Speciality coffee operator Philz Coffee has entered the matcha category with the launch of four cold matcha beverages across its retail store network. The menu addition represents the company's first structured expansion into tea-based functional drinks, using matcha sourced directly from Uji, Japan.

The beverage lineup is being rolled out across all 80-plus Philz Coffee locations in California and Chicago, supported by in-store ordering and digital order-ahead capabilities through the brand's mobile loyalty application.

Speciality Tea Category Expansion

The menu extension follows increased customer demand for alternative caffeinated beverages and tea-based options across fast-casual coffee retail networks. According to company leadership, matcha ranked alongside a dedicated digital rewards system as one of the most requested additions from its consumer base.

The strategic introduction enables the regional coffee chain to address expanding consumer interest in green tea, plant-based dairy pairings, and cold-beverage menu items.

Product Formulation and Menu Breakdown

The new matcha portfolio is served exclusively in a 16-ounce iced format. Each beverage is formulated with an oat milk base as default, though customers can substitute 2 per cent dairy milk at no additional charge. Sweetening levels and flavour additions can also be adjusted per order.

The four new menu items comprise:

🍵 Iced Matcha: Pure Uji matcha layered over sweetened oat milk (US$6.50).

🍓 Strawberry Matcha: Uji matcha combined with fresh strawberry purée and sweetened oat milk (US$7.50).

🌿 Strawberry Mint Matcha: Uji matcha blended with fresh strawberry purée, sweetened oat milk, and fresh mint leaves (US$7.50).

🍮 Salted Caramel Matcha: Uji matcha paired with caramel syrup, sweetened oat milk, and a sea salt topping (US$7.50).

Retail Operations and Footprint

Founded in 2003 in San Francisco, Philz Coffee operates more than 80 retail locations across California and Chicago, alongside a central roasting facility in Oakland, California.

The matcha rollout is integrated directly into the brand's digital ordering system, allowing members of the Philz Rewards program to place order-ahead requests for store pick-up. In addition to its retail coffee shops, Philz supplies packaged whole-bean coffee to select grocery channels and manufactures single-serve K-Cup pods.