Collection: Hojicha — Japanese Roasted Tea Powder

Hojicha is Japanese green tea roasted at high temperature — unlike matcha, which is steamed and stone-ground, hojicha goes through a roasting process that completely transforms its character. Roasting reduces caffeine content, eliminates bitterness, and gives the tea a deep, nutty-caramel aroma. The result is a dark brown powder with a smooth, rounded flavour — entirely different from the grassy, intense profile of matcha.

Hojicha powder is a modern form of this tea — milled the same way as matcha, ready to whisk or mix without brewing. One product, many uses.

Both come from Japan and both come in powder form — but that is largely where the similarities end.

• Flavour — hojicha is nutty, caramel, lightly smoky. Matcha is grassy, umami, with a slight bitterness.
• Caffeine — hojicha is significantly lower; matcha sits in the medium to high range.
• Colour — hojicha dark brown, matcha intensely green.
• Time of day — hojicha for afternoons and evenings, matcha for mornings or pre-workout.
• Use — hojicha for latte, warm drinks, and desserts; matcha for ceremonial preparation, latte, and smoothies.

Preparation is similar to matcha — measure 2 g of powder, add 60–80 ml of water at approximately 80°C, and whisk or mix until smooth. Then top up with water or milk to taste.

A bamboo chasen, electric frother, or blender all work well. Hojicha pairs particularly well with plant-based milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

Store the powder in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture — hojicha is sensitive to storage conditions and loses its aroma faster than matcha.

• Hojicha latte — the most common use, hot or iced. The caramel flavour holds up well under both dairy and plant milk.
• Evening cup — low caffeine means hojicha will not disrupt sleep. A natural alternative to herbal tea, with more character.
• Desserts and baking — hojicha powder adds a deep, roasted note to ice cream, cakes, panna cotta, and chocolate.
• Smoothies and cold drinks — a teaspoon of powder brings a warm, nutty tone to any blend.

One option from a brand with Japanese roots:

Yōkiro Hojicha 04 — hojicha powder from Aichi Prefecture, with a nutty-caramel profile and exceptional smoothness. Gentle on the stomach, ideal for afternoons and evenings. Works equally well in latte, desserts, and smoothies.