Best Low-Carb Options at Tim Hortons (That Aren’t Just Black Coffee)
Trying to stay low-carb while still enjoying Canada’s most iconic coffee shop? It’s not always easy—Tim Hortons is more famous for donuts than dietary discipline. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck sipping black coffee and watching everyone else enjoy breakfast sandwiches and sugary treats.
Whether you're doing keto, cutting carbs, managing diabetes, or just trying to eat a little cleaner, here are the best low-carb options at Tim Hortons, along with tips for customizing your order so you don’t blow your carb budget before 9 a.m.
☕ 1. Brewed Coffee with Cream
Let’s start simple: brewed coffee is naturally zero-carb, but adding milk or sugar can quickly turn it into a carb-laden drink. Instead, opt for cream, which has more fat and significantly fewer carbs than milk.
Tip: Bring your own low-carb sweetener (like Stevia or Erythritol) if you want a little sweetness without the sugar spike.
Carbs: 0–2g (depending on how much cream you use)
🍳 2. Breakfast Sandwich (No Bun or Biscuit)
Tim Hortons breakfast sandwiches are packed with protein—if you ditch the bread. Ask for your favorite sandwich without the bun, and you'll be left with egg, cheese, and your choice of sausage, bacon, or ham.
Best Combos: Sausage & egg, bacon & cheese, egg & cheddar
Pro Move: Ask for it “in a bowl” or wrapped in lettuce (if they’ll do it)
Carbs: ~2–4g depending on ingredients
🥚 3. Egg & Cheese Omelette Bites
Tim Hortons’ omelette bites are a newer, protein-rich menu item that work well for low-carb eaters. They're compact, flavorful, and available in a few variations.
Common Flavours: Bacon & Cheese, Egg White & Spinach, Jalapeño & Cheddar (seasonal)
Pro Move: Pair them with black coffee or a sausage side for a filling, carb-light breakfast
Carbs: ~2–4g per serving (2 bites)
🥓 4. Bacon or Sausage Side
Ordering just the meat? Totally allowed—and totally low-carb. Many locations will let you order sides of bacon, sausage, or ham without needing to buy the full sandwich.
Tip: Stack with a cheese slice for a DIY low-carb snack
Carbs: 0–1g
🧀 5. Cheddar Cheese Slice or Cheese Snack Pack
While not always listed on the menu, some Tim Hortons locations will sell you cheese slices or offer pre-packed cheese snacks. It’s an easy way to get extra fat and protein without loading up on sugar or starch.
Pro Move: Combine with eggs or meats for a mini low-carb meal
Carbs: ~1g
🥤 6. Iced Coffee (Unsweetened with Cream)
Iced coffee is a great low-carb option—but you have to customize it. The default versions are often loaded with sweetened syrups or milk.
Order it like this: “Medium iced coffee with cream, no base, no sugar”
Bonus Tip: Add your own low-carb flavor drops for variety
Carbs: 1–3g depending on size and cream
🥄 7. Tea with Cream (or Butter!)
Tea is naturally carb-free and can be a great alternative to coffee. Add cream instead of milk to keep carbs low, or if you're really hardcore keto—add a pat of butter to make it a DIY “bulletproof” tea.
Pro Move: Green tea with cream = smooth, low-carb energy
Carbs: 0–2g
🚫 What to Avoid
Even “healthy” looking menu items can be deceptively high in carbs:
Bagels, biscuits, croissants, English muffins – 30–60g of carbs each
Hash browns – starchy and fried
Yogurt parfaits – high in sugar and granola
Oatmeal – healthy reputation, but 40+ grams of carbs
Flavored iced cappuccinos and lattes – loaded with sugar and syrup
Avoid anything pre-sweetened, pre-baked, or labeled “homestyle.”
🧰 Bonus: Build-Your-Own Low-Carb Breakfast
If Tim Hortons doesn’t offer exactly what you want, build it yourself. Use the elements available to create your own low-carb meal:
Step 1: Order a sausage or bacon breakfast sandwich, no bun
Step 2: Add extra cheese or ask for a cheese slice on the side
Step 3: Pair with black or cream coffee
You’ll get protein, fat, and flavor—all without the carb crash.
🧠Low-Carb at Timmies Is Totally Doable
With a little creativity and a willingness to ask for modifications, you can stick to your low-carb lifestyle without skipping your Tims run. Focus on real food: eggs, meat, cheese, and unflavored coffee or tea. Be clear with your customizations, and don’t be shy—Tim Hortons staff are used to requests.
You don’t have to give up your favorite Canadian rituals. Just give up the bun.
