Tim Hortons vs Starbucks: Who Offers the Best Brew for Your Buck?

In Canada, few things are as divisive as our coffee shop allegiances. We proudly link arms during the Stanley Cup playoffs. But ask us which coffee chain is the best, and those fault lines run deep. Between Tim Hortons and Starbucks, which one delivers the best bang for your buck? Spoiler alert, prices aren’t everything.  

A tale of two coffeehouses: Tim Hortons vs Starbucks

Every day millions of Canadians walk into their favourite coffee shop. One is homegrown, the other is a global juggernaut. This battle of Tim Hortons vs Starbucks isn’t just about who brews a better java, it’s about every aspect that makes you consistently pick one over the other. For some of us, that includes the brand’s origin story and how it impacts the way we perceive value. 

Canada’s very own: Tim Hortons

If the Great White North had an unofficial mascot, it’d be Tim Hortons. Named after the beloved hockey player Miles Gilbert “Tim” Horton, the chain has a strong presence across Canada with over 4,200 locations from coast to coast.

Famous for its “Double-Double” coffee with two sugars and two creams, the Tims menu is a comfort-food Nirvana. Donuts, muffins, and their iconic Timbits are basically a national delicacy. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve been trying to replicate that Chili recipe for years!

On the downside, Tim Hortons is no longer a Canadian-owned national treasure. In 2014, it merged with Burger King, and both are now owned by a holding company based in Toronto. However, that holding company is majority-owned by 3G Capital, a Brazilian investment firm.

The global behemoth: Starbucks

Starbucks, on the other hand, is a Seattle-born global giant boasting over 1,400 locations across Canada, and nearly 33,000 locations around the world. Known for its wide variety of specialty drinks and trendy atmosphere, Starbucks brews an entirely different vibe than Tim Hortons. 

From the cultural sensation that is the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) to its signature Pike Place Medium Roast, the Starbucks menu provides an array of unique flavours and endless options to customize your experience. For this reason, Starbucks is the mothership for anyone who has ever wanted to drink their own personality. In fact, the Starbucks order has practically become an identity marker. 

Comparing costs: Tim Hortons vs Starbucks menu prices

Who offers the best value for your money, Tim Hortons or Starbucks? Well, that depends. One coffee shop is significantly cheaper than the other. But does that mean better value, or do you get what you pay for?  

Tim Hortons prices

• Medium 14 oz coffee: $1.83

Tim Horton’s prides itself on being the budget-friendly choice for Canadians. A medium black coffee typically costs around $1.83, a price point that remains largely consistent across locations. This affordability has made Tim Hortons an essential part of daily life for many Canadians. 

Before I worked from home, I’d buy two dozen muffins for the office every payday, costing me a scant $32 before tax. And my husband frequently brings home boxes of leftover donuts gifted by loyal customers on a weekly basis.

Starbucks prices

• Grande 16 oz coffee: $2.95

On the other hand, Starbucks offers a different kind of value. The brand elicits mental images of celebrities, posh stay-at-home moms, and Wall Street suits for a reason. A grande black coffee costs $2.95, which is 40% more expensive than Tim’s. 

The higher prices might seem like a trade-off for a more extensive, eclectic, and highly customizable menu – with an air of superiority for good measure. But the actual reason may be more quantifiable than that. 

Cost per ounce

 A medium coffee at Tim Hortons is 14 ounces. At Starbucks, a “medium” is called “Grande,” and you get 16 ounces of coffee. To see which one gives you the best value for money, we have to break it down to price per ounce: 

Now we can see that a Grande coffee from Starbucks is only 30% more expensive than a medium coffee from Tim Hortons. That’s far less shocking, and we’re talking a mere $0.05 difference in the price per ounce of coffee between the two chains.

Sourcing the beans: Tim Hortons vs Starbucks coffee blends

Whether you’re a die-hard Timmies fan or a Starbucks aficionado, remember that the best value doesn’t always mean the cheapest price. There’s a lot that goes into a great cup of coffee. Where the beans come from, how they’re grown, and roasting methods affect both quality and price.  

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons sources its coffee beans from several regions around the world, including Colombia and Guatemala. Multi-sourcing allows their “Master Blenders” to create a distinctive taste profile for their brew by combining beans from different regions.

More specifically, Tim Hortons uses a blend of 100% Arabica beans, known for their delicate, nuanced flavour and lower acidity compared to other coffee bean species. Tim Hortons claims their beans undergo a rigorous quality control process from the moment they’re picked until they reach your cup. 

