Starbucks vs Tim Hortons: Calorie Comparison (2026)

When it comes to choosing a coffee shop, calorie counts can play a significant role in decision-making. Starbucks and Tim Hortons are two of the most popular chains, each offering a variety of menu items. This article dives into the calorie averages and protein content of both chains to help you make an informed choice. Let’s see how they stack up against each other.

Starbucks vs Tim Hortons: The Numbers

At a glance, Starbucks has a lower average calorie count than Tim Hortons. With Starbucks averaging 223 calories per item compared to Tim Hortons' 260 calories, the differences are notable.

Metric	Starbucks	Tim Hortons
Menu items analyzed	521	150
Average calories per item	223 kcal	260 kcal
Lightest real meal	Blonde Cappuccino w/ 2% Milk, Grande (120 kcal)	Flavored Latte, Small (140 kcal)
Highest-protein item	Turkey Pesto Panini (33 g)	Italiano Grilled Bagel Sandwich (36 g)
Best protein-per-calorie	Iced Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte w/ Nonfat Milk, Venti Iced (9.1/100cal)	Latte, Small (10/100cal)
Calorie range	5-650 kcal	5-650 kcal

Starbucks offers a wide range of items with an average calorie count of 223 across 521 items. In contrast, Tim Hortons, with 150 items, has a higher average of 260 calories, indicating that their offerings may lean towards heavier options.

Average Calories by Category

In terms of meal options, the lightest items from each chain reveal interesting contrasts.

Category	Avg cal, Starbucks	Avg cal, Tim Hortons
Sandwiches	435 kcal	404 kcal
Entrees	361 kcal	284 kcal
Baked Goods	344 kcal	238 kcal
Desserts	295 kcal	280 kcal
Appetizers & Sides	228 kcal	220 kcal
Beverages	189 kcal	188 kcal

Starbucks' lightest real meal is the Blonde Cappuccino with 2% Milk, Grande at just 120 calories. Meanwhile, Tim Hortons' lightest real meal is the Flavored Latte, Small, which comes in at 140 calories, making Starbucks the lighter option in this category.

Lightest Options at Starbucks

Lightest at Starbucks	Calories	Protein
Iced Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte w/ Nonfat Milk, Venti Iced	110 kcal	10 g
Blonde Cappuccino w/ 2% Milk, Grande	120 kcal	8 g
Iced Skinny Mocha w/ Nonfat Milk, Grande	120 kcal	9 g
Cappuccino w/ 2% Milk, Grande	120 kcal	8 g
Iced Caffe Latte w/ 2% Milk, Grande	130 kcal	8 g
Caffe Misto w/ 2% Milk, Venti	130 kcal	9 g

Lightest Options at Tim Hortons

Lightest at Tim Hortons	Calories	Protein
Latte, Small	80 kcal	8 g
Flavored Latte, Small	140 kcal	8 g
Broccoli Cheddar Soup	180 kcal	8 g
Clam Chowder	190 kcal	9 g
Iced Latte, Small	210 kcal	10 g
Flavored Iced Latte, Small	210 kcal	10 g

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The Verdict

Overall, Starbucks emerges as the lighter choice with an average of 223 calories per item compared to Tim Hortons' 260 calories. For those looking for higher protein, Starbucks also offers the Turkey Pesto Panini with 33 grams of protein, slightly less than Tim Hortons' Italiano Grilled Bagel Sandwich at 36 grams. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize lower calories or higher protein in your meal selections.

Methodology

Both chains are compared using verified calorie and macro data from published menu information. Averages cover all analyzed items and are a rough guide, not a claim that one chain is universally healthier, since your order and toppings drive the real number. Starbucks averages 223 calories per item across 521 items; Tim Hortons averages 260 across 150.