What's Covered in This Guide
The Tim Hortons secret menu isn't printed on any menu board or listed in the Tim Hortons app — but it's very real, and it lets you enjoy specialty coffeehouse drinks and gourmet sandwiches for up to 50% less than premium cafe chains. It's a growing collection of creative drink and food combinations that customers and employees have discovered using standard ingredients already available at every Tim Hortons location across Canada.
Unlike official promotional items that come and go, these secret menu Tim Hortons hacks can be ordered year-round — as long as you know what to ask for. This page is the most complete guide to the Tims secret menu available online: featuring all 14 items, exact ordering scripts, taste profiles, estimated calories, price comparisons, and insider tips from actual Tim Hortons employees.
Whether you're a daily regular looking to shake up your morning routine or you've never ordered anything beyond a double-double, this guide will show you exactly how to unlock the secret Tim Hortons menu on your next visit.
What Is the Tim Hortons Secret Menu?
Tim Hortons does not have an official, company-sanctioned secret menu. There's no hidden button on the register and no special code words that unlock a back-room beverage list. What the Tim Hortons secret menu really is: a set of custom drink and food modifications that customers have created and shared on Reddit, TikTok, and word of mouth.
Every item on this list is made from standard Tim Hortons ingredients — coffees, teas, syrups, dairy options, and regular food items — combined in ways that aren't listed on the menu board. Think of it as the "off-menu" experience at Tims.
Why It Works
All ingredients are already in-store.
You're not asking for anything the location doesn't carry — just a different combination of what's already behind the counter.
Most hacks take seconds to prepare.
The best secret menu Tim Hortons items require only one or two extra steps — adding a syrup, swapping a milk, or dropping in a tea bag.
Employees can accommodate simple requests.
Tim Hortons staff are generally happy to customize orders when you're polite, specific, and ordering during non-peak hours.
Important
Because these items aren't programmed into the point-of-sale system, you should never order by the "hack name" (e.g., "I'll have a Coffee Crisp Iced Capp"). Instead, describe the exact ingredients and modifications you want. We'll show you exactly how to do this for every item below.
Tim Hortons Secret Menu Drinks
Drinks are the heart of the Tims secret menu. These are the most popular and reliably available custom beverages, verified through community reports and employee feedback. Each entry includes the exact wording you should use when ordering.
The Wayne Gretzky
The most iconic secret Tim Hortons menu item
Named after #99 himself. It's an absurdly sweet, absurdly creamy coffee that's become a Canadian legend.
| Base Drink | Any size brewed coffee (Original Blend or Dark Roast) |
| How to Order | "Can I get a [size] coffee with 9 creams and 9 sugars?" |
| Taste Profile | Extremely sweet and creamy — more like a dessert than a coffee |
| Est. Calories | ~450–550 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Easy — no special prep needed |
| Availability | All locations, any time |
Why it's famous: 9 creams + 9 sugars = jersey number 99 (Wayne Gretzky). It started as a hockey culture joke and became a legitimate Tim Hortons ordering phenomenon. Some regulars order a "half Gretzky" (4 creams, 5 sugars) for a less extreme version.
Pro tip: If the cashier looks confused, just say "nine and nine" — most Tim Hortons employees in Canada will know exactly what you mean.
Black Forest Iced Capp
TikTok favourite — chocolate meets raspberry
One of the most popular Tim Hortons secret menu drinks on TikTok and Reddit. It turns a regular Iced Capp into something that tastes like a Black Forest cake in drinkable form.
| Base Drink | Iced Capp (any size) |
| How to Order | "Can I get an Iced Capp made with chocolate milk instead of cream, and add 3 pumps of raspberry syrup?" |
| Taste Profile | Rich chocolate with a tart raspberry finish — like chocolate-covered raspberries |
| Est. Calories | ~380–480 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Easy — just two modifications |
| Availability | Most locations (requires raspberry syrup — confirm before ordering) |
Insider tip: If your location doesn't carry raspberry syrup, ask for strawberry syrup instead. It won't be exactly the same, but you'll still get a fruit-chocolate combo that works beautifully.