Having said that, coffee quality is also a function of how the beans are roasted. According to their website, Tim Hortons roasts their beans in small batches out of a single facility in Ancaster, Ontario. This allows the brand to maintain consistency. Their ‘Always Fresh’ philosophy means coffee is brewed every 20 minutes to ensure you always get a fresh cup.

But the coffee lineup is limited to the Tim Hortons Original Blend, as well as their newish Dark Roast Blend that launched in 2014. If you’re looking for diverse premium blends with complex flavour profiles, you won’t find any here. In this case, Timmies is better suited to someone who just wants a basic coffee on the fly – which is accurately reflected in the price. 

Starbucks

Starbucks also prides itself on sourcing high-quality coffee beans from various regions across the world, such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Their commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical fair trade means Starbucks invests in farmer support centers, fair pricing, and forest conservation efforts. This strategy directly impacts the quality of their beans while providing a meaningful and sustainable income for their farmers. 

Like Timmies, Starbucks uses 100% Arabica beans but diverges when it comes to roasting. Starbucks is famous for its dark roasting technique that results in a richer, deeper flavour, often with a hint of caramel or chocolate notes. The process takes longer and is more involved, but it’s perfect if you prefer a bold, intense coffee to jolt you awake. 

In addition to its flagship Pike Place Medium Roast house blend, Starbucks also offers several single-origin coffees. These beans give coffee snobs (like me) access to new flavours exclusive to a specific geographical region. These blends cost a bit more, but the varied taste profiles appeal to a high-brow crowd who value a unique experience beyond the classic cup of joe.

And all that sophistication comes at a cost. Sustainability, fair trade, and product diversity are reflected in the overall higher prices. If these things are important to you, then the price point is on point. Otherwise, you’re paying for frills that don’t add value to your experience. 

Menu matchup: Tim Hortons vs Starbucks food items 

Coffee without a treat is like a kiss that isn’t sweet. If you like to pair your java with a little snacky snack, then you really have to choose wisely. Tim Hortons vs Starbucks offer two very different and distinct food menus that, again, have an impact on perceived value. 

Tim Hortons

• Donut: $1.49
• Muffin: $1.99
• Timbits: $0.33
  

Beyond quick coffee, Tim Hortons is famous for its home-style baked goods. From their emblematic donuts and Timbits to a variety of muffins, cookies, and bagels, there’s something for everyone. Their menu also includes hot breakfast sandwiches, wraps, soups, and even burrito bowls that offer more substantial fare if you’re hankering for a meal.

Most of the baked goods are delivered to each store as frozen, par-baked items from regional warehouses and then finished in ovens on-site. This helps maintain a consistent product across all locations. While this method may not offer “artisanal bakery freshness,” the taste and quality are predictable across locations. That no-frill simplicity is also reflected in the lower price-point. 

For example, a standard donut costs $1.49 and a standard muffin is $1.99. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Timbits, a Canadian delicacy that costs just $0.33 each or a bargain $2.99 for a pack of 10. Some breakfast and lunch items can be ordered as a combo that includes a drink and some other side. 

Starbucks

• Muffin:$3.65
• Scone: $1.95
• Cakepop: $3.25

Starbucks offers a more diverse and sophisticated menu that includes Parisian-inspired Boulangerie baked goods, paninis, yogurts, egg bites, and more. The pastry case often features an array of croissants, muffins, scones, cookies, loaves & cakes, and their wildly popular Cake Pops. Starbucks also offers hot sandwiches and a range of ‘Bistro Boxes’, which are packaged charcuterie-type meals perfect for the elder millennial nostalgic for their childhood Lunchables. 

Most Starbucks food items are prepared off-site and delivered to stores, with certain items warmed upon order. The quality is generally high, and the selection of bakery items is far more extensive than that of Tim Hortons, featuring more haute cuisine and health-conscious options. And unlike Timmies, you won’t find any donuts here. 

Again, this comes with a higher price tag that aligns with Starbucks’ premium brand positioning. For example, a muffin or a breakfast sandwich can set you back anywhere from $4 to $6. And keep in mind that breakfast and lunch sandwiches are always a la carte, which means they’re never sold as a combo with other items. 

Order customization: Tim Hortons vs Starbucks drink options

Both brands allow you to customize your order, but one is the clear winner when it comes to almost complete control over your drink. Starbucks excels in this category with a highly customizable menu. 

Starbucks

Here, you can choose your milk, syrup, and even the intensity of your coffee. There are multiple dairy options to choose from that range from heavy cream to lactose-free milk, as well as non-dairy substitutes like almond, coconut, soy, and oat milk. They also offer a more extensive variety of flavoured syrups as well as a few sugar-free options. You can even go so far as to choose the temperature of your hot drink. 

