Pandan for Coffee Shops: The Complete Guide for Baristas and Café Managers
Pandan latte is no longer a niche curiosity. From coffee shops in Paris to Lyon, and from London to Amsterdam, pandan is establishing itself as the must-have alternative beverage of 2026. If your establishment doesn’t yet have it on the menu, here’s everything you need to know to launch it—and make it a success.
Why Pandan Is the Next Big Thing in Coffee
Every few years, an ingredient transforms the coffee culture. Matcha did it. Turmeric did it. Oat milk did it. Pandan is next —and the signs are clear:
- 📈 Searches for "pandan latte" have increased by over 300% in France and Europe over the past 12 months
- 📱 TikTok and Instagram made pandan latte one of the most shared drinks of 2025–2026
- 🍵 Matcha shortages are prompting coffee shops and consumers to explore alternatives
- 🌿 The "clean label" trend — customers want natural ingredients, free of artificial colors
- 💚 The color —this natural, vibrant green is incredibly photogenic
For café owners, pandan offers something rare: a truly unique flavor profile, a striking visual appeal, and a story to tell.
What is Pandan? The briefing for your team
Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, often referred to as "Asian vanilla. " Its dried and ground leaves produce a fine green powder with a naturally sweet, warm, and vanilla-like aroma—complex, approachable, and perfectly suited for both hot and cold beverages.
What your baristas need to know:
- ✅ 100% natural — the green color is natural, not artificial
- ✅ Caffeine-free — perfect for customers who avoid caffeine
- ✅ Naturally sweet — reduces the need for added sugar
- ✅ Free of major allergens in the powder itself
- ✅ Vegan — compatible with all plant-based milks
Drinks to add to the menu
1. Pandan Latte (hot & iced) — our signature drink
This is your anchor post. Easy to create, visually stunning, and perfect for sharing on social media.
Hot Pandan Latte — Professional Recipe
- 1 teaspoon (3–4 g) pandan powder
- 30 ml of hot water (85°C)
- Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth (using a milk frother or bamboo whisk)
- Froth 200 ml of plant-based milk (oat milk gives the best visual result)
- Pour the milk over the pandan paste
- Create some latte art for the finishing touch
- Optional: 5 ml of vanilla syrup or honey to enhance the sweetness
Iced Pandan Latte
- Prepare the pandan paste as described above
- Add 1 teaspoon of sweetener (optional)
- Pour over ice cubes
- Top with cold oat milk or coconut milk — do not stir to create a layered effect
💡 Pro tip: Coconut milk gives the most authentic flavor. Oat milk provides the most striking visual contrast.
2. Pandan Syrup — a versatile staple
Make a batch of pandan syrup and use it throughout your menu.
Pandan Syrup (1-liter batch)
- 500 ml of water
- 500 g of granulated sugar
- 15 g pandan powder
- Heat while whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes, strain if necessary, let it cool, and bottle it
- Storage: 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator
Use in: ice cream, iced drinks, lemonades, cocktails, or on waffles or pancakes.
3. Pandan Matcha (the fusion)
Combine equal parts pandan paste and matcha paste for a layered green drink with depth and complexity. Two trends in one cup.
4. Coconut-Pandan Cold Brew
Cold brew + pandan syrup + coconut milk + ice cubes. Dark, rich, sweet, and exotic. A must-have on any premium summer menu.
5. Pandan Hot Chocolate
Melted dark chocolate + pandan paste + frothy oat milk. Sophisticated, comforting, unexpected. Perfect as a seasonal winter special.
Dosage Guide for Coffee Shops
| Drink | Pandan powder | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Pandan Latte | 2–3 g (½–¾ teaspoon) | Subtle, accessible |
| Large Pandan Latte | 3–5 g (¾–1¼ tsp) | Full-bodied |
| Iced pandan latte | 4–5 g (1–1¼ tsp) | +dosage for cold dilution |
| Pandan syrup (per serving) | 15–20 ml of syrup | Adjust to taste |
| Pandan Smoothie | 5–8 g (1¼–2 teaspoons) | Pairs well with banana/mango |
Menu positioning & pricing strategy
Names That Sell
- ✅ "Pandan Latte" — simple, trendy, distinctive
- ✅ "Green Velvet Latte" — mysterious, premium, perfect for beginners
- ✅ "Southeast Asian Latte" — tells a story, adds a sense of origin
- ✅ "Asian Vanilla" — educational and intriguing
Suggested retail prices
- Hot pandan latte: €4.50 – €6.50
- Iced pandan latte: €5.00 – €6.80
- Coconut-pandan cold brew: €5.50 – €7.00
At 3–5 grams per drink and a cost of ingredients of about €0.10–0.20 per serving, the margins are excellent—typically over 90% on the cost of ingredients alone.
Train your baristas
- Always make the batter first. Mix the pandan powder with a little hot water (85°C, not boiling) before adding the milk. This prevents lumps and ensures an even color.
- Use a milk frother or a bamboo whisk. A regular spoon won't dissolve the powder well enough.
- Oat milk = better visual contrast. Its creamy color brings out the green of the pandan. Coconut milk gives the most authentic flavor.
- Temperature matters. Heating above 90°C can cause the green color to fade. Froth the milk at 65–70°C.
- Store properly. Keep the pandan powder tightly sealed, away from light and moisture. Once opened, refrigerate to preserve the aroma.
Social Media: How to Make Your Pandan Latte Go Viral
- 📸 Film the moment it’s poured. The green pandan batter meeting the white milk creates a stunning visual. Post it as a Reel or on TikTok—it never fails to impress.
- 🏷️ Hashtags to use: #pandanlatte #organicpandan #plant-basedlatte #coffeeShop #coffeetrends #pandanspice
- 🤝 Invite a local food blogger to a tasting at the launch—pandan is still new enough to be getting attention from the food press.
- 🎯 Geotag your posts — customers looking for a pandan latte in your city will find you.
Frequently Asked Questions from Café Managers
How long does pandan powder last when used professionally?
When stored in an airtight container, the powder will keep for 18 to 24 months. Once opened, store it in an airtight container in a cool place. For high-volume establishments, the 500g or 1kg size offers the best value for money.
Is the supply of pandan consistent?
Yes — unlike matcha, which faces significant supply issues, pandan is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia. Pandan Bio ensures a steady supply with no minimum order requirement for new professional customers.
Will customers really order pandan?
Yes—especially if it’s highlighted on your menu and described clearly. Cafés that have introduced the pandan latte often find that it becomes one of their top three specialty drinks within a few weeks, driven by curiosity on social media and repeat orders from new fans.
Do you offer business rates?
Yes. Pandan Bio delivers to coffee shops, restaurants, and foodservice professionals in France and across Europe. Contact us for wholesale pricing and free samples.
Ready to add pandan to your menu?
The cafés that are the first to jump on the pandan bandwagon are setting the trend in their neighborhoods. With ingredient costs under €0.20 per serving, a retail price of €5 or more, and a drink that markets itself on social media, the business case is clear.
👉 Order your first batch of pandan powder today —available in 100g, 200g, 500g, and 1kg sizes. Contact us for wholesale prices and a free sample for your café.
🌏 Would you like to try pandan powders from different Asian countries before making your choice? We offer professional tasting packs featuring pandan powders selected by origin (Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, etc.). Submit a business inquiry here →
