What Is Hōjicha Powder?

Hōjicha (also spelled hōjicha or hōji-cha) is a Japanese roasted green tea。

焙じ hōji — roasted

茶 cha — tea

Hōjicha first appeared in the 1920s、 when Japanese tea producers began roasting traditional sencha。

Initially、 hojicha was consumed as loose-leaf tea。 Later、 it was ground into a fine powder。

Hōjicha develops warm、 comforting notes of light smokiness、 toasted nuts、 caramel、 and subtle woodiness。 Hōjicha powder can be prepared similarly to matcha — sifted、 whisked with hot water using a bamboo whisk (chasen)、 added to milk-based drinks、 or incorporated into desserts。 Because hōjicha powder has a relatively bold roasted flavour、 it is less commonly consumed on its own and is often used in lattes or creative recipes。

Unlike matcha、 which is made from shade-grown tea leaves, hōjicha is produced from tea grown in full sunlight。 This results in higher catechin content、 contributing to a more astringent base before roasting。 Most commonly、 hōjicha is made from bancha — a simple、 everyday Japanese green tea。 Less frequently、 it is made from higher-grade sencha、 which produces a more refined and complex flavour profile。 We source hōjicha made from sencha、 offering a smoother、 deeper aroma and a more delicate roasted character。

Due to the high temperatures used during roasting、 hōjicha loses most of its caffeine content。 As a result、 it is often enjoyed both during the day and in the evening。 Hōjicha contains lower levels of L-theanine compared to traditional green tea but is naturally very low in caffeine、 making it a comforting choice that may help reduce tension and promote relaxation。

Loose-leaf hōjicha and hōjicha powder have slightly different flavour profiles。 The taste also varies depending on the growing region and the raw material used。 Both versions are rapidly gaining popularity outside Japan thanks to their distinctive roasted notes and the versatility of hōjicha powder。 In our collection、 you can explore both forms — and discover a new dimension of Japanese tea。