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons also offers customization, though not as extensive, focusing heavily on straightforward, consistent offerings. Dairy options are limited to cream and 2% milk, and your non-dairy options are limited to just almond and soy. If you want to add a flavour shot, you’re limited to just 3 basic flavours and no sugar-free options. 

Kid-friendly fare: Tim Hortons vs Starbucks for tiny humans

If you have little kids, you know you can’t just zip through the drive-through without getting a treat for your tiny humans. Each chain offers kid-friendly snacks like Timbits from Tim Hortons, or the world-famous Birthday Cake Pop from Starbucks. Both are a huge hit with kids. 

Kid’s treats

• Tim Horton’s Timbit: $0.33
• Starbucks Cake Pop: $3.25

Once again, Tim Hortons win this round with cheap Timbits costing about $0.33 each, whereas a Starbucks Cake Pop, while much fancier and more exciting, will set you back $3.25. You’ll be hemorrhaging money if you have more than one kid in the car.

Kid’s drinks

• Tim Horton’s small Hot Chocolate: $1.99
• Starbucks Kids Hot Chocolate: $2.65
  

But when it comes to kid’s drinks, Starbucks takes home the gold. Tim Hortons’ smallest size is the standard Small. In my opinion, it’s too big for kids under 8. Also, you can’t control the temperature by asking for a cooler beverage, it’s made to the same temperature as an adult Hot Chocolate.  

Starbucks, however, offers wonderfully tiny kid-sized drinks that are served at a much cooler temperature, with the ability to request an even cooler temp if you want. Plus, there are tons of kid-friendly hot drink options far beyond a basic Hot Chocolate. 

The Caramel Apple Spice is a hidden gem for kids that tastes like hot apple pie. It’s steamed apple juice with a Cinnamon Dolce flavour shot, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle for $3.95. You can also ask for a kid-sized Steamer, which is any dairy or non-dairy option of your choice with a flavour shot and steamed to a kid-friendly temperature for $2.65. 

As you can see, the average price point for kid-fare is much lower at Tim Hortons vs Starbucks. But I am totally willing to pay a bit extra for the right size, temperature, and variety available for kids. 

Loyalty programs: Tim Hortons vs Starbucks rewards

Navigating the java jungle of loyalty programs can be just as tough as choosing between a Caramel Macchiato or a toasted bagel with cream cheese on a Monday morning. Luckily, both coffee chains have rewards programs that help stretch your Loonie. But in the battle of Tim Hortons vs Starbucks, how do they stack up head-to-head?

Tim’s Rewards

Tim Hortons’ Tims Rewards program is relatively straightforward: for every $1.00 spent, you earn 10 Tims Rewards points. Points can be redeemed for food, drinks, and more. The program also gives you access to exclusive offers and discounts. Just head over to the App Store or Google Play to download the Tim Horton app.

For a smoother experience, add it to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay on your mobile device. If you don’t own a smartphone, fret not. You can create an account on the Tim Hortons website.

To start earning Tim Hortons points, scan your physical card or the QR code on your phone each time you’re craving a donut, longing for a cup of coffee, or in the mood for a hearty chilli lunch. Ordering ahead through the app is also an option and lets you dodge long lines if you pre-pay by linking a payment card.

Earn more points with a Tim Hortons credit card

Tim Hortons will soon be rolling out a credit card designed to seamlessly integrate with its mobile app. This no-fee Mastercard will be issued by Neo Financial.

Cardholders will earn up to 5 Tims Rewards points per dollar on gas, groceries, and transit, and a whopping 15 points per dollar on eligible spends at Tim Hortons restaurants. Those interested can join a waitlist on the Tims Financial website.

Starbucks Stars

The Starbucks Rewards program is more complex, offering 1 Star for every $1 spent by scanning your app and paying separately. But you can double that to 2 Stars per $1 spent if you pay through the app by pre-loading it with a linked payment card. Stars can be redeemed for free food, drinks, and more. Starbucks app users also get access to order ahead, free in-store refills, and special member events and offers  

Starbucks gives cardholders tons of opportunities to earn Bonus Stars. Double Star Day is once a week, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Then, you also get special weekly offers to unlock bonus Stars by ordering certain items, or by ordering a certain number of times by a specific date. 

After accumulating 25 Stars, you’re entitled to customize your beverage with something like an espresso or flavour shot. Reach 100 Stars, and you can claim a freebie like a coffee, specialty drink, or a buttery croissant. At 200 Stars, a lunch is within reach, depending on your hunger level. Once you hit 300 Stars, choose between a lunch sandwich or a bag of coffee to take home. A bounty of 400 Stars even earns you Starbucks merchandise like those gorgeous limited edition mugs.