Coffee Crisp Iced Capp
Named after the beloved Canadian candy bar
This hack recreates that signature Coffee Crisp flavour — sweet, nutty coffee with a chocolate-wafer undertone.
| Base Drink | Creamy Chocolate Chill (any size) |
| How to Order | "Can I get a Creamy Chocolate Chill with a shot of espresso added?" |
| Taste Profile | Sweet chocolate and coffee — like a melted Coffee Crisp bar |
| Est. Calories | ~420–520 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Easy — single add-on |
| Availability | Locations with espresso machines (most locations) |
Variation: For a hot version, order a White Hot Chocolate with 3 pumps of maple syrup and a shot of espresso. It's a different take on the Coffee Crisp flavour profile that works especially well in winter.
The Cheap Mocha (Half-and-Half)
⭐ Best Value Pick
The most budget-friendly secret menu Tim Hortons hack. It gives you a café mocha experience at regular coffee prices.
| Base Drink | Brewed coffee + Hot chocolate (split) |
| How to Order | "Can I get a [size] that's half coffee, half hot chocolate?" |
| Taste Profile | Smooth chocolate-coffee blend — richer than black coffee, less sweet than hot chocolate |
| Est. Calories | ~180–260 cal (medium, without added cream/sugar) |
| Difficulty | Very easy — both drinks come from dispensers |
| Availability | All locations, any time |
Why it's a favourite: A regular mocha at most coffee shops costs $5–$7. This hack costs whatever a regular coffee costs at your location — typically under $2.50 for a medium. The taste difference is minimal. This is arguably the highest-value item on the entire Tims secret menu.
London Fog
Classic coffeehouse drink — available if you ask right
A classic coffeehouse drink that Tim Hortons doesn't officially list, but can absolutely make if you ask correctly.
| Base Drink | Steeped Tea (Earl Grey) |
| How to Order | "Can I get an Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and a pump of vanilla syrup?" |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, floral, lightly sweet — bergamot and vanilla |
| Est. Calories | ~120–180 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Medium — requires steamed milk and vanilla syrup |
| Availability | Locations with espresso/steamer stations and vanilla syrup |
Backup plan: If your Tim Hortons doesn't have a steamer, ask for Earl Grey tea with hot milk on the side and a drizzle of honey. It's not a true London Fog, but it's close and always available. You can also explore our Tim Hortons matcha taste guide for another specialty café alternative.
Chocolate Milk Iced Capp
The simplest and most reliable upgrade
One substitution completely transforms the drink. Many Tim Hortons employees say this is the most commonly requested "off-menu" modification.
| Base Drink | Iced Capp (any size) |
| How to Order | "Can I get an Iced Capp made with chocolate milk instead of cream?" |
| Taste Profile | Richer, more dessert-like — chocolate milkshake meets iced coffee |
| Est. Calories | ~350–430 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Very easy — single substitution |
| Availability | All locations that carry chocolate milk (most do) |
Why it works: Regular Iced Capps are made with cream, which creates a rich texture but a neutral flavour base. Swapping to chocolate milk adds a genuine chocolate note without making it overly sweet.
Chai Tea White Hot Chocolate
Cozy spiced twist — perfect for fall and winter
A cozy, spiced twist on the standard white hot chocolate that's especially popular during fall and winter.
| Base Drink | White Hot Chocolate (any size) |
| How to Order | "Can I get a White Hot Chocolate with a chai tea bag steeped in it?" |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, warm spice — cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla |
| Est. Calories | ~300–380 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Easy — just adding a tea bag |
| Availability | All locations with chai tea bags and white hot chocolate |
Best in: November through February. The warm spices in the chai pair perfectly with the sweetness of white hot chocolate. If you like Starbucks' Chai Tea Latte but prefer Tim Hortons pricing, this is your go-to.
Red Eye Coffee (Shot in the Dark)
For serious caffeine — not for the faint-hearted
The secret menu Tim Hortons order for anyone who needs serious caffeine. A standard coffee isn't enough — this one adds an espresso shot for a genuine caffeine kick.
| Base Drink | Brewed coffee (any size, any roast) |
| How to Order | "Can I get a [size] coffee with a shot of espresso added?" |
| Taste Profile | Bold, intense, slightly bitter — significantly stronger than regular coffee |
| Est. Calories | ~5–15 cal (black) — same as regular coffee plus espresso |
| Difficulty | Very easy — single addition |
| Availability | Locations with espresso machines |
Caffeine levels: A medium Tim Hortons coffee has roughly 205 mg of caffeine. Adding an espresso shot adds about 75 mg more, bringing the total to approximately 280 mg — nearly the 400 mg daily limit recommended by Health Canada in a single drink.
