This Matcha FAQ is designed for cafe and coffee shop owners. We hope to answer as many questions about matcha in regards to serving it in your shop. If you have any questions you'd like to see added, please reach out to our director of Food Service Robert Snow and ask away!
What is matcha?
Matcha is the most premium variety of shade grown Japanese green tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. Instead of steeping whole leaves as in traditional tea, matcha powder is mixed into water or milk and consumed whole.
How is matcha served in a cafe or coffee house?
The most popular preparation by far is the Matcha Latte (matcha + water + milk + sweetener). These can be enjoyed hot or iced, which makes them a year-round menu item.
What’s a serving size of matcha?
Matcha is potent! Your typical matcha latte uses 1 teaspoon of matcha powder (two grams). That means 1lb (454g) of matcha will create about 227 servings. Even though a pound of matcha costs more than a pound of coffee beans, the cost per drink is often cheaper with matcha.
How much can I sell a matcha latte for?
The average cost of a matcha latte is $5 per drink. This price will vary depending on where your shop is located as well as specialty milks and size. Keep in mind that customers are willing to pay equal to or even a bit more than your traditional latte. At .26 cents on average for matcha, .90 cents per drink in specialty milk, and roughly .30 for a cup, sleeve, and lid, you are looking at a gross profit per drink of $3.54.
How long does matcha stay fresh?
Unopened matcha is fresh for about 18 months. This provides incentive for cafes to buy wholesale quantities and get best deals from their matcha supplier. Once opened, however, we recommend using it within 2-3 months for the freshest taste.
What’s the best way to store matcha?
You want to avoid heat, light, and most importantly, air. The best storage method is to keep matcha in the original pouch or tin it comes in. Stash the matcha in the fridge when not in use. In the cafe, only open your main supply pouch once in the morning and pour the amount of matcha you think you’ll use that day. This way, you won’t expose the majority of your matcha to the elements every time a matcha latte is ordered.
What are the health benefits of matcha?
Matcha is one of the most concentrated sources of antioxidants on the planet. These compounds help fend off free radicals, the molecules that nutritionists believe are responsible for accelerated aging, tissue damage, and inflammatory issues.