Earn more Stars with a TD credit card & Aeroplan

Starbucks has joined forces with the Aeroplan rewards program and TD Rewards to provide even more opportunities to earn extra Stars and exclusive benefits. Just link your Starbucks Rewards account to your Aeroplan account (or to your TD credit card) in the app.

TD Credit Cards and TD Access Cardholders with Visa Debit gain 50% more Stars at Starbucks (1.5 Stars per dollar spent). Certain TD Cards also permit the conversion of TD Rewards points into Stars, providing added flexibility!

With an Aeroplan membership, every $75 or more added to your Starbucks card in the app earns you 100 Aeroplan points. For additions ranging from $50 to $74.99, you receive 25 points. These Aeroplan points can be converted into Stars, starting at 400 Aeroplan points for 100 Stars.

Which loyalty program is better?

Now for the million-dollar question, who has the better loyalty program? That boils down to how quickly you can accumulate points and how much they’re worth. Let’s compare a Tim Hortons Large Coffee to a Starbucks Venti Coffee, both serving sizes are 20 ounces.

The value of Tim Hortons Points 

You earn 10 points per $1 spent. Therefore, to accumulate 400 points for a free large coffee, you would need to spend $40, because:

400 points / 10 points per dollar = $40

In this case, 400 Tims Points are worth $2.07, which is the cost of a large coffee. Therefore, each point is worth approximately $0.0052: 

 $2.07 / 400 points = $0.0052 per point

The value of Starbucks Stars

You earn 2 Stars per $1 spent. Therefore, to accumulate 100 Stars for a free Venti (large) coffee, you would need to spend $50, because:

100 Stars / 2 Stars per dollar = $50

In this case, 100 Starbucks Stars are worth $3.45, which is the cost of a Venti coffee. Therefore, each Star is worth approximately $0.0345:

$3.45 / 100 Stars = $0.0345 per Star

The rewards verdict

Even though you don’t have to spend as much money at Tim Hortons in order to earn a free coffee, Starbucks Stars are worth 563% more when it comes time to redeem. Keep in mind that the redemption value will change depending on exactly what you order, no matter which loyalty program you choose.

For example, Starbucks Stars are even more valuable if you upgrade your drink with add-ons like a premium non-dairy substitute, espresso shots, flavoured syrups, caramel or chocolate drizzle, etc. 

Tim Hortons vs Starbucks: Who wins the war for your wallet?

The only thing more personal than personal finance is how you like your coffee. So when it comes to which brand gives you the best bang for your buck, that depends entirely on your caffeine preferences and expectations. 

The award for best price goes to…

The award for most budget-friendly coffee shop obviously goes to Tim Hortons with a much cheaper menu. That’s great news if you want a basic coffee and donut for the cheapest price possible. Plus, there are significantly more Tim Hortons locations across Canada, making it the most convenient option for your morning pick-me-up. 

Timmies also offers actual meals, like soups, sandwiches, and their classic Chili bowl. But the baked goods are standard fare and nothing to write home about. In fact, Mclean’s magazine described Tim Hortons as “a great place to buy a muffin if you’ve always wondered what it would be like to eat blueberry air.” And it’s definitely not my go-to cafe when the kids are craving a hot drink after a long day of tobogganing. 

When it comes to the loyalty program, there is the potential to accumulate points more quickly than with Starbucks, but you have to redeem significantly more of them for a standard coffee. And while your points are worth more if you modify your drink with add-ons, your options are significantly limited. 

And the award for best quality goes to…

When it comes to a more holistic definition of value for money, Starbucks wins my vote every day – and twice on Sunday. This has a lot to do with my personal preferences though. I am 100% a coffee snob who can taste the subtle nuances from one blend to the next, much like a wine sommelier. I appreciate having easy access to new premium blends and the freedom to tailor my drink to my exact mood. 

I find the rewards program to be incredibly rewarding. It doesn’t take long to accumulate enough points to get a free drink worth over $12 after I’ve gone wild with an obscene number of add-ons. Both of my children prefer Starbucks for the kid-friendly hot drinks and Cake Pops, which are basically crack for kids. 

I am willing to spend the extra money in order to get a bespoke product I know I will love. But I also spend within my budget and strategically visit both brands to optimize savings. For office parties, treating loved ones, and hurried coffee breaks – I pick Tim Hortons. For self-care, a sip of luxury, and taming wild animals disguised as children – I choose Starbucks. 

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