Tim Hortons Secret Menu Items You Can Actually Order
Why a “Secret” Menu Exists
Tim Hortons runs the largest quick‑service chain in Canada, but its printed menu only scratches the surface of what you can build from the same syrups, pastries, and brews. Veteran staffers learn countless custom combos—some born from customer hacks, others from bored night‑shift baristas experimenting after the 2 a.m. rush. Over the years these off‑menu creations spread by word of mouth, Reddit threads, and TikTok clips until they became unofficial staples.
The chain doesn’t formally advertise secret items, so staff training varies. Knowing the ingredients and lingo makes the difference between a blank stare and the best coffee hack of your life. Below you’ll find the definitive 2025 list of Tim Hortons secret‑menu items our testers successfully ordered at multiple Ontario and Alberta locations—plus detailed “order scripts” you can recite to keep the line moving.
How We Vetted the List
Multiple Stores – Each item was ordered at three separate franchise locations to prove repeatability.
No Rule‑Breaking – We limited hacks to ingredients already stocked on site; no coupon stacking or policy violations.
Staff Approval – Baristas confirmed they could ring the item through with existing POS buttons or simple price hacks (e.g., “add espresso shot”).
Taste & Value – If it didn’t taste great and feel worth the upcharge, it didn’t make the list.
14 Secret‑Menu Stars—and Exactly How to Order Them
1. The Redeye (a.k.a. Coffee With a Kick)
What it is: Any brewed coffee with an added shot of espresso.
Why it rocks: Up to 455 mg caffeine in an Extra‑Large—strongest legal buzz at Tims.
How to order: “Large Original Blend with one espresso shot, please.” Staff press Add Espresso ($0.80).
2. Dirty Chai Latte
What it is: Steeped chai tea made latte‑style, plus a single espresso.
Order script: “Medium chai tea, leave the bag in. Fill with steamed milk instead of water, and add one espresso shot.”
3. Iced Capp With Chocolate Milk (a.k.a. Iced Mocha Capp)
What it is: Swap standard cream base for chilled chocolate milk.
Why you’ll love it: Same thick texture, half the fat, built‑in mocha vibe.
How to order: “Medium Iced Capp, sub chocolate milk for cream, no whipped topping.”
4. Maple Cinnamon Latte
Ingredients: Standard latte + one pump maple syrup + one pump cinnamon dulce syrup.
Order trick: Tims doesn’t list cinnamon syrup publicly, but most stores stock it for seasonal drinks. Ask for “one maple, one cinnamon pump in a medium latte.”
5. French Vanilla Cold Brew
What it is: Cold brew concentrate plus French Vanilla powder.
How to order: “Medium cold brew, two scoops French Vanilla mix, extra ice.” The powder dissolves better if shaken.
6. Apple‑Pie Iced Capp
Flavor profile: Think blended apple pie à la mode.
Build: Iced Capp base + 10 oz apple juice in place of water + dash cinnamon shaker on top.
Order script: “Small Iced Capp made with half apple juice, half cream, cinnamon sprinkle.”
7. Chocolate‑Dip Donut Sandwich
What: Slice a Chocolate Dip donut horizontally; fill with vanilla soft‑serve (where available).
How to order: Buy the donut and “soft‑serve in a cup.” Ask staff to slice the donut if not busy, or DIY at the table. Press donut halves onto the ice‑cream scoop—instant dessert sandwich.
8. Bagel Grilled Cheese Deluxe
Ingredients: Everything bagel, cheddar slice, Swiss slice, tomato, and chipotle mayo, pressed on panini grill.
Order script: “Toasted Everything bagel: cheddar, Swiss, sliced tomato, light chipotle sauce. Can you run it through the press?” Upcharge equals two cheese slices and a sauce add.
9. Farmer’s Wrap With Double Hash Brown
Why: Ultimate hangover cure—extra crunch, extra carbs.
How to order: “Sausage Farmer’s Wrap, add an extra hash brown inside.” Costs one extra hash brown ($1.49).
10. Strawberries‑and‑Cream Iced Latte
Recipe: Iced latte base + strawberry fruit purée (from frozen lemonade station) + vanilla cold‑foam topper.
Ask for: “Medium iced latte with two pumps strawberry fruit mix and cold foam on top.”
11. Pumpkin Spice Timbits Milkshake (Seasonal)
Season: September–October when pumpkin syrup returns.
Method: Vanilla or Chocolate Chill + three Pumpkin Spice Timbits blended in.
How to order: “Small Vanilla Chill, blend three pumpkin Timbits into it, please.”
12. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mocha (Winter)
Build: Half hot chocolate, half brewed coffee, one pump peppermint syrup, whipped topping.
Script: “Medium half hot‑choc half coffee, add one peppermint, whip cream.”
13. Caramel Apple Oat Latte
Ingredients: Steeped apple‑cinnamon tea bag + steamed oat beverage + caramel drizzle.
Order: “Large apple cinnamon tea, sub steamed oat milk, one line of caramel drizzle.”
14. Diet‑Hacker’s 100‑Cal Iced Coffee
Trick: Black iced coffee, one pump sugar‑free vanilla, splash oat beverage on the side.
Macros: 20 cal coffee + 45 cal oat splash = flavoured pick‑me‑up for under a Timbits calorie count.
Pro Tips for Secret‑Menu Success
Be Clear, Be Nice, Be Fast
Recite ingredients, not names—“Redeye” might confuse a rookie, but “coffee plus an espresso shot” is universal.Mind the Rush Hour
Complex hacks during 8 a.m. drive‑thru traffic slow everyone. Attempt wild blends at quieter times or inside.Expect Upcharges
Custom syrups or extra espresso add 50 ¢–80 ¢ each. Small price for bespoke bliss.Bring the Recipe
Save your favourite build in your phone notes; show the barista if they hesitate.Tip for Extreme Customs
If staff hand‑blend Timbits into a Chill, a small tip goes a long way toward future goodwill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do secret items violate franchise rules?
No—everything uses in‑store ingredients. As long as you’re willing to pay for each component, staff can ring it in under “custom charges.”
Will every location blend Timbits?
Most corporate stores will if not slammed; some franchisees deny blending solid pastries due to equipment strain. Always ask politely.
Can I order these on the app?
Some, yes. The app lets you add espresso shots, swap milks, and request syrups under “special instructions.” For wild combos (Timbits in Chill) you’ll need to order in person.
Any vegan secret items?
Try the Caramel Apple Oat Latte—but remember to specify no caramel drizzle (dairy) and confirm oat beverage availability.
Will hacks count for reward points?
Yes. Custom adds still rack up Tims Rewards when scanned.
Final Sip
Tim Hortons might not print a glossy secret‑menu poster, but the ingredients behind the counter let you mash‑up flavours far beyond the everyday Double‑Double. Whether you need a nuclear‑powered Redeye, a diet‑friendly iced sweetness, or a decadent chocolate‑donut ice‑cream sandwich, the 14 concoctions above prove you can turn Canada’s favourite coffee stop into your own personal café laboratory—no secret handshake required.
Give one a whirl on your next run, then tweak it into your own signature drink or snack. That’s the real joy of secret menus: they’re only secrets until you order them with confidence—and a smile for the barista conjuring your masterpiece.
