How Small Cafés Can Easily Add Green Tea to Their Menu: Low-Risk, Space-Saving Options
Sweetened green tea powder is a versatile and cost-effective ingredient for cafés and restaurants. But for smaller establishments, committing to large wholesale sizes can feel risky. Limited storage, slow turnover, and the need to test new menu items make flexibility essential.
Here’s how small businesses can introduce green tea with minimal investment and maximum control.
What Is “Small-Lot” Green Tea?
While most commercial green tea powders are sold in 1kg units, more vendors now offer smaller packs ranging from 300g to 500g, ideal for:
- Testing green tea as a new drink or dessert offering
- Seasonal or event-based usage
- Cafés with low weekly demand (just a few servings per week)
These small-lot products often come in resealable, moisture-resistant pouches, making them easier to store and helping maintain freshness even with slower usage.
Why Stick-Type Green Tea Is Gaining Popularity
Single-serving stick packs—where each portion is individually wrapped—are becoming a hit in the foodservice industry. Here’s why:
- Hygienic and fresh: No exposure to air or moisture between uses
- No measuring required: Ensures consistent taste, even with part-time staff
- Easy portion control: Great for drinks or sweets, no need to adjust ratios
- Simplified inventory: You always know exactly how many servings you have
Especially for small shops using green tea in lattes, parfaits, or baked goods, stick packs are a smart way to avoid waste and maintain quality.
Key Factors for Small Cafés to Consider
Use this table to evaluate which type of product fits your business best:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Size | 300g–500g to start; begin with just one flavor or type |
| Format | Powder or stick packs, depending on how you plan to serve it |
| Sweetness | Mild to medium is best for flexible use in drinks or desserts |
| Storage | Resealable pouches or moisture-proof packaging are ideal |
| Price | Small lots typically range from $7 to $15 USD (1,000–2,000 yen) |
Where to Source Small-Lot Green Tea
- B2B E-Commerce Sites: Platforms like Amazon Business or Rakuten B2B often offer small-pack options.
- Local Tea Shops: Regional tea suppliers may allow direct consultation and small-batch purchases.
- Trade Shows or Wholesaler Events: Great places to discover new formats, including stick packs.
Conclusion
Green tea powder is a low-cost, high-flexibility addition to any café or small food business. Starting with small quantities or individually packaged sticks helps manage inventory, reduce waste, and simplify staff training.
By choosing the right format and supplier, you can test green tea on your menu without committing to large volumes. With the right approach, a modest trial run could lead to your next best-selling item.
