Hojicha Latte: The Rich & Toasty Japanese Drink Taking Over Cafes

The hojicha latte is quickly becoming a favorite among tea drinkers who want a warm, mellow alternative to matcha or coffee. With its roasted, earthy flavor and creamy texture, this drink feels indulgent without the caffeine spike. In this guide, you’ll discover everything from its origin and taste to how it compares with matcha, and of course, how to make your own version at home.

Check out this Japanese green tea primer to understand the roots of hojicha before diving in.

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Table of Contents

What is a Hojicha Latte?

The Origin of Hojicha Tea: A Roasted Japanese Marvel

Hojicha is a roasted green tea that originated in Kyoto, Japan. Unlike other green teas, it’s roasted after steaming, which gives it a rich brown color and a toasted, nutty aroma. The roasting reduces bitterness and caffeine, making it incredibly smooth and gentle on the stomach.

What Makes Hojicha Latte Different from Regular Tea Lattes?

A hojicha latte combines hojicha tea with steamed milk, offering a roasty, comforting flavor that’s not too strong or grassy like matcha. It’s perfect for those who want a warm drink that feels cozy and soothing, without the jitters.

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Hojicha vs Matcha: Which Green Tea Reigns Supreme?

Flavor Profile Showdown: Nutty vs Grassy

Matcha is vibrant, grassy, and can be bitter, ideal for a strong tea experience. Hojicha, on the other hand, is mellow, toasty, and nutty. Its flavor is less intense, making it great for those who prefer something smoother and more balanced.

Health Benefits Compared: Antioxidants, Caffeine & More

Both teas are high in antioxidants, but their caffeine levels differ greatly. Matcha can be energizing, while hojicha is calming due to its low caffeine. If you’re sensitive to stimulants, hojicha is the better pick.

Discover great ideas like choosing between matcha and hojicha in our complete tea guide.

Hojicha Latte Taste: What to Expect

Flavor Notes: Earthy, Roasted, Nutty Goodness

A hojicha latte offers a smooth blend of roasted tea and steamed milk, with flavors that are often described as warm, nutty, and comforting. There’s zero bitterness and a slightly sweet aftertaste, especially when using oat milk or a touch of maple syrup.

Pairing Your Hojicha Latte with Food: Best Combinations

Because of its mild flavor, hojicha lattes pair wonderfully with subtle sweets like shortbread, mochi, or vanilla muffins. Its toasty notes bring out delicate flavors in desserts.

Don’t miss our ideas on perfect pairings in this tea tasting article.

Caffeine in Hojicha Latte: Is It a Low-Caffeine Option?

How Much Caffeine Is in Hojicha Compared to Matcha & Coffee

One of the biggest reasons people switch to hojicha lattes is their low caffeine content. A typical serving contains just 7–15 mg of caffeine, compared to 70 mg in matcha and 95+ mg in coffee. That’s a huge difference, perfect for those who want a warm, comforting drink without the energy crash.

When to Drink Hojicha Latte: Morning or Night?

Thanks to its low caffeine, hojicha is one of the rare lattes you can drink at any time of day, even before bed. It won’t disrupt your sleep and may actually help you relax. It’s also ideal for afternoon wind-downs or as a post-meal treat.

Looking for inspiration? Try this relaxing evening tea routine using hojicha as your go-to.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You Need for a Perfect Hojicha Latte

Choosing the Right Hojicha Powder

To get that signature roasted flavor, you need authentic hojicha powder, finely ground from roasted Japanese green tea leaves. It should be:

• 100% Japanese origin
• Roasted, not steamed
• Brown in color (not green)

Avoid using loose leaf hojicha for lattes, it’s better for brewing as tea, not mixing into milk.