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Year-round candy cane vibes
Tim Hortons occasionally releases a seasonal peppermint hot chocolate, but you don't need to wait for the holidays. This Tims secret menu hack gives you the same experience year-round.
| Base Drink | White Hot Chocolate (any size) |
| How to Order | "Can I get a White Hot Chocolate and steep a peppermint tea bag in it?" |
| Taste Profile | Smooth, minty, sweet — like a liquid candy cane |
| Est. Calories | ~300–380 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Easy — just a tea bag addition |
| Availability | All locations with peppermint tea and white hot chocolate |
Seasonal tip: This tastes even better during the holiday season when some locations carry peppermint-flavoured syrups. Ask if they have peppermint syrup — if yes, use that instead of the tea bag for a smoother mint flavour.
Lemon Meringue Pie Chill
Dessert-inspired frozen drink
A dessert-inspired frozen drink that tastes surprisingly close to actual lemon meringue pie. This is one of the more creative items on the secret Tim Hortons menu.
| Base Drink | Frozen Lemonade (any size) |
| How to Order | "Can I get a Frozen Lemonade with whipped topping blended in?" |
| Taste Profile | Tart, creamy, sweet — like a lemon meringue pie in slush form |
| Est. Calories | ~280–380 cal (medium) |
| Difficulty | Medium — blending whipped topping requires an extra step |
| Availability | Locations with frozen lemonade and whipped topping (seasonal in some areas) |
Best ordered: During summer months when frozen lemonade is widely available. The whipped topping creates a creamy, meringue-like texture that transforms a simple lemonade into something genuinely special.
Tim Hortons Secret Menu Food Hacks
The Tim Hortons secret menu isn't just drinks. These food hacks use existing menu items in creative ways to create completely new eating experiences. All of these have been confirmed to work at most Canadian Tim Hortons locations.
The Hash Brown Breakfast Sandwich
The #1 most popular Tims food hack
The single most popular food hack on the Tims secret menu. Instead of keeping your hash brown on the side, you put it inside the breakfast sandwich or a Farmer's Wrap.
| Base Item | Any breakfast sandwich + hash brown |
| How to Order | "Can I get a [breakfast sandwich] and a hash brown, and could you put the hash brown inside the sandwich?" |
| Why It Works | Adds crunch, saltiness, and potato flavour to every bite |
| Est. Extra Calories | ~100–120 cal (one hash brown) |
| Best Sandwich Pairing | Bacon, Egg & Cheese on English Muffin or Biscuit |
| Availability | All locations during breakfast hours |
Employee insight: Many Tim Hortons employees actually eat their own breakfast sandwiches this way. If the staff is busy, you can always order both items separately and assemble the sandwich yourself — the result is exactly the same.
For more on Tim Hortons breakfast menu items and prices, see our complete breakfast guide. You can also check Tim Hortons breakfast hours to make sure you arrive while hot breakfast is still available.
Loaded Grilled Cheese
Turn basic into deli-style
Tim Hortons' standard grilled cheese is simple — bread and cheese. But you can turn it into a loaded, deli-style sandwich with a few add-ons.
| Base Item | Grilled Cheese Sandwich |
| How to Order | "Can I get a Grilled Cheese with bacon, tomato, and onion added?" |
| Taste Profile | Rich, savoury, with more texture and substance than the basic version |
| Est. Calories | ~450–580 cal (depending on add-ons) |
| Extra Cost | Small upcharge for bacon; veggies may be free |
| Availability | All locations that serve grilled cheese |
Upgrade tip: Ask them to use the panini press (if the location has one). Pressing the sandwich gives you a crunchier exterior and ensures the cheese melts completely around the add-ons.
Deli-Style Bagel
From plain to proper deli sandwich
Tim Hortons bagels with cream cheese are a menu staple, but they're plain. This hack turns them into something you'd order at an actual deli.
| Base Item | Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese |
| How to Order | "Can I get an Everything Bagel with cream cheese, and add lettuce, tomato, cucumber, salt, and pepper?" |
| Taste Profile | Fresh, crunchy, savoury — like a proper deli sandwich |
| Est. Calories | ~350–420 cal |
| Extra Cost | Usually free for basic veggie add-ons |
| Availability | All locations |
Best variation: Try an Everything Bagel with herb & garlic cream cheese, plus all the veggie add-ons. The garlic in the cream cheese plus the Everything Bagel seasoning creates a flavour combination that rivals any deli sandwich at a fraction of the price.
