What is Hojicha Tea? Benefits, Flavor, and Why It's the Perfect Low-Caffeine Alternative to Matcha

There comes a certain time of day–typically in the hours after noon–where one has to weigh the risks of brewing themselves another cup of coffee or tea. Where we might desperately need something to get us through the rest of the day, but we also have to wonder, “will I regret this come nightfall?” My solution to this problem is simple: time to whip out the hojicha. 

On the heels of the matcha craze has come its nuttier sister, hojicha–a tea that is slightly more subdued and unassuming. Although beloved by tea drinkers around the world for the last century, it is slowly making its way into the more mainstream, online community of matcha lovers.

So what exactly is hojicha? In spite of its dark appearance, which may cause one to assume hojicha is a black tea, hojicha is made from green tea leaves that have been steamed, dried and roasted. This final roasting step imparts warm, toasty flavors of nuts, caramel, and chocolate while significantly lowering its caffeine content, making it more suitable for late afternoon pick-me-ups and for those extra sensitive to stimulants. It comes in both loose leaf and powdered form.

Origins & History

When compared to other teas, hojicha is quite young. Reportedly coming about in Kyoto during the 1920s as a way to reduce waste and make use of the leftover leaves and stems from the harvesting of other teas. It is said that the aroma of these roasting leaves wafted through the streets of Kyoto, captivating the hearts (and palates) of the Japanese people. Soon enough, hojicha became a staple in many homes and cafes across Japan.

Benefits of Hojicha Tea

Hojicha has many of the same benefits as green tea and matcha, though often in varying concentrations due to the different processing methods.

• Significantly Lower Caffeine — One cup of hojicha typically contains just 7–20 mg of caffeine, compared to 60–80+ mg in matcha. This makes it ideal for late-afternoon pick-me-ups or anyone sensitive to stimulants who wants gentle energy without jitters or sleep interference.

• Gentler on Iron Absorption — Roasting reduces catechin levels (including EGCG), so hojicha interferes less with non-heme iron absorption from plant foods. It’s often a better daily option for those monitoring iron levels.

• Unique Roasted Compounds via the Maillard Reaction — The high-heat roasting produces pyrazines and melanoidins—compounds largely absent in unroasted teas like matcha:

• Pyrazines create hojicha’s signature toasty aroma and may help relax the body, relieve fatigue, improve blood circulation, and warm the body.

• Melanoidins act as antioxidants that support digestion and help maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

• Calm, Sustained Alertness — Although hojicha has slightly less L-theanine than matcha, the low caffeine paired with pyrazines delivers subtle, balanced calm focus. Many people find it helps them stay productive without the overstimulation or crash that coffee (or even strong matcha) can cause—especially as caffeine sensitivity increases with age.

• Digestive Comfort — Melanoidins have a similar effect as dietary fiber, promoting a healthy intestinal environment. 

Light Roast or Dark Roast?

The difference between light and dark roast hojicha boils down to–you guessed it–roasting times and flavor profile. Light roast has been roasted for less time than dark roast and exhibits a more mellow, less bitter taste and can be more suitable than dark roast to be drunk plain. Dark roast fares well in lattes and other culinary uses because it is more robust and its earthy, chocolatey notes have a better chance at shining through when combined with other ingredients. This is all subjective, however, and dark roast may be more favored by those making the switch from coffee to tea because of its stronger, sometimes slightly bitter flavor.

Hojicha vs. Matcha: Which One Is Right for You?

Ready to give hojicha a try? We’re excited to announce that Tori Tea now carries an organic light roast hojicha! It’s delightfully delicate and comforting–perfect for any time of day.