Why Adding Green Tea to Your Menu Is a Smart Move for Restaurants and Cafés

High Profit, Easy Prep, and Menu Differentiation in One Drink

In today’s competitive food and beverage industry, restaurants and cafés constantly seek new ways to stand out while keeping costs low and operations smooth. One surprisingly powerful tool? Green tea powder—especially the sweetened Japanese-style kind commonly used in iced or milky drinks.

From excellent profit margins to operational ease and product uniqueness, here’s why green tea is an ideal addition to your drink lineup.

1. High Profit Margins

Sweetened green tea powder is extremely cost-efficient. For example:

1kg of powder (around ¥1,500 or ~$10 USD) yields about 70–100 servings
Each serving uses 10–15g of powder, costing ¥15–25 ($0.10–$0.17)
These drinks are typically sold for ¥300–¥400 ($2–$3)

That means each cup can generate over ¥250 (nearly $2 USD) in profit, a margin that outperforms many coffees or bottled juices.

Compared to coffee beans or espresso machines, the initial and ongoing costs are much lower—yet the customer satisfaction remains high.

2. Simple and Efficient Preparation

Green tea drinks require no special tools or barista skills. Just mix the powder with water or milk, and you’re done. Benefits include:

Ready to serve in under a minute
Minimal staff training required
Doesn’t slow down workflow during busy hours
Works for both hot and cold drinks, making it suitable year-round

This simplicity makes it perfect for stores with limited space or labor.

3. Fulfills Sweet Drink Demand

Some customers avoid coffee or traditional tea. Green tea drinks—especially sweetened ones—appeal to these groups:

Families with children looking for non-caffeinated options
Women who enjoy Japanese desserts or mild-flavored drinks
Men who prefer non-alcoholic sweet beverages

With a unique taste that's not quite matcha and not just green tea, it offers novelty and broad appeal.

4. Helps Differentiate Your Menu

Green tea gives your drink offerings a seasonal, Japanese-inspired twist. You can easily create original, eye-catching menu items like:

Green Tea Latte – Creamy and sweet with milk
Green Tea Sparkler – Light and refreshing with soda water
Green Tea Cocktail – Mixed with shochu or liqueurs for adult menus

These variations help your brand stand out in a crowded drink market while staying aligned with global health and wellness trends.

Conclusion

Green tea powder is a highly profitable, low-effort, and versatile ingredient that can elevate your drink menu. It appeals to a wide audience, requires little training or equipment, and allows for creative, Instagram-worthy drink options.

If you’re looking to expand your offerings without complicating your operations, green tea is a smart, modern, and customer-friendly choice.