Tim Hortons Coffee vs Starbucks Coffee
Strip away the specialty drinks and it comes down to the daily brewed cup. Here is how Original Blend compares to Starbucks Pike Place.
Last updated: January 2026
| Compared | Tim Hortons | Starbucks Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Medium price | C$2.09 | C$3.25 |
| Caffeine (medium) | ~140 mg | ~235 mg (Grande Pike Place) |
| Roast profile | Medium, mild | Medium-dark, bolder |
| Brewing | Fresh pots every 20 minutes | Brewed in batches throughout the day |
Taste
Original Blend is milder and smoother — built for broad appeal and Double Doubles. Pike Place is bolder and more roasted. Neither is “better”; they aim at different palates.
Caffeine and value
Starbucks packs notably more caffeine per cup. Tim Hortons costs about a third less and guarantees a fresh pot within 20 minutes — a long-standing brand promise.
The verdict
For a mild, fresh, affordable daily coffee: Tim Hortons. For a bolder, higher-caffeine cup: Starbucks.