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What’s in a French Vanilla at Tim Hortons? Ingredients, Caffeine, Price, and More

If you’ve ever stepped into a Tim Hortons and wanted something sweet, creamy, and comforting, you’ve probably thought about trying their French Vanilla. This popular drink, also known as a French Vanilla Cappuccino, is a Canadian favorite. It offers a smooth and cozy change from regular Tim Hortons coffee.

But what exactly is in a Tim Hortons French Vanilla? Does it have a lot of caffeine? And how much does it cost in 2025?

In this simple guide, you’ll find clear answers about its ingredients, caffeine content, and price. You’ll also learn how to enjoy this drink at home with a few easy tips. Whether you’re a regular Timmies fan or trying it for the first time, this article will help you get the most out of your French Vanilla experience.

Let’s get started!

What Is a French Vanilla at Tim Hortons?

The Tim Hortons French Vanilla is a sweet and creamy drink with a cappuccino-style taste. It’s made from a special French Vanilla powder mix that’s blended with hot water or milk using a machine in the store. The result is a warm, frothy drink that feels more like a dessert than a regular coffee. It’s often compared to a mix between coffee and hot chocolate, with a smooth vanilla flavor that’s sweeter and milder than a latte.

It’s important not to confuse this with the French Vanilla Latte, which is made with espresso and steamed milk. That version has a stronger coffee flavor. The regular French Vanilla is perfect for people who want a softer, sweeter drink—great for students, office workers, or anyone who wants a cozy treat without too much caffeine.

In Canada, this drink is a fan favorite. Many people enjoy it with Timbits or a donut, making it a classic part of the Tim Hortons experience.

What’s in a Tim Hortons French Vanilla?

The Tim Hortons French Vanilla is made from a powder mix that creates its sweet, creamy flavor. Here’s what’s inside:

  • Sugar and corn syrup solids – These give the drink its rich sweetness.
  • Modified milk ingredients – These make the drink creamy, but they may cause problems for people who are lactose intolerant.
  • Maltodextrin – A type of carbohydrate that adds thickness and smooth texture.
  • Coconut oil – Makes the drink feel rich and creamy. (Note: coconut is considered a tree nut allergen.)
  • Instant coffee – Provides the light coffee flavor and adds caffeine.
  • Cocoa powder – Adds a small chocolate flavor and also contributes to the caffeine content.
  • Artificial vanilla flavor – This gives the drink its classic sweet vanilla taste.
  • Stabilizers and additives – Includes guar gum, dipotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and others to keep the texture smooth and the drink stable.

At Tim Hortons, the powder mix is combined with hot water (or milk in some locations) using a special machine. This process makes the drink foamy and consistent every time. For an Iced French Vanilla, the powder is blended with cold water and ice.

The instant coffee in the mix uses 100% Arabica beans, which gives the drink a smooth base. But the artificial vanilla flavor makes it taste different from drinks like Starbucks’ Vanilla Latte, which use real vanilla and espresso.

Allergen warning: The French Vanilla contains milk, cocoa, and coconut oil, which may be unsafe for people with dairy or tree nut allergies. There’s also a chance of cross-contamination in busy kitchens, so let staff know if you have food allergies before ordering.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Tim Hortons French Vanilla?

Yes, there is caffeine in a Tim Hortons French Vanilla, but it’s much lower than regular coffee, making it a milder choice. The caffeine comes from the instant coffee and cocoa in the powder mix. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Small (10 oz): ~56–60 mg caffeine (6 mg/oz).
  • Medium (14 oz): ~60 mg caffeine.
  • Large (20 oz): ~80 mg caffeine.

For comparison:

  • Tim Hortons medium regular coffee (14 oz): 205 mg caffeine.
  • Red Bull (8.4 oz): ~80 mg.
  • Coca-Cola (12 oz): ~34 mg.

The French Vanilla’s caffeine is about 3/4 the strength of a Red Bull for a small, so it’s a gentle boost, ideal for late-day sipping without keeping you up all night.,,

Tips for Caffeine-Sensitive Folks:

  • Ask for a “half-coffee” modification to reduce caffeine (some locations mix with decaf).
  • Avoid adding espresso shots, which increase caffeine (e.g., one shot adds ~75 mg).
  • Opt for decaf coffee-based drinks if available, though the powder mix itself has no decaf option.

How Much Is a French Vanilla at Tim Hortons?

As of August 2025, the price of a French Vanilla at Tim Hortons in Canada varies by size and location:

  • Small (10 oz): $2.48
  • Medium (14 oz): $2.69
  • Large (20 oz): $2.90

These prices are slightly higher than regular coffee (e.g., medium coffee at $1.83–$2.22) due to the specialized powder mix. Regional variations apply:

  • Urban Areas (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver): Closer to $2.48–$2.69.
  • Rural Areas or Delivery: May reach $2.79–$2.99 due to taxes or fees.
  • Historical Trends: Prices have risen modestly (e.g., medium was $2.49 in 2022).

Delivery orders via apps like Uber Eats often cost $0.30–$0.50 more. Check the Tim Hortons app for exact pricing at your local store.

Why Choose a French Vanilla?

