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Tim Hortons Dairy-Free Menu 2025: Drinks, Food Options & Ordering Tips

Tim Hortons is a well-loved Canadian coffee chain known for fresh-brewed coffee, Timbits, and hearty breakfasts. Since opening its first store in 1964, it has grown to over 5,000 locations worldwide, from busy streets in Toronto to drive-thrus across the U.S. and beyond.

If you avoid dairy—because of lactose intolerance, a vegan lifestyle, or milk allergies—you might wonder what you can safely order at Tim Hortons. The good news: there are dairy-free drinks and food options, plus easy ways to customize your order.

In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy Tim Hortons without dairy. I’ll walk you through safe drink choices, food picks, and simple customization tips. You’ll also learn about vegan-friendly overlaps, at-home copycat recipes, and how Tim Hortons compares to other coffee chains.

This guide is clear, practical, and easy to follow—whether you’re a busy parent grabbing coffee on the go or a daily Tim Hortons regular. Let’s get started and make your next Tim Hortons visit dairy-free and delicious.

Why Dairy-Free Matters at Tim Hortons

More and more people are choosing dairy-free options, whether for health, lifestyle, or environmental reasons. Lactose intolerance is common—affecting nearly 7 out of 10 people worldwide—and plant-based diets are growing fast. To meet this demand, Tim Hortons now offers dairy-free milk choices like almond, oat, and soy. In many locations, these are available for basic coffee or tea at no extra cost.

Still, not everything on the menu is dairy-free, and the kitchens aren’t certified dairy-free. This means there’s always a chance of cross-contact with milk products, especially during busy hours. If you have a severe allergy, it’s best to ask staff about ingredients and preparation before ordering.

Tim Hortons Dairy-Free Menu

Based on Tim Hortons’ official 2025 allergen guides for Canada and the U.S., here’s a clear list of items you can enjoy without dairy. These options are made without milk ingredients, but cross-contact is possible. Always double-check at your location—menus and ingredients can vary.

Dairy-Free Milks and Plant-Based Options

Tim Hortons offers several non-dairy milk choices for coffee, tea, and espresso drinks:

  • Canada: Silk Almond, Chobani Oat, Silk Soy.
  • U.S.: Almond, Coconut, Oat.

You can swap these in most drinks. Brewed coffee substitutions are often free, but specialty drinks may have an upcharge—ask locally.

Hot Dairy-Free Drinks

Hot drinks are easy to make dairy-free when ordered black or with plant-based milk:

  • Brewed Coffee: Original Blend, Dark Roast, Decaf (add almond, oat, or soy milk if you like).
  • Espresso Drinks: Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha Latte (use dairy-free milk, skip whipped cream).
  • Flavored Lattes: Caramel Toffee, Vanilla, Roasted Hazelnut (with non-dairy milk, no foam toppings).
  • Teas: Steeped Tea, herbal teas, green tea, London Fog (Canada—use oat milk).
  • Other Hot Options: Espresso Shot, Hot Chocolate (ask if the base is dairy-free, add plant-based milk).

Personal favorite: Dark roast with oat milk—rich, creamy, and no upset stomach.

Cold Dairy-Free Drinks

For a chilled treat, try these options (swap in non-dairy milk when needed):

  • Iced Coffee: Classic, Vanilla, Caramel.
  • Iced Capp™: Original or flavored (no whip, use almond milk).
  • Cold Brew: Black, Vanilla, Roasted Hazelnut (no cold foam, add oat milk).
  • Iced Lattes: Plain, Mocha, White Chocolate Pistachio (no whipped cream or chocolate curls).
  • Quenchers & Refreshers: Strawberry Watermelon, Peach, Orange Tangerine, Strawberry Coconut.
  • Sparkling Quenchers (Canada): Blackberry Yuzu, Wildberry Hibiscus.
  • Frozen Lemonade: Original, Mango, Strawberry (check for “may contain milk” labels).
  • Smoothies: Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana (U.S. versions may contain dairy—ask and skip yogurt).

Dairy-Free Food Options

While bakery choices are limited, you can still find dairy-free food with a few tweaks:

  • Bagels: Plain, Everything, Sesame Seed, 12-Grain, Cinnamon Raisin, Blueberry (ask for no butter; may have “may contain” warning).
  • Spreads: Strawberry Jam, Raspberry Jam, Peanut Butter.
  • Breakfast: Hash Browns, Oatmeal (plain or maple—made with water instead of milk).
  • Sandwiches & Wraps: Order without cheese or butter. Use bagels instead of biscuits. Choose dairy-free sauces like BBQ or ketchup.
  • Lunch: Slow-Cooked Chicken Sandwich (no cheese or creamy sauces).
  • Sides: Kettle Chips (sealed and safe).

No dairy-free donuts or Timbits yet—most baked goods contain milk or butter.

Cross-Contamination Risks and Allergen Warnings

Tim Hortons kitchens use dairy in many menu items, from steamed milk for coffee to cheese on sandwiches. Because the same equipment is often shared, cross-contact with milk is common. The company’s official statement says: “We cannot guarantee allergen-free items due to shared equipment.”

