Price per gram is the obvious number. Ceremonial runs anywhere from $1.50 to $3 per gram; culinary sits around $0.50 to $1. But the real cost is per serving.

A typical iced latte uses 1 to 2 grams of matcha. At ceremonial pricing, that's $1.50 to $6 per drink just for the powder. Culinary cuts that to $0.50 to $2. If you're selling a $5 drink, the margin difference is significant.

But there's a hidden cost: waste. Ceremonial's shorter shelf life means you might toss half a tin if you don't move it fast. Culinary's longer life means less spoilage. Also, if you use ceremonial and it tastes off because of heat exposure, you'll end up remaking drinks—that's labor cost.

Don't forget the cost of presentation. If you're serving in a clear glass to show that green layer, ceremonial's color is worth the premium. If it's going in a brown cup with a straw, no one sees it.