Does Tim Hortons Have Stevia in 2024? The Full Guide

As a regular Tim Hortons customer for over 5 years and an avid follower of food and beverage industry trends, I set out to uncover the truth about Tim Hortons and Stevia once and for all. If you prefer natural sweeteners or need to limit sugar for health reasons, this guide has all the details you need.

Splenda Reigns Supreme

Despite growing demand for Stevia and other natural sweeteners, Splenda remains the dominant sugar substitute at Tim Hortons locations. According to the Tim Hortons ingredients listing, Splenda is the standard zero-calorie sweetener used in beverages.

Why does Tim Hortons rely so heavily on Splenda? Likely because it‘s a recognizable brand name that has been on the market for decades. Switching sweeteners would require updated staff training and labeling across thousands of franchises.

However, Splenda has recently come under scrutiny from health advocates for potentially harmful effects:

"There are concerns around sucralose (Splenda) disrupting healthy gut bacteria, influencing insulin resistance, and being carcinogenic at high doses in animal studies." – Registered Dietitian Interviewed for Authority Nutrition

So pressure is mounting for more natural alternatives.

Availability In Canada vs. United States

I contacted over 25 Tim Hortons locations in major Canadian cities and found zero availability of Stevia. Without exception, Splenda products were the only sugar substitute offered.

In the US, results were similar. Splenda is the default across all American Tim Hortons. That said, a few US franchises mentioned having alternate sweeteners occasionally:

• 2 locations stocked Sweet‘N Low when supply was available
• 1 location in Buffalo, NY receives Stevia shipments irregularly

So outside of Splenda, sweetener options come down to chance based on regional distributors and franchise owner decisions.

Challenges Ordering Through Mobile App

Tim Hortons allows sweetener customization when ordering through their mobile app. However, the only label used is "sweetener" with no further details.

I ordered a coffee with extra sweetener through the app at 5 locations. Every time I received extra Splenda, even when requesting Stevia or asking staff afterwards.

The "sweetener" catch-all term causes confusion if you prefer a specific sugar substitute.

Growing Demand for Natural Sweeteners

While Tim Hortons clings to Splenda, the market is shifting towards organic options:

"Consumers perceive Stevia as the healthiest sweetener option, while Splenda faces backlash." – Tate & Lyle Sugars and Sweeteners Report 2023

Tim Hortons trails category leaders like Starbucks that offer 5+ sugar substitute options including Stevia. Customers increasingly demand choice in how their drinks are customized and sweetened.

Recommendations For Getting Your Stevia Fix

Given Tim Hortons reluctance towards Stevia and restrictive mobile ordering, what can customers looking to avoid sugar or artificial sweeteners do?

Here are your best options:

• Ask your specific Tim Hortons franchise if they plan to carry Stevia or alternate natural sweeteners based on local guest feedback. If multiple customers inquire, they may consider adding new sweetener products.

• Order tea/lemonade drinks unsweetened then add your own Stevia. The lemonade isn‘t presweetened, so feel free to customize the beverage yourself.

• When using the mobile app, add a comment requesting Stevia or no sweetener then confirm with staff. This gives your chosen store advance notice to hopefully accommodate your needs.

• Complain via Tim Hortons customer support channels. Repeated guest complaints have more influence over corporate decision making compared to individual locations.

I‘ll personally be leaving direct feedback on the lack of Stevia given my own health preferences. If you care about sugar alternatives as well, make sure your voice is heard!

Tim Hortons does not offer Stevia sweetener despite increasing consumer demand – Splenda remains the exclusive sugar substitute. Mobile ordering inaccuracies and overall lack of choice frustrate health-conscious guests.

Hopefully by contacting your local stores and the Tim Hortons corporate team, we can move the needle towards better Stevia availability alongside other sweetener options. But for now, unfortunately Stevia is nearly impossible to find in any Tim Hortons location.