its sustainability and eco-friendliness. While they have made some strides in recent years, such as introducing strawless lids and reusable cups, they still have a ways to go to catch up to chains like Starbucks who have implemented more comprehensive sustainability initiatives.
As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their coffee habits, offering more sustainable options like in-store recycling programs, compostable cups, and discounts for bringing reusable mugs could give Tim Hortons a competitive edge. Some coffee shops are even experimenting with brewing cold brew using repurposed coffee grounds to cut down on waste!
The Last Drop
At the end of the day, Tim Hortons Cold Brew is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking a smooth, flavorful, and potent pick-me-up. With its 16-hour brewing process, carefully crafted blend of premium beans, and enticing flavor options, it‘s no wonder this caffeinated concoction has become a fan favorite.
Whether you take your cold brew black or load it up with cream and sugar, Tim Hortons has you covered. And with the growing array of limited-edition flavors and ready-to-drink retail options, you can enjoy Tims cold brew anytime, anywhere.
Just be sure to consume this high-octane beverage in moderation – a large Tim Hortons Cold Brew packs a serious caffeine punch! Pair it with one of their famous donuts or breakfast sandwiches for a tasty and energizing meal.
While there is always room for improvement in terms of sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Tim Hortons is taking steps in the right direction. Hopefully they continue to innovate and implement green initiatives to match the quality and care put into their cold brew.
I‘d like to close with a quote from Tims‘ Head of Coffee Excellence Kevin West, who sums up their cold brew philosophy perfectly: "We‘re not in the business of making coffee, we‘re in the business of making people‘s days better. And I truly believe our cold brew does just that – one deliciously smooth sip at a time."
