Best and Worst Donuts at Tim Hortons (Taste Test & Rankings)
Tim Hortons and donuts go together like hockey and maple syrup. But let’s be honest—not all Timmies donuts are created equal. Some are iconic, others are dry sugar bombs barely hanging on. If you’ve ever stood in line debating between a Boston Cream or a Honey Cruller, this guide is for you.
We taste-tested a variety of Tim Hortons donuts and ranked them based on flavor, texture, freshness, and overall satisfaction. Here's the ultimate rundown on the best and worst donuts at Tim Hortons—so you know which ones to grab and which ones to skip.
🍩 The Top 5 BEST Donuts at Tim Hortons
🥇 1. Boston Cream
Why it wins: The soft yeast donut, creamy vanilla custard filling, and rich chocolate glaze make this the perfect balanced bite.
Flavor: Classic and satisfying
Texture: Soft, not too chewy
Vibe: Always feels like a treat
Verdict: Timeless. If you only get one, get this.
🥈 2. Honey Cruller
Why it’s great: Light, airy, and sweet without being too sugary. The cruller is almost melt-in-your-mouth soft with a beautiful honey glaze.
Flavor: Subtle but satisfying
Texture: Dreamy, like biting into a cloud
Vibe: Great with coffee
Verdict: A sleeper hit that’s beloved for a reason.
🥉 3. Apple Fritter
Why it stands out: Hearty and nostalgic, the apple fritter has chunks of apple and a satisfying cinnamon glaze. It's chewy, sticky, and filling.
Flavor: Warm apple cinnamon vibes
Texture: Dense but moist
Vibe: Like fall in your mouth
Verdict: Not fancy, but deeply satisfying.
4. Vanilla Dip (with Sprinkles)
Why it works: It’s a kid favorite, but honestly, adults love it too. A soft ring donut with sweet vanilla icing and colorful sprinkles—it’s cheerful and nostalgic.
Flavor: Pure sugar hit
Texture: Pillowy and fun
Vibe: Birthday party energy
Verdict: The most Instagrammable donut.
5. Double Chocolate
Why it's popular: A chocolate cake donut with chocolate glaze. Rich, cakey, and a chocolate lover’s dream.
Flavor: Bold cocoa hit
Texture: Moist and dense
Vibe: Decadent and indulgent
Verdict: The donut version of a brownie.
😬 The 5 WORST Donuts at Tim Hortons
❌ 1. Old-Fashioned Plain
Why it flops: Dry. Bland. Dense. This donut feels like a punishment unless dipped directly into hot coffee.
Flavor: What flavor?
Texture: Dry and crumbly
Vibe: Sad
Verdict: Feels like it forgot the rest of the recipe.
❌ 2. Chocolate Glazed
Why it misses: It’s neither cake nor yeast—just an awkward in-between with a synthetic chocolate flavor.
Flavor: Artificial chocolate
Texture: Meh
Vibe: Chocolate impersonator
Verdict: There are better chocolate options.
❌ 3. Maple Dip
Why it underwhelms: The maple flavor tastes more like sugar than actual maple. And it often arrives overly sweet and sticky.
Flavor: Too much sugar, not enough maple
Texture: Depends on the batch
Vibe: Like a disappointing cousin of Boston Cream
Verdict: Only if your first choice is sold out.
❌ 4. Sour Cream Glazed
Why it falls short: It wants to be a dense, tangy cake donut, but usually ends up greasy and cloying.
Flavor: Overly sweet
Texture: Oily
Vibe: Heavy in all the wrong ways
Verdict: Meh. Not worth the calories.
❌ 5. Strawberry Filled
Why it flops: The filling is bright red, overly sweet, and tastes like candy—not real fruit.
Flavor: Artificial and overpowering
Texture: Gummy filling + squishy dough
Vibe: Childhood regret
Verdict: Skip unless you're desperate—or six years old.
🎉 Honourable Mentions
🍪 Timbits (Assorted)
Great for indecisive donut lovers
Always a mix of highs and lows
The sour cream glazed Timbit somehow works better in mini form
🍩 Seasonal Donuts
These can be hit or miss—some holiday specials are incredible (like the Cadbury Cream Egg donut), others are sugar overloads
🥜 Canadian Maple
A love-it-or-hate-it option. Great if you like that sweet maple filling, but polarizing in taste
🧠 Choose Your Donut Wisely
Tim Hortons has an iconic place in Canadian culture, and its donuts still hold their own when they hit right. Stick to the classics—Boston Cream, Honey Cruller, and Apple Fritter—and you’ll walk away happy. The worst offenders tend to be overly sweet, oddly textured, or just plain boring.
Best Advice: If it looks dry, it probably is. If it’s covered in icing and nostalgia, you’re golden.
