Tim Hortons is turning a familiar kitchen moment into a nationwide taste experiment. The Canadian coffee and baked goods chain is inviting fans to imagine a brand new doughnut and to submit ideas for a chance to win a substantial prize. The winner will receive 10,000 CAD, a prize that underscores the brand’s support for everyday culinary creativity. This contest is not simply about novelty; it celebrates homegrown flavors and shows that ordinary people can influence a national menu. The move positions Tim Hortons as more than a retailer; it becomes a platform for culinary conversation that travels from the shop counter to kitchen tables across provinces and regions. Tim Hortons invites bakers, snack lovers, and curious foodies to envision flavors that fuse familiar favourites with fresh twists, turning ordinary coffee breaks into moments of potential novelty. The effort invites dialogue about what tastes truly Canadian and how a simple doughnut can become a shared memory across communities.
On the judging panel a familiar face from Canadian screens lends its warmth and credibility. Vancouver-born actor Jason Priestley joins the effort to assess the top contenders with a steady sense of home pride. Priestley’s career across television and film has made him a recognizable ambassador of Canadian storytelling, and his involvement signals Tim Hortons’ aim to blend broad appeal with a distinctly Canadian character. The panel will rely on a balanced mix of criteria including taste and aroma, originality, practical market viability, and the potential for a flavor to resonate from coast to coast. As the field narrows, judges seek ideas that feel both comforting and surprising, easy to produce at high volumes, and capable of translating well from a coffee cup to a case-ready pastry. In short, the goal is to identify a concept that blends nostalgia with forward momentum and could become a lasting feature in Tim Hortons’ lineup.
Fans may recall a playful TV moment that inspired the challenge, a nod to a beloved doughnut concept that teased a strawberry and vanilla filling. That lighthearted reference set a tone for a real world design exercise and Tim Hortons now invites the public to contribute strong ideas online, aiming to curate a standout concept from Canadians from coast to coast. The objective is not simply novelty but a flavor that bridges fond memories with fresh seasonal notes. The online submission channel serves as the main gateway, complemented by clear requirements and a transparent judging framework to help entrants shape a polished proposal. The process emphasizes practicality as much as playfulness, since a great idea must be feasible at scale while upholding Tim Hortons’ standards of quality.
A Tim Hortons spokesperson notes that the contest has already drawn thousands of submissions, illustrating broad interest in exploring new doughnut flavors. Early ideas span from bright citrus to indulgent chocolate and nut pairings, with entrants blending classic combinations with bold twists. Names such as Lemon Blueberry Breeze, Strawberry Banana Chocolate, and Caramel Hazelnut illustrate a willingness to experiment without losing the familiar comfort Tim Hortons fans expect from their doughnuts. The responses reveal a nationwide palate that appreciates both traditional textures and surprising flavour fusions, signaling widespread engagement across the country.
Entries remain open through late July, a window that gives participants weeks to brainstorm, test, and refine ideas with careful attention to taste, texture, balance, and finish notes. Submissions must meet basic criteria and follow official guidelines that describe how concepts move from idea to evaluation. Beyond the public vote, Tim Hortons will assess originality, market appeal, and alignment with the brand’s standards of quality. The official submission channel remains the primary resource for contestants seeking details on entry requirements and judging criteria. Public participation enriches the product idea and demonstrates Tim Hortons’ commitment to celebrating Canadian culinary invention. The top eight contenders will advance to a deeper review, and the winner will be recognized in Tim Hortons promotions, illustrating how public imagination can translate into tangible menu possibilities across the country.