Dunkin’ vs Tim Hortons: Prices, Menu & Coffee Compared
Verdict in one line: Tim Hortons wins on price and convenience, Dunkin’ wins on coffee strength and espresso range. If you drink black coffee and want caffeine, Dunkin’. If you want the cheapest daily cup, Tim Hortons.
Dunkin’ returns to Canada in late 2026 or early 2027 with a target of 600 to 700 stores. That puts it in direct competition with roughly 3,500 Tim Hortons locations for the same morning commuter. Here is how the two actually compare.
Price Comparison
Dunkin’ Canadian prices have not been announced. The figures below convert current US pricing at approximate rates, which likely understates the eventual Canadian price. Tim Hortons figures are current Canadian pricing.
| Item | Tim Hortons (CAD) | Dunkin’ (Est. CAD) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Brewed Coffee | $2.29 | $3.85 | +$1.56 |
| Large Brewed Coffee | $2.59 | $4.25 | +$1.66 |
| Medium Iced Coffee | $2.79 | $4.80 | +$2.01 |
| Medium Latte | $4.49 | $6.60 | +$2.11 |
| Medium Cold Brew | $3.99 | $6.60 | +$2.61 |
| Single Donut | $1.49 | $2.05 | +$0.56 |
| Dozen Donuts | $13.99 | $17.85 | +$3.86 |
| Breakfast Sandwich | $4.99 | $7.65 | +$2.66 |
| Timbits / Munchkins (10) | $3.29 | $6.30 | +$3.01 |
On a straight read, Tim Hortons is cheaper across every category, and the gap widens on espresso drinks. This is the single biggest obstacle Dunkin’ faces in Canada, and it is the same obstacle Starbucks navigated successfully by competing on product rather than price.
Coffee Strength
This is where Dunkin’ has a genuine advantage, and it is not marginal.
| Drink | Tim Hortons | Dunkin’ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Brewed Coffee | ~105 mg | 150 mg | +43% |
| Medium Brewed Coffee | ~140 mg | 210 mg | +50% |
| Large Brewed Coffee | ~205 mg | 300 mg | +46% |
| Medium Iced Coffee | ~125 mg | 198 mg | +58% |
| Medium Cold Brew | ~180 mg | 220 mg | +22% |
| Medium Latte | ~135 mg | 150 mg | +11% |
Dunkin’ brews at a higher coffee-to-water ratio. A medium Dunkin’ carries roughly the caffeine of a large Tim Hortons. For anyone buying coffee to actually wake up, that changes the value calculation: a $3.85 Dunkin’ medium delivers more caffeine than a $2.59 Tim Hortons large.
Coffee Taste
| Attribute | Tim Hortons | Dunkin’ |
|---|---|---|
| Roast level | Light to medium | Medium |
| Body | Light, thin | Fuller |
| Acidity | Moderate | Brighter |
| Default preparation | Cream and sugar expected | Cream and sugar expected |
| Dark roast option | Yes | Yes |
| Cold brew | Yes | Yes, plus nitro on tap |
| Espresso quality | Adequate | Noticeably better since 2018 reformulation |
Donuts
| Attribute | Tim Hortons | Dunkin’ |
|---|---|---|
| Core flavours | ~20 | ~20 |
| Seasonal rotation | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Signature item | Boston Cream, Apple Fritter | Glazed, Boston Kreme |
| Bite-size product | Timbits | Munchkins |
| Made in store | Finished in store | Finished in store |
| Single price (CAD) | $1.49 | ~$2.05 est. |
| Dozen price (CAD) | $13.99 | ~$17.85 est. |
The donuts are closer than partisans on either side will admit. Both chains centrally produce dough and finish in store. Tim Hortons has the stronger fritter and cruller; Dunkin’ has the better glazed and a meaningfully better filled donut.
Menu Range
| Category | Tim Hortons | Dunkin’ |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed coffee | Yes | Yes |
| Espresso drinks | Yes, limited | Yes, extensive |
| Cold brew / nitro | Cold brew only | Both, nitro on tap |
| Refreshers | Quenchers | Refreshers |
| Breakfast sandwiches | Yes | Yes, all day |
| Lunch items | Soup, wraps, sandwiches, chili | Limited |
| Bagels | Yes | Yes |
| Frozen drinks | Iced Capp | Frozen Coffee, Coolatta |
| Breakfast cutoff | None | None |
Tim Hortons has the broader food menu, particularly at lunch. Dunkin’ has the deeper drinks menu, particularly on espresso and cold coffee.
Rewards Programmes
| Feature | Tims Rewards | Dunkin’ Rewards (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Points per dollar | Points per dollar |
| Earn rate | 10 points per $1 | 10 points per $1 |
| Free drink threshold | ~$14 spend equivalent | ~$15 spend equivalent |
| Birthday reward | Yes | Yes |
| Tiered bonuses | Limited | Yes, Boosted Status |
| Canadian availability | Yes | Not announced |
No Canadian Dunkin’ rewards programme has been announced. Expect one at launch, but the terms are unknown.
Convenience
| Factor | Tim Hortons | Dunkin’ (projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian locations | ~3,500 | 0 today, 600–700 target |
| Drive-thru share | Very high | High |
| Rural coverage | Extensive | Urban-focused initially |
| Mobile ordering | Yes | Yes |
| Average service speed | Fast | Fast |
This is not close and will not be for years. Tim Hortons has five times the target Dunkin’ footprint already built, and its rural coverage is something Dunkin’ is not attempting.
Who Should Choose Which
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| The cheapest daily coffee | Tim Hortons |
| The strongest coffee | Dunkin’ |
| Better espresso drinks | Dunkin’ |
| Nitro cold brew on tap | Dunkin’ |
| Lunch food | Tim Hortons |
| A location within five minutes, anywhere | Tim Hortons |
| More caffeine per dollar | Dunkin’ |
| Cheapest dozen donuts | Tim Hortons |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dunkin’ cheaper than Tim Hortons?
No. Based on US pricing converted to Canadian dollars, Dunkin’ runs higher across every category, with the largest gaps on espresso drinks and bulk donuts. Actual Canadian pricing has not been announced.
Is Dunkin’ coffee stronger than Tim Hortons?
Yes, substantially. A medium Dunkin’ brewed coffee carries roughly 210 mg of caffeine against about 140 mg at Tim Hortons, a difference of around 50 percent.
Which has better donuts?
Subjective, and closer than most people assume. Both finish centrally produced dough in store. Tim Hortons is stronger on fritters and crullers; Dunkin’ on glazed and filled varieties.
Will Dunkin’ hurt Tim Hortons in Canada?
In urban markets, probably somewhat. With 600 to 700 target locations against roughly 3,500 existing Tim Hortons stores, the competitive pressure will concentrate in Toronto, Montreal and other major centres rather than nationally.
What does “regular” mean at each chain?
At Tim Hortons, one cream and one sugar. At Dunkin’, cream and sugar with the amount scaled to cup size. Neither means black.
Does Dunkin’ have Timbits?
Munchkins are the equivalent product. Similar concept, sold in boxes of 10, 25 or 50.
Full Dunkin’ Canada menu → | Caffeine chart → | Canadian opening timeline →
Independent menu guide. Not affiliated with Dunkin’ Brands, Inspire Brands or Foodtastic. Canadian pricing is not yet announced; CAD figures are conversion estimates.