OAKVILLE, ONT. — Canadian quick-service restaurant chain Tim Hortons has begun offering its first certified gluten-free item: gluten-free coconut macaroon. The 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.

Tim Hortons described the coconut macaroon as a “meringue-style cookie made with real coconut and drizzled with milk chocolate.” The item is sold in a pre-wrapped two-piece package to avoid cross-contamination. It has a suggested retail price of C$1.29.

“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,” said Donna Finelli, vice-president of 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.”

Noting that living gluten-free can be challenging, Peter Taylor, executive director of the Canadian Celiac Association, commended Tim Hortons leadership for offering “a high quality, high value product to a growing segment of the population.”