What is hojicha? Everything you need to know about the next big matcha - Non-Alcoholic

Mar 06, 2026

Fan of matcha? You need to try hojicha.

It’s undeniable that the last few years have really given matcha its moment. The Japanese drink exploded right across social platforms, its popularity thanks in part to its low levels of caffeine and many health benefits. In fact, matcha has become such a sensation that its production has tripled in the previous decade. But now, there’s a new sheriff in town – an equally low-caffeine alternative to coffee that has been predicted to blow up this year. We’re talking hojicha.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝗰𝗵𝗮-𝗻𝗼-𝘄𝗮 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 | 茶匠鑑定茶の環 (@chanowa_australia)

What is hojicha?

Hojicha is a type of roasted Japanese green tea, with a signature nutty flavour profile and a chocolate-brown hue. Like its vibrant green cousin matcha, hojicha is another traditional Japanese drink, and available both in loose-leaf and powdered form, though it can’t claim quite the same history. While matcha originated in China in the 7th century, it landed in Japan closer to 1100, where it quickly became popular in powdered form, and central to tea ceremonies.

In comparison, hojicha only dates back to the 1920s, first originating in Kyoto. It’s said to have been developed as a way to reduce waste, repurposing the leftover leaves, stems and twigs from green tea plants by roasting them over charcoal.

Related recipe: Matcha and strawberry roulade

How is hojicha produced?

Hojicha and matcha are both born from the same plant, but each is harvested differently. Matcha tea plants are plucked from leaves specifically shaded for the last stretch of their growing period in an effort to increase their chlorophyll count (hence its vivid green colour). These leaves are then picked, steamed, dried, de-stemmed and later ground into their final fine powder form.

In comparison, hojicha is made from green tea leaves left later in the harvest (plucked in summer or autumn). Unlike the majority of other Japanese teas which are steamed, the tea leaves are roasted to create hojicha’s famously toasty flavour.

What are the benefits of hojicha?

The combination of mature tea leaves and a lengthy roasting process mean that hojicha has a lower caffeine content than both coffee and matcha, which makes it popular among children and the elderly. It also contains the calming properties of L-theanine, as well as a hefty dose of antioxidants (just like matcha) improving the body’s ability to reduce inflammation and ward against disease. Hojicha is also heralded as a digestive aid, promising to soothe stomachs and banish bloating.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yuku dō ゆく堂 (@yukudo_adl)

How do you pronounce hojicha?

Hojicha is pronounced ‘hoh-jee-chah’ – ‘hoh’ as in ‘home’, ‘jee’ as in ‘gee whiz’ and ‘cha’ like the end of the word ‘matcha’. The emphasis is on the ‘hoh’.

Where can you find hojicha in Australia?

Melbourne

Naau Cafe
276 Russell St, Melbourne
@naau.coffee

Tomo’s Little Collins
382 Little Collins St, Melbourne
tomoslittlecollins.com

Overlay Coffee
320 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
@overlaycoffee.com.au

Sydney

Tento
3/8 Hill St, Surry Hills
tento.com.au

Matcha Ya
NW.05/10 Steam Mill La, Haymarket
matchaya.com.au

Cafe Creasion
Pyrmont – 310 Harris St
@cafe.creasion

Cha-no-wa
Parkline Place L, 2 03/252 Pitt St, Sydney
Shop 3 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale
Rhodes Central, Level 1/14 Walker St, Rhodes
@chanowa_australia