Most foodservice operators stock juice and plant-based milk as a basic necessity to have on hand for dietary accommodations and standard breakfast service.   However, recent studies indicate that products which use juice and plant-based milks as key ingredients like smoothies, mocktails, and specialty shakes are experiencing an uptick in consumer spending. 

The global smoothie market is projected to more than double by 2033, from $17.78 billion to $38.39 billion. Mocktails have also surged in popularity, with menu mentions up 142% over the past four years. Even the classic milkshake is making a comeback, with expected growth from $4.78 billion to $8.23 billion by 2033. 

Natural Sweetness, No Added Sugar Needed 

One of the biggest advantages of working with 100% fruit juices is their natural sweetness—no sugar added. This means you can create beverages without relying on simple syrups or added sugar. With sugar reduction increasingly a focus in the beverage category, starting with naturally sweet juice gives you a simple way to control flavor and keep recipes clean and consistent. 

Paired with plant-based milks, juices provide a creamy, balanced base that works across multiple beverage applications. Whether blending them into indulgent milkshakes, refreshing smoothies, or creative mocktails, these ingredients simplify recipes, reduce the number of additional sweeteners needed, and maintain consistent, crave-worthy flavor any time of day.  

The result is a versatile, easy-to-execute foundation that helps you streamline inventory, delight customers, and capture revenue across menu categories. 

Three Simple Yet Effective Revenue Opportunities 

Milkshakes: Indulgence with Fruity Flair 

Milkshakes aren’t just a classic treat—they’re a growing opportunity for you to showcase creativity and local flavor inspiration. The natural sweetness highlights fruity flavors, while the plant-based milk provides the smooth, rich texture customers expect. 

In Hawaii, incorporating tropical and fruit-forward flavor profiles allows milkshakes to feel both familiar and locally inspired. Juices can be blended with complementary ingredients—like warm spices, tropical fruit pieces, or subtle extracts—to create beverages that appeal to tourists and residents alike. Seasonal spices are also on trend, and consumers are excited by cozy flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves during the cooler months. Using these familiar spices in combination with fruity bases allows you to create milkshakes that feel seasonal and rich with core ingredients that are easy to stock and execute. 

Smoothies: The Functional Breakfast & Snack Winner 

Smoothies are one of the fastest-growing beverage categories, offering you opportunities from breakfast through lunch, and even as a guilt-free dessert. Using naturally sweet fruit bases with plant-based milks creates a creamy, smooth texture and vibrant, crave-worthy flavors without any added sugar. 

You can experiment with combinations that feel fresh, tropical, or locally inspired—pairing tart fruits with tropical blends, or sweet fruits with warm spice — so create appealing smoothies. Because the base is naturally sweet, recipes are simpler, faster, and consistent. Easy to execute with standard equipment, and versatile enough to fit multiple menu occasions. 

Mocktails: Flavorful,Alcohol-Free  Sips 

The mocktail movement continues to grow, driven by the growing number of young people who are drinking less or not at all. Retail sales of no- and low-alcohol beverages have risen 67% since 2022 and mocktails now represent 3-5% of total sales at restaurants that offer them. This is a great opportunity to capture new business from Gen Z and Millennials who want sophisticated, alcohol-free options. By using naturally sweet fruit bases paired with plant-based milks or other creamy elements, you can create beverages that are flavorful and visually appealing. The natural sweetness highlights the fruity and tropical notes, while optional creamy or frothy components add body and texture.

Mocktails can be tailored for local or seasonal flavors—think tropical blends, citrus-forward combinations, or subtle spice infusions—to create drinks that feel premium and Instagram-worthy.

Versatility That Maximizes Daypart Opportunities 

In addition to smoothies, mocktails or shakes, juice and plant-based milk are also some of the most adaptable ingredients in your kitchen. Craft sauces, dressings, baked goods, desserts, or savory applications. Their neutral flavor profiles make it easy to incorporate across multiple dayparts, helping you stretch inventory further while keeping menus fresh and on-trend. 

This flexibility also makes it easy to introduce seasonal variations or limited-time offerings without purchasing new ingredients, helping you drive repeat visits and keep your customers engaged throughout the day. 

The per capita food-away-from-home spending in Hawaii—at $6,679, significantly higher than the national average—demonstrates that island customers are willing to invest in quality beverage experiences. This economic reality, combined with the state’s 8-percentage-point growth in food-away-from-home share from 2020 to 2023, indicates a market primed for premium beverage innovation

Operational Advantages: Why These Products Work 

Beyond their menu appeal, fruit bases and plant-based milks offer significant operational benefits that make beverage programs easier to manage and more profitable: 

• Labor Efficiency: These recipes require minimal specialized skills. Any team member can deliver consistent results with standard blending equipment, reducing reliance on experienced bartenders or baristas during peak periods. 

• Inventory Simplification: Shelf-stable juices and plant-based milks eliminate the challenges of fresh juice programs—no daily prep, no juicing equipment, and no concerns about spoilage. Portion-controlled containers also make recipe costing and consistent servings easy to manage. 

• Dietary Flexibility Built-In: One plant-based milk can accommodate multiple dietary preferences—including vegan, lactose-intolerant, and often gluten-free—without maintaining separate ingredients or menu items. 

• Cost Control: Shelf-stable products provide predictable pricing compared to fresh produce and dairy, and their long shelf life reduces waste from spoilage. 

• Scalability: These beverages scale effortlessly, whether serving a single drink or catering for a high-volume event. Recipes maintain consistency across locations, staff, and service volumes. 

By leveraging these operational advantages, you can focus on creativity, menu innovation, and premium positioning while keeping kitchen complexity and labor demands low. 

Turn These Opportunities into Revenue with Y. Hata 

At Y. Hata, we’re more than just a food distributor—we’re your partner in success. As one of Hawaiʻi’s oldest and largest family-owned food distributors, we’ve built our reputation on genuine relationships and a commitment to helping our customers thrive. We don’t just deliver products; we deliver solutions, insights, and support to help you turn simple ingredients into high-margin, crave-worthy menu items. When you succeed, we succeed—and that’s been our philosophy for generations. Ready to experience the Y. Hata difference? 

Contact us today to learn how we can help you transform everyday beverages into premium offerings that drive revenue and delight your guests.