Cold drinks get a refreshing makeover

The matcha latte now has a firm foot in the door of the British food scene, but there’s a new up-and-coming Japanese import to know about: hojicha. Originating from the same plant as matcha, the tea is increasingly featuring on British matcha bar menus.

Hojicha is mellower than matcha with a smooth nuttiness, making it a good alternative for customers who can’t get on board with matcha’s rather grassy flavour. Plus, it has less caffeine for those looking to cut down. If your customers are adventurous and trend-led, it’s certainly worth trying. Iced hojicha latte, anyone?

NielsenIQ data states that the UK’s functional drinks market is worth £100 million in value sales. According to Lincoln & York research, 40% of coffee drinkers say the weather does not impact when they drink cold coffee, which means seasonality is less of a factor.

How to sell…

Some like it cold. Your younger customers are more likely to be open to iced coffee, cold brew and RTD coffee. They’re also more likely to buy coffee across different occasions, meaning it’s not all about the morning fix.

Add extra margin to your menu. By educating customers on new launches, functional ingredients, quality ingredients and traditional manufacturing methods, they’ll be more likely to upgrade their purchase.

Functional is still in. Keep an eye out for products promoting energy (without the caffeine hit), gut health and key vitamins and minerals like zinc and magnesium.

Refreshing products that resonate

Form and function: Drinks that boast a health-giving punch are a top priority for the modern consumer

That Green Life UK Fermented Scotch Bonnet Ginger Beer: The UK’s first fermented ginger beer, crafted from raw Ugandan Ginger, Scotch Bonnet chillies and allspice.

TRASH®:An upcycled superfruit water made from 30% rescued cacao fruit (not from concentrate) and 70% water, with 40mg vitamin C, 150mg potassium and 28mg magnesium per can.

Zingers Turmeric Revive: A warm, gently spiced organic turmeric shot made with apple, turmeric and black pepper, with guava extract providing a natural source of zinc.

Matcha and more

Add more refreshing iced latte options to your menu with quality Japanese matcha and hojicha

Nuditea Matcha Powder 500g: A premium grade Japanese Matcha Powder, perfect for matcha lattes in high volume service environments.

Haru Matcha Hokkori Hojicha: Roasted green tea with tasting notes of brown sugar, chocolate and light roast coffee, perfect for customers looking for something aromatic and comforting yet low caffeine.

Emma Basic Matcha Premium: A premium, vibrant green matcha powder perfect for elevating modern café beverage menus and specialty baked goods.

Juices & smoothies

Fruity and refreshing, these juices, cordials and smoothies add a fresh zing to your offering.

Nootz Organic Coconut Milk Smoothie Coconut Mango: Made with just three key ingredients, coconut milk, coconut water and mango fruit pulp, Nootz is a unique vegan and organic smoothie.

Bush Barn Farm Elderberry and Lemon Cordial: Homegrown and hand-picked, premium floral cordials crafted from orchard to bottle. 

Folkington’s Cloudy Apple Juice: Made from blending the juice from two apple varieties, Russet apples and Jonagold apples, grown in orchards in Sussex, Kent and the Three Counties.