If you have a severe dairy allergy, even a small trace could cause a reaction. During one of my road trips in Ontario, I ordered a dairy-free latte. The barista made it using the same steamer wand used for regular milk. That was a wake-up call—always tell staff you have an allergy and ask them to use clean tools. If your sensitivity is mild, you might be fine, but people with celiac disease or strict vegan diets may want to avoid most food items.

Tips for Ordering Dairy-Free at Tim Hortons

Here are some easy ways to make sure your order stays dairy-free at Tim Hortons:

  • Order with the App – Use the Tim Hortons app to choose non-dairy milk and remove dairy toppings before you arrive. This helps reduce mistakes.
  • Be Clear When Ordering – Tell the staff, “I have a dairy allergy. Please use clean tools and almond milk.” Clear communication lowers the chance of cross-contact.
  • Choose Simple Drinks – Black coffee or tea is the safest option. If you like sweet flavors, add your own syrups at home.
  • Check Local Options – In the U.S., Tim Hortons offers coconut milk. In Canada, oat milk became available nationwide in 2025.
  • Go During Off-Peak Hours – Ordering when it’s less busy means staff can take more care in preparing your drink.
  • Double-Check Syrups – Some seasonal flavors, like caramel in the U.S., may contain dairy. Always ask before adding them.
  • Pick Safe Food Combos – A hot black coffee with crispy hash browns makes a quick dairy-free breakfast.

Pro Tip: Since 2025, there’s no extra charge for non-dairy milk in basic drinks. That means you can enjoy an oat milk latte for the same price as regular milk.

Dairy-Free Copycat Recipes

Want the taste of Tim Hortons without worrying about dairy or cross-contact? Try these simple, dairy-free recipes you can make at home. They use everyday ingredients and are easy for beginners.

1. Dairy-Free Iced Capp

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1 cup almond milk (or oat milk for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
  • 2 cups ice
  • Optional: 1 shot sugar-free hazelnut syrup

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and frothy, like a slushie.
  3. Pour into a tall glass and serve immediately.

Why It Works: The almond or oat milk gives a creamy texture without any dairy—perfect for warm days.
Calories: About 150 per serving.

2. Vegan Hash Browns

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium potatoes, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Squeeze excess water from grated potatoes using a clean towel.
  2. Shape into small patties.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet and fry for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Why It Works: The crispy outside and tender inside mimic Tim Hortons’ style. Add fresh herbs for extra flavor.

3. Plant-Based Caramel Latte

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
  • 1 cup oat milk, heated
  • 1 teaspoon caramel syrup
  • Cinnamon for topping

Instructions:

  1. Froth the oat milk until light and creamy.
  2. Pour milk over espresso.
  3. Stir in caramel syrup and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Why It Works: Oat milk creates a rich, smooth texture—just like your favorite drive-thru latte, but 100% dairy-free.

Bonus Tip: These recipes guarantee no dairy cross-contamination and can be adjusted for other dietary needs like soy-free or nut-free.

FAQs About Dairy-Free at Tim Hortons

What non-dairy milk options does Tim Hortons have?
In Canada, you can choose almond, oat, or soy milk. In the U.S., the options are almond, coconut, or oat milk. Most brewed coffee drinks come with these milk alternatives at no extra cost.

Are Tim Hortons bagels dairy-free?
Most bagel flavors, like plain and everything, do not have milk as an ingredient, but they may be made in areas where dairy is present. To keep them dairy-free, ask for no butter or cream cheese.

Can I order a dairy-free Iced Capp?
Yes. Ask for almond or oat milk instead of cream and skip the whipped topping. This version is a popular choice for people who are vegan or lactose-intolerant.

Does Tim Hortons have cross-contamination risks?
Yes. Since the same tools and equipment are used for dairy and non-dairy items, there is a chance of cross-contact. If you have a severe dairy allergy, it’s safest to check the latest allergen guide on Tim Hortons’ website.

What vegan items can I get at Tim Hortons?
Several dairy-free menu items are also vegan. Some examples are black coffee, hash browns, and bagels with jam. For more options, see Tim Hortons’ official vegan menu guide.

Wrapping Up

Tim Hortons has plenty of dairy-free drink options for coffee and tea lovers. You can easily customize your order with plant-based milks like oat, almond, or soy. While there is still a small risk of cross-contamination, knowing what to order and asking staff for help can make your visit smooth.

From my own visits across Canada and the U.S., I’ve found that an oat milk cold brew is always a safe and tasty choice. If you want to try something different, check out the dairy-free recipes above or explore other coffee shop alternatives.

Do you have your own dairy-free Tim Hortons tips? Share them in the comments below!

Mark Taylor
Latest posts by Mark Taylor (see all)

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I’m not affiliated with Tim Hortons or any of its official partners. This website is based on my personal experiences, visits, and research across various Tim Hortons locations in Canada. All the information shared here is for general reference and is meant to help fellow coffee and donut lovers make the most of their next visit. Thanks for reading—and enjoy your Tim's run!

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