Tim Hortons launches voluntary nutrition information program in Manitoba

One of the first national restaurant chains to take part in Informed Dining program;
Continues commitment to nutritional disclosure leadership and healthier menu options.

OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Tim Hortons today announced it will participate in Manitoba's nutrition information program, Informed Dining, after making the same commitment in British Columbia in April.  Manitoba is the second province to adapt the proposed comprehensive national program, spearheaded by the government of British Columbia, the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) and leading restaurant companies such as Tim Hortons.

The program's goal is to provide restaurant guests with easily accessible and wide-ranging nutritional values such as calories, fat, sodium and many others in their favourite restaurants.

"Tim Hortons guests continue to be interested in nutrition and healthier menu options and want to make informed decisions about their choices," said Scott Bonikowsky, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Tim Hortons. "Tim Hortons has been committed to providing comprehensive nutritional information beyond calorie counts since 1999 when we introduced our first chain-wide nutrition guide.  In-restaurant posters followed and now we have even more avenues through which we make this information easily available, such as our comprehensive website and mobile app TimmyMe."

Tim Hortons Nutrition Guide is updated annually and is displayed in every restaurant. In 2012 alone, 1.4 million copies of the guide were printed. The Nutrition Guide is also printed on the back of all tray liners.

In 2007, Tim Hortons launched an innovative online Nutrition Calculator, with which guests can easily put together favourite meal and drink combinations in different sizes and custom options to get precise and detailed nutritional values such as calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fibre, sugar, protein and vitamin content.

"Not every guest focuses on calorie counts alone.  Everyone has different dietary needs and concerns and Informed Dining provides a more wholesome approach to nutrition disclosure," added Bonikowsky. "We are excited to be part of this initiative which we believe can be adopted across Canada and we look forward to the program's national implementation."

Tim Hortons commitment to nutrition extends beyond information disclosure.  The company significantly reduced trans fats in menu offerings and was in compliance with the voluntary guidelines suggested by the Canadian Trans Fat Task Force three years in advance of the June 2009 deadline.  Tim Hortons Sodium Reduction Initiative in 2010 resulted in a 31 per cent sodium decrease in soups, 49 per cent in deli meats, 22 per cent in muffins and 15 per cent in hot beverages.

Tim Hortons has been introducing healthier menu options for many years, such as yogurt and berries, a selection of sandwiches with eight grams of fat or less, whole wheat wraps, homestyle oatmeal, low fat muffins, egg white breakfast sandwiches, smaller portion Wrap Snackers, whole grain English muffins and real fruit smoothies.  Most recently, the company launched their first certified gluten-free product - a coconut macaroon. The focus on health and nutrition innovation is ongoing.

"Tim Hortons understands the importance of good nutrition and is committed to offering our guests a variety of nutritious and great tasting food choices," said Bonikowsky. "We continue to evolve our menu in order to meet our guests' changing needs and desires by offering choices that can fit into a healthy lifestyle. Whether it's our coffee, fresh baked goods or our home-style soups and sandwiches, there is something for everyone."

For more information about Tim Hortons commitment to nutrition, visit http://sustainabilityreport.timhortons.com/individuals_guests_initiatives.html#menu

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 and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods including our trademark donuts, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of June 30^th, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,304 systemwide restaurants, including 3,468 in Canada, 807 in the United States and 29 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.

SOURCE: Tim Hortons

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

Alexandra Cygal
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905-339-5960