Canada’s Coffee Loyalty: Tim Hortons is still on top, But competition is brewing

The Clear Leader: Tim Hortons

With 51% of the vote (606 respondents), Tim Hortons remains Canada’s go-to coffee destination. For many Canadians “Timmies” is more than a coffee shop, it’s a cultural institution. Its dominance reflects not only brand loyalty but also its vast network of locations that makes grabbing a double-double part of our everyday life.

Starbucks: A Strong Second

Coming in at 24% (284 respondents), Starbucks continues to hold a strong share of Canadian coffee drinkers. Its reputation for customizable beverages, specialty drinks, and premium branding keeps it a preferred option, especially in urban centres and among younger demographics looking for variety beyond traditional drip coffee.

McCafé Rising

At 14% (165 respondents), McDonald’s McCafé is clearly carving out a place in the market. Over the past decade, McCafé has invested heavily in upgrading its coffee program, and it shows. Many Canadians now rank it as a reliable and affordable alternative to the bigger players.

Independent & Local Shops Matter

While the big chains dominate, 7% (81 respondents) chose independent or local coffee shops as their favourite. This suggests that for a segment of Canadians, quality, atmosphere, and supporting local businesses outweigh convenience and brand recognition. These shops may not compete in scale, but they often compete on experience.

The Rest of the Pack

Other chains, including Second Cup (2%), A&W, 7-Eleven, On-The-Go, and others collectively accounted for just a small slice of responses. Once a staple of Canadian coffee culture, Second Cup now lags behind, while convenience-store coffee still has limited pull compared to dedicated coffee brands.

What This Means

The results reinforce that Canada’s coffee landscape is still anchored by Tim Hortons, but consumer habits are diversifying. Starbucks and McCafé continue to chip away at market share, while independents maintain a loyal following. For brands, this means there’s opportunity in both scale and niche, whether through nationwide reach or creating memorable local experiences.

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