The Panino Press Hack
Transform any sandwich into a hot panino
Many Tim Hortons locations have a panini press. If yours does, you can ask to have almost any sandwich pressed flat and toasted — transforming a soft, standard sandwich into a hot, crispy panino.
| Base Item | Any cold sandwich, wrap, or grilled cheese |
| How to Order | "Could you press this on the panini press for me?" |
| Why It Works | Creates a crispy exterior, melts the cheese properly, warms the fillings |
| Extra Cost | Usually none |
| Best Items to Press | Grilled cheese, Turkey Bacon Club, Chicken Ranch wrap |
| Availability | Only locations with a panini press — not all stores have one |
Note: During peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 11:30 AM–1:00 PM), staff may decline this request because the panini press takes time and slows down the line. Your best bet is mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Check our lunch hours guide to plan accordingly.
Tim Hortons Secret Menu Cheat Sheet
Here's every secret menu Tim Hortons item in one table. Bookmark this page or screenshot this chart for your next visit.
| Item | Type | What to Say | Est. Cal | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wayne Gretzky | Hot Coffee | Coffee with 9 creams, 9 sugars | ~450–550 | Easy |
| Black Forest Iced Capp | Cold Drink | Iced Capp with chocolate milk + 3 pumps raspberry syrup | ~380–480 | Easy |
| Coffee Crisp Iced Capp | Cold Drink | Creamy Chocolate Chill + espresso shot | ~420–520 | Easy |
| The Cheap Mocha | Hot Drink | Half coffee, half hot chocolate | ~180–260 | Very Easy |
| London Fog | Hot Tea | Earl Grey + steamed milk + vanilla syrup | ~120–180 | Medium |
| Chocolate Milk Iced Capp | Cold Drink | Iced Capp made with chocolate milk | ~350–430 | Very Easy |
| Chai Tea White Hot Choc | Hot Drink | White Hot Chocolate + chai tea bag | ~300–380 | Easy |
| Red Eye Coffee | Hot Coffee | Brewed coffee + espresso shot | ~5–15 | Very Easy |
| Peppermint White Hot Choc | Hot Drink | White Hot Chocolate + peppermint tea bag | ~300–380 | Easy |
| Lemon Meringue Pie Chill | Cold Drink | Frozen Lemonade + whipped topping blended in | ~280–380 | Medium |
| Hash Brown Sandwich | Food | Any breakfast sandwich + hash brown inside | +100–120 | Very Easy |
| Loaded Grilled Cheese | Food | Grilled cheese + bacon, tomato, onion | ~450–580 | Easy |
| Deli-Style Bagel | Food | Everything Bagel + cream cheese + lettuce, tomato, cucumber | ~350–420 | Easy |
| Panino Press | Food | Ask any sandwich to be pressed on panini press | Same | Easy |
How to Order from the Tim Hortons Secret Menu
Ordering from the secret Tim Hortons menu isn't complicated, but there's an etiquette to it. Follow these rules and you'll get your custom order right every time.
Never Use the "Hack Name"
If you walk up to the counter and ask for a "Black Forest Iced Capp" or a "Coffee Crisp Chill," the cashier will almost certainly have no idea what you're talking about. These names were invented by customers online — they don't exist in the Tim Hortons system.
✓ Describe the base drink or food item first, then list the modifications one by one. Example: "Can I get an Iced Capp made with chocolate milk, and add 3 pumps of raspberry syrup?"
Keep It to One or Two Modifications
The most successful Tims secret menu orders are the ones that take only a few extra seconds to prepare. If you're asking for five custom modifications, you're holding up the line and making the employee's job harder. Stick to one or two changes maximum.
Order During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid the 7:00–9:00 AM rush and the 11:30 AM–1:00 PM lunch rush. Mid-morning (9:30–11:00 AM) and mid-afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM) are the best times to try custom orders. The staff has more time, and they're more likely to say yes to special requests.
Be Polite and Prepared to Pay Extra
Some modifications — especially adding espresso shots, extra bacon, or specialty syrups — will cost extra. This is normal. Don't argue about upcharges for customizations. The extra $0.50–$1.50 is worth the upgraded experience.
Check Ingredient Availability First
Not every Tim Hortons location carries every ingredient. Before ordering, you can politely ask: "Do you carry raspberry syrup?" or "Do you have white hot chocolate?" If they don't, have a backup plan (we've included alternatives for every item above).
