What It Tastes Like
Hojicha (hoh-JEE-cha) is a Japanese green tea that has been roasted over charcoal, which transforms its flavor completely. Where matcha is grassy and vibrant, hojicha is warm, toasty, and almost caramel-like. Made into a latte, it becomes one of the most comforting tea drinks you can order.
A hojicha latte is made by whisking or steaming roasted hojicha tea with milk, creating a warm, earthy drink with notes of caramel, roasted grain, and a hint of smokiness. It's naturally lower in caffeine than most tea lattes.
The roasting process reduces caffeine and softens bitterness, which is why hojicha is often chosen as an evening-friendly tea drink. If matcha feels too grassy or intense, hojicha tends to feel gentler and warmer in flavor.
💡 Behind the Cup
Hojicha comes from the same tea plant as green tea and matcha, but the leaves — and often the stems — are roasted at high heat after harvesting. Many hojicha blends include stems (kukicha), which naturally contain less caffeine.
Roasting changes how the tea tastes. Similar to coffee roasting, heat reduces bitterness while developing deeper aromas and sweetness. Instead of grassy notes, hojicha develops flavors closer to toasted grain, caramel, and warm wood.
The result is unusual within the green tea family: low bitterness, lower caffeine, and a naturally comforting profile.
Roasting moves hojicha away from grassy green tea flavors toward warm, toasted notes.
Why the Roast Matters
Lower Caffeine: Roasting reduces caffeine levels, which is why hojicha is often enjoyed later in the day.
Reduced Bitterness: Heat breaks down many of the compounds responsible for sharpness in green tea, creating a smoother cup.
Flavor Development: The same browning reactions that give toasted bread or roasted coffee their aroma also create hojicha’s signature roasted character.
How to Order
Simple version: "Can I get a hojicha latte, please?"
Not all cafés carry hojicha — it's more common at specialty tea shops and Japanese-inspired cafés. If you don't see it on the menu, it's worth asking.
With customization:
- "Iced hojicha latte with oat milk"
- "Hot hojicha latte, no sugar"
- "Hojicha latte with a little vanilla"
Customize It
Sweetness
Hojicha has a natural toasty sweetness from roasting, so many people enjoy it without added sugar.
Milk
Oat milk pairs especially well with hojicha because its natural sweetness complements the roasted flavor. Whole milk creates a richer texture.
Temperature
Hojicha lattes work beautifully both hot and iced. Iced versions feel clean and refreshing; hot versions feel warming and cozy.
☕ Café Language
Hojicha
A Japanese roasted green tea. Pronounced "hoh-JEE-cha." Roasting gives it a brown color and warm, toasty flavor distinct from other green teas.
Roasting
Applying heat to dried tea leaves or stems to change flavor, reduce bitterness, and lower caffeine — similar to coffee roasting.
Common Confusion
"Is hojicha the same as matcha?" No — both come from the same plant but are processed very differently.
| Feature | Matcha Latte | Hojicha Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Grassy, umami, vibrant | Toasty, caramel, earthy |
| Color | Bright green | Deep brown/amber |
| Caffeine | Higher (≈60–80 mg) | Low (≈15–30 mg) |
| Best For | Morning energy | Afternoon or evening comfort |
"Does hojicha have caffeine?" Yes, but much less than most teas. Roasting and stem content both contribute to its lower caffeine level.
"Why is hojicha brown if it's a green tea?" Roasting changes the leaf color, just as roasting coffee beans darkens them. Despite the color, it is still classified as a green tea.
Try Next
If you enjoy the creamy tea latte experience, a matcha latte offers a brighter, grassier contrast, while a London Fog provides a floral, vanilla-forward take on tea.