Hojicha vs matcha
Hojicha vs Matcha: What Is Better for You?
Matcha and Hojicha Powder are both Japanese teas, both delicious, and both trending like crazy — but they’re completely different experiences.
One is bright, energising, and bold. The other is warm, calming, and cosy.
If you’ve ever wondered which one suits your lifestyle, taste, or daily routine, here’s the simple breakdown.
Matcha Basics
Ceremonial grade matcha is made from shade-grown green tea leaves that are steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder.
Because you drink the whole leaf, you naturally get:
A vibrant green colour
A thicker, creamier texture
A grassy umami taste with mild sweetness
More caffeine than other teas (around 60–70 mg)
L-theanine, which helps you feel calm + focused
High antioxidants because nothing is filtered out
Matcha has a very “alive” flavour — fresh, green, vivid, energetic.
Think: morning motivation, work-mode focus, clean energy.
Hojicha Basics
Hojicha starts as regular green tea leaves, but they’re roasted at high heat.
That roasting changes everything — colour, flavour, and caffeine.
Hojicha typically has:
A warm brown colour
A toasty, nutty, caramel-like aroma
A super smooth flavour
Very low caffeine (5–10 mg per cup!)
A soothing, gentle finish that’s easy on the stomach
It’s basically the “comfort tea” of Japan.
Perfect for the evening, late afternoon, or whenever you want something calm, cosy, and non-stimulating.
Why the Colour Difference?
Matcha = shade-grown + raw green leaves → bright green
Hojicha = roasted at about 150–200°C → brown + toasted
The roasting also reduces bitterness and makes hojicha taste smoother and rounder.
Matcha stays grassy and vivid. Hojicha becomes warm and caramel-like.
Same plant — totally different vibes.
What’s the Difference in Properties?
Here’s the real-world breakdown that actually matters when choosing:
| Property | Matcha | Hojicha |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | Noticeable boost | Almost none |
| Flavour personality | Grassy, creamy, fresh | Roasted, nutty, soft, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Creamy, full-bodied | Very light and smooth |
| Best time to drink | Morning / early afternoon | Anytime, especially evening |
| How it makes you feel | Focused, alert, steady energy | Relaxed, grounded, cosy |
| Flavour intensity | Intense | Mellow |
When to Choose Matcha
Pick matcha if you:
✔ Want clean energy but don’t love coffee
✔ Prefer bold, grassy flavours
✔ Like creamy lattes or vibrant drinks
✔ Need focus for work, studying, or creative tasks
✔ Enjoy a small daily ritual (whisking matcha is a vibe)
Matcha fits people who want a morning upgrade or a coffee replacement without the crash.
When to Choose Hojicha
Pick hojicha if you:
✔ Want something low-caffeine or caffeine-free
✔ Prefer warm, toasted, caramel-like flavours
✔ Want a light, soothing drink for evenings
✔ Have a sensitive stomach
✔ Love cosy drinks like barley tea or roasted oolong
Hojicha fits people who want comfort over energy, something they can drink all day and night.
So… Which Is Better for You?
It’s not about “better” — it’s about what you need in the moment.
If you want a boost → Matcha
If you want warmth + relaxation → Hojicha
If you want something creamy and green → Matcha
If you want something roasted and mellow → Hojicha
Honestly, they’re perfect partners:
Matcha in the morning, hojicha at night.