Available Syrups & Add-Ons at Most Locations
Here's a general guide to what most Canadian Tim Hortons locations stock. Availability can vary by region and franchise owner.
| Category | Commonly Available | Sometimes Available |
|---|---|---|
| Syrups | Vanilla, Caramel, Chocolate | Raspberry, Hazelnut, Maple (seasonal) |
| Milk Options | Whole milk, Cream, Chocolate milk | Oat milk, Almond milk, Coconut milk |
| Tea Bags | Earl Grey, Peppermint, Green Tea, Orange Pekoe | Chai, Chamomile |
| Espresso | Available at most locations | Some older/smaller kiosks may not have espresso machines |
| Toppings | Whipped topping, Chocolate drizzle | Cold foam, Sprinkles (seasonal) |
Best Secret Menu Items by Diet
Not every Tim Hortons secret menu item works for every diet. Here's a breakdown of the best options depending on your nutritional goals. For full nutrition facts, check our dedicated guide, or use our interactive Tim Hortons nutrition calculator to customize your macros. You can also review our Tim Hortons allergen guide before ordering.
Lowest Calorie
- Red Eye Coffee (black) — ~5–15 cal
- London Fog — ~120–180 cal
- The Cheap Mocha — ~180–260 cal
Best for a Sugar Fix
- Black Forest Iced Capp — chocolate + raspberry
- Lemon Meringue Pie Chill — sweet, tart, creamy
- The Wayne Gretzky — pure, unapologetic sweetness
Best for High Protein
- Hash Brown Breakfast Sandwich — 20+ g protein
- Loaded Grilled Cheese (with bacon) — +7 g protein
- Pair any food hack with a Protein Latte
Dairy-Free Options
- Red Eye Coffee with oat milk
- London Fog with oat milk
- Deli-Style Bagel — skip cream cheese, load veggies
Secret Menu vs. Official Menu: Price Comparison
One of the biggest advantages of the Tims secret menu is value. Many of these hacks replicate premium coffeehouse drinks at Tim Hortons prices.
| Secret Menu Item | Comparable Drink | Tims Est. Cost | Competitor Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cheap Mocha | Starbucks Caffè Mocha | ~$2.00–$2.50 | ~$5.75–$6.50 | ~$3.50–$4.00 |
| London Fog | Starbucks London Fog Latte | ~$2.50–$3.50 | ~$5.25–$6.00 | ~$2.50–$3.00 |
| Red Eye Coffee | Starbucks Red Eye | ~$2.50–$3.50 | ~$4.50–$5.50 | ~$2.00 |
| Chai Tea White Hot Choc | Starbucks Chai Tea Latte | ~$3.00–$4.00 | ~$5.75–$6.50 | ~$2.50–$3.00 |
Bottom line: The Tim Hortons secret menu lets you get specialty-café-quality drinks for roughly 40–60% less than you'd pay at Starbucks or other premium coffee chains. The taste isn't identical, but many customers say it's close enough that the savings are worth it.
Insider Tips from Tim Hortons Employees
We've compiled insights from current and former Tim Hortons employees shared on Reddit, social media, and community forums. Here's what they want you to know.
✓ What Employees Appreciate
- Customers who describe their order clearly
- Ordering custom items during slow periods
- Understanding that not everything is possible
✗ What Employees Find Frustrating
- Showing a TikTok video and expecting them to decode it
- Complex multi-step orders during rush hour
- Arguing about prices for custom modifications
Pro Tips from Behind the Counter
- 1Order food first, drinks second.This ensures your coffee doesn't sit on the counter getting cold while your sandwich is being prepared.
- 2"Less cream" beats "extra milk."If you want a stronger Iced Capp without it becoming runny, ask for "less cream" rather than adding extra liquid.
- 3Ask what syrups are in stock today.Some locations rotate flavoured syrups, especially seasonal ones. A quick question saves time for everyone.
- 4The cheapest way to get a mocha is "half-and-half."Employees know this hack well. Just say "half coffee, half hot chocolate" and they'll know exactly what to do.
Ready to Try the Secret Menu?
- Pick one or two items from the cheat sheet above.
- Check ingredient availability when you arrive.
- Order during off-peak hours for the best experience.
- Describe the base item + modifications — never use the hack name.
- Be polite, be specific, and enjoy your upgraded Tims order.