Matcha is valued for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits, making it a popular choice in cafés. For coffee shop owners, offering matcha is an easy way to appeal to health-conscious customers while diversifying the menu. In this blog, we’ll explore why matcha is growing in demand and share practical tips on how to successfully add it to your café.
Matcha Explained: What It Is and Why Customers Love It
Matcha is a finely ground Japanese green tea powder that has a higher concentration of beneficial compounds than regular green tea. Matcha’s health benefits include:
- Rich in antioxidants that defend the body from free radicals and support skin health.
- Potential cancer-fighting properties linked to protective plant compounds.
- Anti-inflammatory effects that strengthen the immune system.
- Cholesterol-lowering benefits that promote heart health.
- Keep It Fresh: Matcha should always be stored carefully to maintain its flavor and nutrients. Use an airtight, opaque container to shield it from light and air and refrigerate when not in use. This helps slow oxidation and keep your matcha at peak freshness.
- Prioritize Quality: Not all matcha is created equal and premium quality makes a noticeable difference. Look for suppliers who offer high-grade matcha with a bright green color, smooth texture and balanced flavor.
- Get Creative: Beyond the classic latte, matcha works beautifully in smoothies, baked goods and signature desserts. Introducing creative recipes not only diversifies your offerings but also gives your café a unique edge.
Beyond wellness, matcha is valued for its smooth and earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness. Its versatility makes it a favorite in lattes, smoothies and baked goods like cakes. With demand continuing to grow, more cafés, bakeries and restaurants are offering matcha-based recipes.
Practical Tips for Offering Matcha Beverages
If you’re planning to introduce matcha to your coffee shop, a few key practices can help you get it right.
Creative Matcha Recipes for Your Coffee Shop
Incorporating matcha into your coffee shop menu opens the door to creative and crowd-pleasing drinks. Here are popular ways to feature matcha in familiar recipes:
Matcha Latte
A matcha latte remains a customer favorite because of its balance of comfort and flavor. Simply whisk premium matcha like Matsu No Midori with hot water, then combine it with steamed milk. A drizzle of honey or agave can round out the taste while toasted almonds on top add a refined finishing touch.
Matcha Frappuccino
For those who prefer a cold beverage, the matcha frappuccino delivers a refreshing twist. Blend matcha powder with ice, milk of choice and a natural sweetener such as honey or agave. To make it creamier, add almond butter or macadamia nuts. The result is a chilled, café-style drink that’s both smooth and energizing.
Matcha Milkshake
Matcha also shines in indulgent milkshakes that offer a unique twist on a classic favorite. Start with vanilla ice cream, sugar and a shot of concentrated matcha for a bold and flavorful base. Enhance it with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries to add freshness and tang.
Using high-quality matcha, such as the Essentials Kit – Matsu No Midori, ensures the flavor is vibrant and authentic. This balance of comfort and exotic appeal makes it a standout addition to any café menu.
Iced Matcha Lemonade
Perfect for summer, this drink combines matcha with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and cold water, served over ice. It’s tangy, refreshing and energizing which is easy to sell for health-conscious customers looking for something lighter than coffee.
Matcha Honeycomb Frappé
Blend matcha with milk, ice and honey, then finish with crushed honeycomb candy or caramel drizzle. This drink feels indulgent yet still carries the “superfood” appeal of matcha and is perfect for customers who want both wellness and decadence.
Bringing Matcha Into Your Coffee Shop
Once limited to specialty tea shops, matcha has rapidly gained mainstream popularity as consumers embrace its distinctive flavor and health benefits. For coffee shops, this rising demand presents a valuable opportunity to expand their menus with matcha-based drinks that attract new customers and increase revenue.
