Tim Hortons Allergen Guide: Navigating the Menu Safely

This allergen guide is based on publicly available Tim Hortons ingredient information and is intended as a general reference. **Always verify directly with your local Tim Hortons location before ordering if you have a food allergy.** Cross-contamination is possible at all Tim Hortons locations due to shared equipment, fryers, and preparation surfaces. Tim Hortons does not guarantee any item is free from allergens.

**Wheat/Gluten:** Present in virtually all baked goods, sandwiches, wraps, bagels, flatbread pizzas, and some soups. The only reliably wheat-free items are beverages, Omelette Bites, hash browns (check with location), and some sides. **Dairy/Milk:** Present in most baked goods, cream-based coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, Iced Capps, hot chocolate, cream cheese, cheese in sandwiches, and soups. Black coffee, steeped tea, and some juices/lemonades are dairy-free. **Eggs:** Found in all breakfast sandwiches, Omelette Bites, some baked goods (muffins, cookies, croissants), and some sauces. **Soy:** Present in many baked goods, breads, and some sauces. Soy lecithin is a common ingredient in Tim Hortons baked goods. **Tree Nuts/Peanuts:** Banana Pecan Muffin contains pecans, Reese's Dream Cookie contains peanut-derived ingredients, and peanut butter is available as a bagel topping. Cross-contamination risk exists for all baked goods.

**Wheat/Gluten-Free (Use Caution — Cross-Contamination Possible):** - Black coffee (all varieties) - Steeped tea, bagged tea - Omelette Bites (all varieties) - Hash Brown (verify with location) - Some soups (verify — many contain flour thickeners) **Dairy-Free:** - Black coffee (all varieties) - Steeped tea (no milk) - Some juices and lemonades - Plain bagels and bread (no butter or cream cheese) - Some sandwiches without cheese **Egg-Free:** - All beverages - Most baked goods (check specific items — many do contain eggs) - Bagels (plain, without egg topping) - Most lunch sandwiches (without egg-based sauces) **Nut-Free (Avoid Cross-Contamination):** - Most menu items do not contain nuts, but cross-contamination is possible in all baked goods - Specifically avoid: Banana Pecan Muffin, Reese's Dream Cookie, Peanut Butter bagel topping

**1. Communicate Clearly:** Tell the cashier about your allergy before ordering. Most Tim Hortons locations have allergen information available upon request. **2. Avoid Peak Hours:** During busy periods, cross-contamination risk increases as staff work faster and utensils may be shared more frequently. **3. Stick to Simple Items:** The simpler the item, the lower the risk. Black coffee and steeped tea have the fewest ingredients and lowest risk. **4. Check Online First:** Tim Hortons Canada provides allergen information on their official website. Review before visiting. **5. Carry Emergency Medication:** If you have a severe allergy (anaphylaxis risk), always carry your EpiPen or equivalent when eating at any restaurant. **6. Be Cautious with "May Contain" Items:** Tim Hortons uses shared equipment. Even items that do not list an allergen as an ingredient may have been prepared on shared surfaces.