What Is Hojicha? Taste, Caffeine and How to Prepare It

Hojicha is Japanese roasted green tea, known for its brown colour and toasted, nutty flavour. Where matcha has a fresh green character, hojicha brings notes that can recall caramel, cocoa and roasted nuts. It works as a simple cup of tea, a creamy latte or an ingredient in desserts.

If you are curious about hojicha tea, start with one useful distinction: loose-leaf hojicha and hojicha powder are prepared differently.

What is hojicha made from?

Hojicha is made by roasting processed green tea leaves, stems or a blend of both. The starting tea may be sencha, bancha or stem tea. Roasting changes its colour and aroma, giving it the reddish-brown tones and toasted character that make hojicha recognisable.

It is often associated with Kyoto in the early twentieth century. Today, it is enjoyed in traditional brewed tea as well as modern drinks and sweets. Hojicha powder is roasted tea ground into a fine powder; it is not simply another name for matcha.

What does hojicha taste like?

Think toasted nuts, caramel-like aromas and a warm, woody depth, with less of the fresh, grassy character associated with many green teas. The balance depends on the tea and roast: some cups taste light and fragrant, while others have a deeper roasted finish.

These are tasting notes. Pure hojicha does not need added nuts, caramel or coffee to have those aromas. Milk softens the roast and gives a hojicha latte its creamy texture.

Does hojicha contain caffeine?

Yes, hojicha contains caffeine. The amount depends on the tea material, dose and preparation. A figure measured for a brewed leaf infusion cannot simply be applied to a latte made with powder, where the ground tea is consumed too.

Hojicha is often described as a lower-caffeine choice, but the name alone does not establish the amount in your cup. Check product-specific information rather than assuming it is caffeine-free or that every hojicha has less caffeine than every other green tea.

How to prepare hojicha tea and hojicha latte

Loose-leaf hojicha

Infuse the leaves in hot water, then strain them out. Follow the packet's suggested amount, water temperature and brewing time: these vary between teas. For an iced drink, prepare the tea and serve it over ice, allowing for dilution as the ice melts.

Hojicha powder

For a hojicha latte, sift the powder into a bowl and whisk it with a little hot water until evenly mixed. Add warm milk for a hot latte, or pour it over cold milk and ice for an iced version. Start with the proportions on your packet and adjust the milk to taste.

Choose dairy milk or a plant-based drink you enjoy. Oat, soy and coconut drinks each change the flavour and texture. Try the latte plain before adding sweetener, vanilla or chocolate.

How else can you use hojicha powder?

The roasted flavour pairs well with chocolate, vanilla and caramel in ice cream, cookies, cakes and creamy desserts. Use a recipe designed for hojicha powder so the amount of tea suits the other ingredients.

Quick questions about hojicha

Is hojicha a green tea if it is brown?

Yes. “Green tea” describes the tea category, not just the final colour in the cup. Roasting gives hojicha its brown appearance.

Is hojicha the same as matcha?

No. Matcha is made from finely ground tencha, while hojicha gets its character from roasting. Explore the differences between matcha and hojicha to choose by taste.

Can you make hojicha latte with powder?

Yes. Powder is convenient for lattes because it mixes into a small amount of water before you add milk. Munchies offers hojicha powder for preparing at home.

Prefer a fresh green flavour? Our matcha preparation guide covers whisked tea, americano and latte.

Further reading: Ippodo on hojicha and brewing; Japan Hojicha Association: preparation and caffeine.