1. General Questions:

Q: What makes The Orange Tabby different from other tea and coffee shops?
A: At The Orange Tabby, we only use the best ingredients that we are comfortable serving to ourselves and our loved ones. We prioritize sustainability and organic practices, and we’re committed to our zero-waste goals, using only reusable drink ware and packaging. Additionally, we compost all of our organic waste—including fruits, tea leaves, and coffee grounds—locally at a farm, further reducing our environmental footprint, making us one of the first sustainable cafes in the US.

Q: Do you offer any vegan or dairy-free options?
A: Yes, we are actually 100% vegan – egg-free and dairy-free!

Q: What is your zero-waste policy?
A: We don’t use single-use cups or packaging. Customers can bring their own reusable cups, buy our cups for future use, or use our borrow-a-cup system. We also ensure all our ingredients and products are sustainably sourced.

Q: Aren’t reusable cups and straws gross? How do you sanitize them?
A: We understand the concern, but rest assured, all of our reusable cups and straws are thoroughly sanitized between uses. We follow strict hygiene protocols, including using high-temperature commercial dishwashers that effectively clean and sanitize every item. This ensures that all cups and straws are safe and hygienic for the next use. By doing this, we maintain both sustainability and cleanliness without compromising on your health or comfort.

It’s worth noting that reusable eat wares and utensils are standard practice in restaurants and cafes, where they are cleaned with the same rigorous standards. By using and reusing glass cups and straws, we reduce waste while maintaining high hygiene standards for your safety and comfort.

Q: Are your products organic?
A: Yes, we are proud to use 100% organic teas and coffee. From matcha to our premium teas and sweeteners, everything is carefully selected to ensure the best quality and sustainability.

2. Drinks and Menu:

Q: What is ceremonial matcha?
A: The term "ceremonial grade" is often used in the U.S. to market matcha as premium, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect higher quality. There’s no standardized definition or certification for the term, and in Japan, matcha is judged by characteristics like aroma, flavor, color, and texture—not by labels like “ceremonial” or “culinary.”

Ceremonial matcha is usually made from the youngest, most tender leaves. It tends to have a smooth, delicate flavor and a vibrant green color, and is traditionally enjoyed on its own with water. However, not all ceremonial matcha perform well in lattes—some of the more expensive ones we've tried (over $4 per gram) are extremely smooth but can taste muted when combined with milk.

Culinary matcha, often made from slightly older leaves, is known for its bolder, more assertive flavor. While it's commonly used in cooking and baking, not all culinary matcha is low quality. In fact, some are better suited for milk-based drinks like lattes because their stronger taste cuts through milk more effectively than softer ceremonial grades.

At The Orange Tabby, we select only the varieties that offer the best taste and quality for the way we serve them. We've sampled over 50 different matcha brands and blends to curate offerings that we personally love and are proud to share.

Q: Why do you serve organic matcha? It’s usually more mild and dull tasting.
A: We serve organic matcha because we are committed to offering the highest quality ingredients while maintaining our dedication to sustainability and health. While organic matcha can sometimes have a milder flavor, this does not mean we compromise on quality. We have carefully selected the best high-grade organic matcha available, ensuring that it not only meets our rigorous standards but also stands out in flavor. Our goal is to provide a rich, satisfying taste experience that aligns with both our quality standards and our commitment to organic practices.

Q: Do you serve coffee?
A: While we focus on tea-based drinks, we are expanding our offerings and plan to include coffee in the future, with an emphasis on high-quality, sustainably sourced beans.

Q: Why are your drinks more expensive than other places?
A: Our pricing reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability. We use only premium, organic ingredients that are carefully sourced and prepared. This includes high-quality teas, ceremonial matcha, and other specialty ingredients that contribute to a superior flavor and experience. Additionally, our zero-waste practices and use of reusable drinkware add to our operational costs.

We believe that investing in top-notch ingredients and sustainable practices not only supports your health and the environment but also enhances the overall quality of your drink. We strive to offer exceptional value through our dedication to quality and our mission to provide a meaningful, eco-friendly experience.

3. Sustainability and Ethics:

Q: Are glass cups/straws actually more sustainable than plastic?
A: While glass cups have a higher environmental impact during production, their long-term use makes them much more sustainable than plastic. Glass is durable, reusable, and 100% recyclable. Our glass cups can be used for storage at home, for your own drinks, and more. If you decide you no longer need them, you can return them to us in good condition for a refund. This way, we ensure that the cups remain in circulation, reducing the need for single-use plastics and minimizing waste.

Q: Do you offer compostable straws and cups?
A: We do not use single-use cups or straws to minimize waste. Instead, we encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers, and we offer reusable drinkware at our store.

Q: Why is organic important to The Orange Tabby?
A: Organic practices are crucial to us for several reasons. Firstly, organic ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which means they’re better for both your health and the environment. By choosing organic, we support sustainable farming practices that protect soil health, reduce water pollution, and promote biodiversity.

Additionally, organic farming often emphasizes ethical treatment of workers and animals, aligning with our commitment to responsible and humane practices. We believe that the quality of our ingredients directly impacts the quality of our drinks, and organic products provide a richer, more authentic flavor. Overall, our dedication to organic is part of our broader mission to offer you the best, most wholesome products while minimizing our environmental footprint.

Q: Why don’t you use compostable cups and straws? It’s easier.
A: While compostable cups and straws are designed to reduce waste, they often require specific industrial composting facilities to break down properly, which are not always available. Additionally, these items are not always 100% compostable and can sometimes contribute to waste if they don’t decompose as intended.

At The Orange Tabby, we are committed to a zero-waste approach. Instead of relying on compostable products, we use only reusable drinkware and encourage our customers to bring their own cups. This approach ensures that we minimize waste effectively and maintain a truly sustainable practice.