Hojicha vs Matcha

Two Japanese classics

Both hojicha and matcha are Japanese green teas - but they look, taste, and feel very different.

• Hojicha is roasted green tea. Made from leaves and stems, lightly roasted after steaming, it turns amber-brown and gains a warm, nutty aroma.
• Matcha is shade-grown green tea, stone-milled into a fine powder. Bright green in color, full of umami, it is prepared as part of a small ritual with a bamboo whisk.

 

Hojicha vs Matcha

Why they are different

• Roasting changes hojicha - it reduces bitterness, lowers caffeine, and gives the tea its caramel and cocoa notes.
• Shading makes matcha unique - the leaves grow in the shade, which increases chlorophyll and L-theanine. That is why matcha has its bright green color, umami taste, and balanced energy.
• Caffeine levels - hojicha is naturally very low in caffeine, while matcha contains significantly more and gives a steady, long-lasting energy boost.

 

Which to choose

• Choose hojicha when you want a calm cup in the afternoon or evening.
• Choose matcha when you need focus and clear energy in the morning or during the day.
• Both teas are authentic parts of Japanese tea culture - just made for different moods.

Try them together

You don’t have to choose only one - we also offer a set that includes both ceremonial matcha and hojicha powder. A simple way to experience the contrast of flavor and effect in one package.

Try ceremonial Matcha 

Try roasted green tea Hojicha

Try Matcha starter set