The Best Milk Alternatives for Creamy Texture

While dairy milk works fine, plant-based options like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk are excellent for frothing and flavor. Oat milk, in particular, adds a natural sweetness and a velvety texture that enhances the latte.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Milk Type	Froth Quality	Taste Profile	Best For
Oat Milk	Excellent	Slightly sweet, creamy	Smooth café-style lattes
Almond Milk	Good	Nutty, mild	Low-calorie drinks
Soy Milk	Very good	Neutral, rich	High-protein lattes

How to Make a Hojicha Latte at Home (Step-by-Step)

Tools You’ll Need: Whisks, Frothers & More

You don’t need a full espresso setup, just a few tools:

• A bamboo whisk, hand frother, or even a spoon
• A small saucepan or milk steamer
• A mug or heat-safe glass

Optional but helpful: a milk frother or steaming wand for a café-style finish.

Detailed Instructions for Creamy Perfection

Here’s a simple, homemade hojicha latte recipe based on traditional methods, rewritten for clarity and uniqueness:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon hojicha powder
• 60 ml hot (but not boiling) filtered water (around 175°F or 80°C)
• 180 ml milk of choice (oat milk recommended)
• Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup or your favorite sweetener

Steps:

1. Heat your water to about 175°F (not boiling).
2. Whisk 1 teaspoon of hojicha powder with 60 ml hot water in a mug or bowl. Use a bamboo whisk, frother, or spoon until fully dissolved.
3. Add sweetener (if desired) and stir gently.
4. In a separate pot or frother, heat and froth your milk until steamy and creamy.
5. Pour milk over the whisked hojicha, holding back the foam with a spoon. Then top with the foam.
6. Serve warm, and enjoy your rich, cozy hojicha latte.

Don’t miss our easy green tea drink ideas to pair with your homemade latte.

Customizing Your Hojicha Latte Experience

Sweeteners, Milk Ratios & Flavor Variations

One of the best parts about making a hojicha latte at home is how customizable it is. You’re in control.

• Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or even a sugar-free option like stevia can work. Add to taste.
• Milk Ratios: Prefer it stronger? Use a 1:2 water-to-milk ratio. Want it creamier? Go 1:4.
• Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a splash of hazelnut syrup for a café-style upgrade.

Iced Hojicha Latte: A Cool Alternative

Hot summer day? Just cool down your whisked hojicha, pour it over ice, and add cold milk. Froth optional, flavor maximum.
Check out more refreshing drink ideas in our upcoming iced tea recipes page.

Hojicha Latte Benefits: Wellness in a Cup

Antioxidants & Digestive Properties

Hojicha might be mellow in caffeine, but it’s mighty in health perks. Its high polyphenol content helps:

• Reduce inflammation
• Aid digestion
• Fight oxidative stress

Unlike matcha or coffee, it’s gentle on the stomach, perfect post-meal.

Calming Effects Without the Crash

Because it’s roasted, hojicha contains less caffeine and more L-theanine, a compound known to reduce stress. That makes a hojicha latte the ultimate drink to sip after work, before bed, or during a quiet moment.
Don’t miss our list of calming teas in the upcoming herbal wellness section of the site.

Where to Buy Hojicha & Recommended Brands

Online vs Local Stores: What to Look For

Always check the label. High-quality hojicha should be:

• Grown and roasted in Japan
• 100% green tea (no additives)
• Ground into a fine powder for latte use

Online stores like Hojicha Co. and Yunomi offer top-tier options. Local Asian grocery stores may carry it, but selection varies.

Best Hojicha Brands for Latte Making

These are customer favorites:

• Hojicha Co. – Smooth and fresh, perfect for lattes
• Yunomi – Premium-grade with strong roasting notes
• Ippodo Tea – Trusted Japanese brand for decades

Looking for inspiration? Try comparing different grades of green teas in our green tea guide here.

Conclusion

Why You Should Try Making a Hojicha Latte Today

The hojicha latte offers the best of both worlds—a warm, comforting flavor with minimal caffeine. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this Japanese roasted green tea is perfect for relaxing moments and gentle boosts throughout the day.

Final Tips for the Perfect Cup

Use quality hojicha powder, froth your milk well, and don’t be afraid to customize with sweeteners or plant-based options. Once you try it, it might just replace your daily coffee.

Don’t miss our full Hojicha tea guide for more serving ideas, storage tips, and flavor pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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