Why Coffee Lovers Might Love Hojicha
If you love the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee but sometimes wish for a drink with less caffeine, there's another beverage worth discovering: hojicha, Japan's roasted green tea.
Coffee and hojicha may seem worlds apart. One comes from coffee beans, the other from tea leaves. Yet they share something that makes both drinks so appealing: the wonderful aromas created through roasting.
For coffee lovers looking to explore something new, hojicha offers a different way to enjoy the comforting flavors of a roasted beverage.
A Shared Love of Roasted Aromas
Much of coffee's appeal comes from the complex aromas developed during roasting. Depending on the beans and roast level, coffee can offer notes of chocolate, nuts, caramel, and toasted grains.
Hojicha develops its distinctive aroma through roasting, too.
Unlike most Japanese green teas, hojicha is roasted after the leaves have been processed. This transforms their color and develops warm, toasty aromas, sometimes reminiscent of roasted nuts or caramel.
While coffee and hojicha have different flavor profiles, both demonstrate how roasting can transform an ingredient into something remarkably aromatic.
Roasted Flavor, with Much Less Caffeine
For coffee lovers looking to reduce their caffeine intake, traditionally brewed hojicha can be an appealing option. However, hojicha is not caffeine-free, and its caffeine content varies depending on the tea leaves, preparation method, and serving size.
Our caffeine comparison chart illustrates brewed drinks. It should not be used as a guide to hojicha lattes made with powder: with brewed hojicha, the leaves are removed before drinking, while a powdered hojicha drink includes the ground tea leaves.
The raw material matters—not just the degree of roasting. Some hojicha retains more caffeine than others, so a darker roast does not automatically mean a lower-caffeine drink.
Hojicha vs. Coffee: What's the Difference?
Although both drinks are roasted, hojicha doesn't taste exactly like coffee.
Coffee often has a fuller body, noticeable acidity, and varying levels of bitterness. Hojicha generally offers a lighter body, a smooth roasted flavor, and a clean, refreshing finish.
Some hojicha varieties have delicate, nutty notes, while others develop deeper, more pronounced roasted flavors.
This range of flavors makes hojicha enjoyable on its own, whether served hot or cold.
Why Hojicha Works So Well in Lattes
One of the easiest ways for coffee lovers to discover hojicha is through a hojicha latte.
Finely ground hojicha powder is blended with milk to create a creamy drink with a distinctive roasted aroma. The toasted notes of hojicha complement the natural sweetness of milk, creating a rich, comforting flavor without tasting like coffee.
Different roast profiles can also bring out different characteristics. A lighter roast may offer a more delicate aroma, while a darker roast can provide a bolder roasted flavor that stands up well to milk.
For cafés looking to expand their menus beyond coffee and matcha, hojicha lattes offer another interesting option.
At Hojicha Maruyoshi, we offer hojicha powder in different roast profiles for professional use. Explore our wholesale products to learn more.
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A Different Kind of Coffee Break
Hojicha isn't meant to replace coffee. Both have their own character, traditions, and pleasures.
But if you love the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and are looking for something with less caffeine, hojicha might be just what you're looking for.
At Hojicha Maruyoshi, a Japanese tea company established in 1902, we believe the world of roasted tea has plenty to offer curious coffee lovers.
Next time you're in the mood for something roasted, why not try hojicha?