As-salmu alaykum waa-rahmatullahi waa-baraktu. Many have asked whether Tim Hortons French Vanilla coffee is halal; the answer is yes. Tim Hortons is an enormous restaurant chain serving fast food and coffee in over 5000 locations worldwide, and whether their drinks contain Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) can come from grapes, dates or glucose rich sources – or be produced synthetically; regardless, Ethanol from any source may become forbidden if its consumption intoxicates the drinker to an unacceptable degree – whether its source be natural or artificial means. Ethanol from either source must never reach levels where intoxication occurs – or will become forbidden (haram – prohibited).

Tim Hortons products do not reach levels that intoxicate. Furthermore, most of their alcohol comes from non-grape or date sources and the franchises often change ownership frequently; so it is wise to ask before visiting an unfamiliar franchise to determine its halal status and seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars in making informed halal decisions.