The French Vanilla is a hit for its sweet, creamy, vanilla-forward flavor with a smooth, frothy finish. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Taste Profile: It’s like a dessert in a cup—sweet but not cloying, with vanilla and subtle coffee notes. The cocoa adds a hint of chocolatey warmth.
  • Appeal: Perfect for non-coffee drinkers or those wanting a treat. It’s less intense than an Iced Capp or Latte, making it versatile for all ages.
  • Customization:
    • Hot or Iced: Hot for cozy days, iced for summer refreshment.
    • Milk Swap: Some locations offer milk instead of water for extra creaminess.
    • Espresso Boost: Add one or two shots for a stronger coffee kick (~75–150 mg extra caffeine).
    • Sweetness Control: Request less powder for a milder taste.
  • Versatility: Pairs well with Timbits, donuts, or a breakfast sandwich.

Pro Tip: Try an iced French Vanilla with a caramel syrup shot for a decadent twist (~$0.50 extra).

Making French Vanilla at Home

Love the French Vanilla but want to save money? Tim Hortons offers products to recreate it at home:

  • Instant Cappuccino Mix (454g): $5.98–$9.12 at retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
  • K-Cups (12–96 pods): ~$9.12 for 12 pods, using 100% Arabica beans with vanilla flavor.
  • Fine Grind Coffee (300g): ~$7.99 for medium roast with vanilla notes.

Preparation:

  • Mix 2–3 tablespoons of cappuccino mix with 6–8 oz hot water or milk. Stir well for froth.
  • For K-Cups, use a Keurig with 6–8 oz water; add milk for creaminess.
  • For fine grind, brew with a coffee maker and add vanilla extract or sugar to mimic the taste.

Challenge: Customers note the home mix doesn’t always match the in-store version. In-store machines use more powder (up to 5 heaping tablespoons per cup), creating a richer flavor. To get close, experiment with extra powder or a hand blender for froth.,,

Cost Savings: A 454g can makes ~30 cups at ~$0.20–$0.30 each, vs. $2.69 in-store—a savings of over 80%!

Allergens and Dietary Considerations

The French Vanilla contains milk, cocoa, and coconut oil, making it unsuitable for those with:

  • Dairy allergies (due to modified milk ingredients).
  • Cocoa allergies (from the powder mix).
  • Tree nut allergies (coconut oil).

Cross-Contamination Risk: Tim Hortons’ kitchens use shared equipment, so traces of allergens may remain. If you have severe allergies, inform staff and request fresh utensils or machines. For home products, always check labels, as packaging may vary.,

Vegan Options: Limited, as the powder contains milk derivatives. Some locations offer almond milk for in-store drinks, but confirm availability. For a vegan alternative, try a coffee with plant-based milk and vanilla syrup.

The Tim Hortons French Vanilla Experience

Introduced in the 1980s as a sweeter alternative to Tim Hortons’ Original Blend, the French Vanilla quickly became a fan favorite. It’s a staple for students cramming for exams, workers needing a quick treat, or families grabbing a sweet drink with Timbits. The drink’s frothy texture and dessert-like flavor make it a comfort choice, often described as “a hug in a cup.”

Tim Hortons, founded in 1964 by NHL legend Tim Horton, uses 100% Arabica beans from top regions for its instant coffee component, ensuring a smooth base. The brand’s commitment to consistency—through rigorous taste testing—keeps the French Vanilla’s flavor reliable across its 5,000+ global locations. Sustainability efforts include supporting fair wages for coffee farmers, though specific sourcing details are less public.

Comparison to Other Tim Hortons Drinks

  • French Vanilla vs. Regular Coffee: French Vanilla is sweeter, creamier, and has less caffeine (60 mg vs. 205 mg for medium). Regular coffee is bolder, with a nutty or smoky taste.
  • French Vanilla vs. Iced Capp: French Vanilla is less icy and more coffee-forward, while Iced Capp is a blended, dessert-like drink.
  • French Vanilla vs. Latte: French Vanilla uses powder and water, while the Latte uses espresso and steamed milk for a stronger coffee flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there caffeine in Tim Hortons French Vanilla?
Yes, it contains ~56–60 mg (small), ~60 mg (medium), and ~80 mg (large) from instant coffee and cocoa. It’s milder than regular coffee (205 mg for medium).

2. Can you make French Vanilla without coffee?
The standard powder mix includes instant coffee, so it’s not coffee-free. You could request a hot chocolate with vanilla syrup as a substitute, but it won’t be identical.

4. Are there low-sugar or decaf options?
No low-sugar powder mix is available, but you can request less powder in-store. Decaf isn’t offered for French Vanilla, but you can ask for a half-coffee mod with decaf.

5. How do I make it taste like in-store at home?
Use 3–5 tablespoons of cappuccino mix with 6 oz hot milk, stir vigorously, or use a hand blender for froth. Adjust powder to taste, as in-store machines use more.

Conclusion

A Tim Hortons French Vanilla is a sweet, creamy delight made from a powder mix with sugars, milk, coconut oil, instant coffee, cocoa, and vanilla flavor. Priced at $2.48–$2.90 in 2025, it delivers ~60 mg of caffeine in a medium (14 oz), making it a milder, dessert-like alternative to regular coffee. Whether you sip it hot, iced, or brew it at home, it’s a Canadian classic that’s hard to resist. Try customizing it with an espresso shot, join Tims Rewards for deals, or grab a can of mix to enjoy the flavor anytime. What’s your favorite way to savor a French Vanilla? Share in the comments!

Mark Taylor
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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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