How Sweetened Green Tea Is Gaining Ground in Japan’s Restaurant Chains

Introduction: A Friendly Flavor Across Dining Categories

Thanks to its mild sweetness and broad appeal, sweetened green tea has found its way into a variety of Japanese restaurant chains—from family diners to gyudon (beef bowl) shops and major cafés. It offers a familiar taste with a uniquely Japanese twist, making it an easy choice for customers of all ages. Here’s how this gentle green beverage is being embraced across Japan’s dining scene.

1. Family Restaurants: A Popular Option at Drink Bars

Family restaurant chains like Gusto and Jonathan’s (part of the Skylark Group) often include sweetened green tea in their self-serve drink bars. Alongside traditional teas and coffee, green tea offers a light and sweet option that is:

Easy to drink for both kids and seniors
Often selected as a refreshing dessert alternative after meals
Sometimes available in seasonal flavors, adding variety to the menu

2. Gyudon Chains and Japanese Meal Sets

Chains like Sukiya, Matsuya, and Nakau frequently include green tea as a drink option in meal sets. Its subtle flavor and low bitterness make it a great match for oily dishes like fried cutlets or grilled meat.

Some casual Japanese restaurants (like Ootoya or Washoku Sato) even let diners choose between matcha and sweetened green tea, depending on their taste preference—offering a touch of personalization.

3. Cafés and Sweets Shops: Refreshing Seasonal Drinks

Cafés such as Starbucks Japan and Doutor commonly feature matcha-based drinks year-round. However, during warmer months, seasonal beverages using sweetened green tea also make appearances, especially in frozen or iced formats.

Examples include:

Frozen green tea drinks with syrup and milk
Summer blends with cream or tapioca pearls
Drinks that combine powdered green tea and fruity elements for a cool, Instagram-worthy look

These drinks offer a refreshing and sweet flavor profile, making them a favorite in summer café menus.

4. Why Restaurant Chains Choose Green Tea

Sweetened green tea offers several benefits that make it ideal for large-scale food service:

Universally liked flavor: Less bitterness means it appeals to kids and casual tea drinkers
Low cost and long shelf life: Ideal for high-volume, low-waste operations
Simple preparation: Just dissolve the powder in water or milk—no steeping required
Strong cultural image: Adds a sense of “Japanese tradition” and comfort to the menu

In short, it's a smart and efficient way to offer a distinctly Japanese drink that’s easy to love.

Conclusion: A Practical and Popular Choice

Sweetened green tea has become a go-to beverage for many of Japan’s top dining chains. Its mild flavor, affordable cost, and ease of preparation make it perfect for drink bars, set meals, and seasonal specialty drinks. As more restaurants look to offer unique yet familiar drink options, green tea continues to stand out—and its role is only likely to grow.