Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop to introduce its first certified Gluten-Free Menu item

New Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon offers celiac and gluten-intolerant guests a tasty treat to enjoy with their favorite beverage

DUBLIN, OH, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - For the estimated three million Americans affected with celiac disease¹, grabbing a quick prepared snack when they're on-the-go is never simple, as hidden sources of gluten in product ingredients is always top-of-mind. To help make the choice easier, Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop will be offering a new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon that is certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization starting on July 15.

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"At Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop we are committed to offering innovative menu items that give all our guests more choice, and our new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a great example of that," said Mike Meilleur, executive vice president, Tim Hortons U.S. "With the growing number of consumers with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, we're making it a little easier for friends and families to enjoy eating together. 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 Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a subsidiary of the Gluten Intolerance Group, whose mission is to provide consumers assurance of the safety of gluten-free products. This is done through quality assessment and control measures of production facilities.

"GFCO is committed to providing consumers with products they can easily identify as gluten-free and ensures the continuous monitoring of brands that choose to adhere to the strict standards of the certification program," says Channon Quinn, director of industry programs, Gluten Intolerance Group. "With the launch of the new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon, Tim Hortons has shown its leadership in the industry by offering a high quality, innovative menu item to a growing segment of the population."

The new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a meringue-style cookie made with real coconut and drizzled in milk chocolate, and is sold in a pre-wrapped two-piece package to avoid cross contamination. It will be available at Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop restaurants across the U.S. beginning July 15 for $1.29.

¹The Gluten-Free Certification Organization

About Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization. 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 beverages, specialty teas, home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, grilled paninis, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts.  As of March 31, 2013, Tim Hortons had 808 restaurants in the United States and 4,288 restaurants systemwide. To learn more about Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop, visit www.timhortons.com or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/TimHortonsUS), Twitter (@TimHortonsUS) and Instagram (@TimHortonsCafeandBakeShop).

About the Gluten-Free Certification Organization
The Gluten-Certification Organization (GFCO) is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group. The GFCO logo stands for the independent verification of quality, integrity and purity of products. Products carrying the GFCO logo represent unmatched reliability for meeting strict gluten-free standards. GFCO is the leading gluten-free certification program in the world. To learn more visit www.GFCO.org.

About The Gluten Intolerance Group
Founded in 1974, the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG) is a 39 year old non-profit organization committed to the support of persons with gluten intolerances, celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and other gluten sensitivities through consumer and industry services and programs that positively promote healthy lives. Headquartered in Auburn, WA, GIG provides support to more than 80 local branches across the United States and has an international presence in more than 20 countries. For more information visit www.gluten.net or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/GlutenIntoleranceGroup).

SOURCE Tim Hortons