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How Much Caffeine is in a Medium Tim Hortons Coffee?

Tim Hortons is a favorite coffee stop for many, serving up fresh brews that kickstart mornings and fuel busy days. A good lot of Tim Hortons patrons go for the medium size. But do you know how much caffeine is actually in your medium Tim Hortons coffee? 

Knowing your caffeine intake is important, not just for staying alert but also for managing your health and energy levels throughout the day.

This article breaks down the caffeine content in a medium Tim Hortons coffee, how it compares to other Tim Hortons offerings, and tips for managing your caffeine intake. 

What is a Medium Tim Hortons Coffee?

Coffee sizes can vary quite a bit depending on the brand or coffee shop. 

Tim Hortons’ medium coffee comes in a 14-ounce cup, which is slightly smaller than Starbucks’ medium “Grande” size at 16 ounces. Dunkin’ Donuts also serves a 14-ounce medium, while McDonald’s medium coffee usually comes in a 16-ounce cup. 

These differences mean that when you order a medium coffee, the actual volume—and therefore the caffeine amount—can vary depending on where you buy it.

Tim Hortons offers multiple kinds of coffee blends, including the Original Blend, Coffee Dark Roast, and sometimes seasonal or specialty blends. This article focuses primarily on the medium Original Blend coffee, though caffeine content can vary slightly depending on the blend you choose.

Coffee Poured into Tall Glass

How Much Caffeine is in a Medium Tim Hortons Coffee?

So, how much caffeine is actually in that medium cup? 

For the medium Original Blend coffee, you can expect approximately 205 milligrams of caffeine. This amount is enough to give you a solid energy boost without going overboard for most adults.

Here’s how the caffeine content compares across Tim Hortons cup sizes:

  • Small (10 oz / 286 mL): 140 mg caffeine
  • Medium (14 oz / 425 mL): 205 mg caffeine
  • Large (20 oz / 563 mL): 270 mg caffeine
  • Extra Large (24 oz / 678 mL): 330 mg caffeine

If you’re curious about how this compares to other popular coffee chains, a medium Starbucks brewed coffee typically contains 310 mg of caffeine, while a medium Dunkin’ coffee comes in at about 210 to 300 mg of caffeine, depending on the blend and brewing method. 

What Does This Amount of Caffeine Mean for You?

Consuming about 200 milligrams of caffeine gives most people a nice energy boost and helps improve focus and alertness. The effects typically kick in within 15 to 45 minutes and can last for several hours.

Health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend that most adults limit their caffeine intake to around 400 milligrams per day, so a medium Tim Hortons coffee fits well within safe limits. 

However, some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine or may need to cut back. These include: 

  • Pregnant women: It’s generally recommended to limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day. Some healthcare providers advise avoiding caffeine entirely to reduce risks.
  • People with certain heart conditions or anxiety disorders: Caffeine can worsen symptoms, so it’s often advised to limit intake to under 200 milligrams daily or avoid it altogether based on medical advice.
  • Children and adolescents: Experts suggest limiting caffeine to no more than 100 milligrams per day for teenagers, and ideally avoiding it for younger children.
  • Individuals sensitive to caffeine or prone to insomnia: It’s best to reduce or avoid caffeine to prevent sleep disturbances, jitters, or increased heart rate.

Tips for Managing Your Caffeine Intake at Tim Hortons

If you want to control how much caffeine you consume at Tim Hortons, there are simple ways to adjust your order without sacrificing enjoyment. Here are some easy tips to help you manage your caffeine intake:

  • Choose Smaller Sizes: Opt for a small (10 to 12 oz) or medium (14 oz) coffee instead of large or extra-large sizes, as caffeine content increases with volume.
  • Try decaf: Tim Hortons offers decaffeinated coffee that lets you enjoy the flavor without the buzz.
  • Pick a lighter roast: Lighter roasts generally have slightly less caffeine than dark roasts.
  • Limit Espresso Shots: Espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos have caffeine from espresso shots (about 45 mg per shot). Choosing fewer shots or smaller sizes can help control caffeine levels.
  • Skip or Limit Iced Coffees and Specialty Drinks: Iced cappuccinos and mocha coffee typically have 130 to 215 mg caffeine, which can add up quickly. Being mindful of these can help manage total caffeine intake and caffeine craving.
  • Switch to tea or hot chocolate: Both are lower in caffeine (or caffeine-free) and offer tasty alternatives.
  • Ask for Half-Caf or Decaf Mix: Some Tim Hortons locations may allow mixing regular and decaf coffee to reduce caffeine while keeping flavor.
Coffee in a To Go Paper cup

Decaf Options and How They Compare

Tim Hortons offers decaf versions of their classic coffee blends, allowing you to enjoy that familiar rich flavor without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

A typical medium decaf coffee at Tim Hortons contains about 2 to 15 milligrams of caffeine, which is significantly less than the 200 milligrams found in the regular medium Original Blend. 

This small amount of caffeine is usually not enough to cause any noticeable energy boost or jitters, making decaf a smart choice for those sensitive to caffeine or looking to enjoy coffee later in the day without disrupting sleep.

Comparing Caffeine in Other Tim Hortons Drinks

If coffee isn’t your only go-to at Tim Hortons, you might be curious how the caffeine in other popular drinks stacks up against that medium Original Blend. Here’s how they compare: 

  • Iced Cappuccino (Medium): 200 milligrams of caffeine.
  • Dark Roast Coffee (Medium): Roughly 200 milligrams of caffeine.
  • Latte or Cappuccino (Medium): 50 to 200 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the number of espresso shots and coffee type. Dream Latte Vanilla and Vanilla Coffee, for example, contains only 50 milligrams of caffeine, while classic cappuccino contains 200 milligrams.
  • Tim Hortons Tea (Medium): 35 to 125 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the tea. Steeped tea has a higher caffeine content than bagged tea.
  • Hot Chocolate (Medium): About 5 to 20 milligrams, mostly from the cocoa. 

The Final Scoop 

Knowing how much caffeine is in your medium Tim Hortons coffee helps you make smarter choices about your daily buzz. With around 200 milligrams of caffeine, it’s a solid pick for a reliable energy boost that won’t leave you bouncing off the walls—unless you’re extra sensitive, of course.

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