Tim Hortons introduces first certified Gluten-Free menu item

New Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon offers celiac and gluten-intolerant guests a tasty treat to enjoy with Canada's Favourite Coffee

OAKVILLE, ON, July 10, 2013 /CNW/ - For the estimated one in 133 Canadians affected with celiac disease, grabbing a quick prepared snack when they're on-the-go is not a simple task, as hidden sources of gluten in product ingredients are always top-of-mind. To help make that choice easier, Tim Hortons is now offering a new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon - the first menu item in a Canadian quick service restaurant to be certified gluten-free through the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Gluten-Free Certification Program.

"We've made a commitment to our guests to provide balanced menu choices, and the new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is an example of that," says Donna Finelli, Vice President Marketing, Food and Merchandise, Tim Hortons. "Given the growing number of people who have celiac disease and gluten intolerance, we're making it just a little bit easier for friends and families to enjoy eating together at our restaurants. And the new macaroon tastes fantastic, which makes it a great snacking option for everyone, not just those with gluten intolerance."

The Tim Hortons Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is certified through the Canadian Celiac Association Gluten-Free Certification Program, Canada's only voluntary certification program designed for manufacturers of gluten-free products. The CCA's Gluten-Free Certification Program trademark assures Canadians with celiac disease and gluten intolerance that products are safe to consume.

"Living gluten-free can be challenging, especially when it comes to dining out," says Peter Taylor, Executive Director, Canadian Celiac Association. "The new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a clear example of Tim Hortons' leadership in the quick service restaurant industry for offering a high quality, high value product to a growing segment of the population."

The new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a meringue-style cookie made with real coconut and drizzled with milk chocolate, and is sold in a pre-wrapped two-piece package to avoid cross-contamination. It's available at Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada for $1.29.

About Tim Hortons Inc.
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, fresh Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of March 31st, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,288 systemwide restaurants, including 3,453 in Canada, 808 in the United States and 27 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com. Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter: www.twitter.com/timhortons.

About the Canadian Celiac Association
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is the national voice for people who are adversely affected by gluten, and is dedicated to improving diagnosis and quality of life. Based in Mississauga, Ontario with 28 Chapters across the country, its mission includes advocacy, education, research and community support. More information about the Association is available at www.celiac.ca. Follow the CCA on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CCAceliac.

About the Gluten-Free Certification Program
The Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) is a voluntary certification program designed to help brand owners differentiate their gluten-free products from the increasing clutter of gluten-free claims, by displaying the GFCP trademark. Based on a robust third-party audit certification process at the manufacturing facility, the GFCP verifies their ability to regularly meet stringent requirements when managing gluten as part of their food safety programs.

The GFCP is endorsed by the Canadian Celiac Association and was developed so consumers can shop with confidence by selecting safe, reliable and gluten-free products displaying the GFCP trademark.

Image with caption: "Tim Hortons introduces its first menu item certified by the Canadian Celiac Association Gluten-Free Certification Program. The Tim Hortons Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a delicious meringue-style cookie made with real coconut and drizzled with milk chocolate. It's available in a pre-wrapped two-piece package at all Tim Hortons restaurants for $1.29. (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130710_C6489_PHOTO_EN_28907.jpg

SOURCE: Tim Hortons

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Michelle Robichaud
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905.339.5047