The Rise of Hojicha: Why Roasted Green Tea is the Next Big Thing in UK Wellness

Move over, matcha — there’s a new Japanese tea stealing the spotlight in UK wellness circles. Hojicha, a roasted green tea with a warm, toasty flavour and naturally low caffeine content, is rapidly gaining popularity among health-conscious Brits. Its unique roasting process gives it a distinctive reddish-brown hue and a comforting, almost caramel-like taste that sets it apart from the grassy notes of traditional green tea.

While matcha remains a staple for clean energy and focus, hojicha offers a different kind of appeal: a soothing, mellow experience perfect for winding down. In this article, we’ll explore the hojicha trend in the UK, compare it to matcha, and share tips for incorporating this roasted gem into your daily routine. Whether you’re a seasoned tea lover or a curious newcomer, hojicha might just become your new favourite brew.

What Is Hojicha? A Brief Introduction to Japan’s Roasted Green Tea

Hojicha (pronounced ho-JEE-cha) is a Japanese green tea that undergoes a unique roasting process. Unlike matcha or sencha, which are steamed and dried, hojicha leaves are roasted at high temperatures — typically over 200°C — until they turn a rich, reddish-brown colour. This roasting not only transforms the tea’s appearance but also dramatically alters its flavour profile, creating a smoky, nutty, and slightly sweet taste with no bitterness.

The roasting process also reduces the tea’s caffeine content significantly, making hojicha an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or looking for a relaxing evening beverage. In Japan, hojicha has long been enjoyed by people of all ages, including children and the elderly, thanks to its gentle, comforting nature. Now, it’s making waves in the UK as a versatile and healthful alternative to coffee and traditional green teas.

• Hojicha is made from bancha or sencha leaves that are roasted, not steamed.
• The high-temperature roasting caramelises the natural sugars, giving hojicha its signature toasty flavour.
• Hojicha contains about 70% less caffeine than matcha, making it ideal for late-day sipping.

Hojicha vs Matcha: Key Differences in Flavour, Caffeine, and Use

While both hojicha and matcha come from the same Camellia sinensis plant, they are processed very differently, resulting in distinct characteristics. Matcha is a powdered green tea made from shade-grown leaves that are stone-ground into a fine powder. It’s known for its vibrant green colour, umami flavour, and high caffeine content, which provides a steady, focused energy boost. Matcha is often used in lattes, smoothies, and baking.

Hojicha, on the other hand, is typically sold as loose-leaf or in tea bags, though you can also find powdered hojicha for lattes. Its roasted flavour pairs beautifully with milk, making it a popular base for a hojicha latte — a warm, comforting drink that’s gaining traction in UK cafés. If you love the ritual of whisking matcha, you might also enjoy experimenting with hojicha using the perfect whisk for a smooth, frothy finish.

• Flavour: Matcha is grassy and umami; hojicha is smoky, nutty, and sweet.
• Caffeine: Matcha has 30-70 mg per serving; hojicha has 7-20 mg per serving.
• Best uses: Matcha for morning energy and focus; hojicha for afternoon relaxation or evening wind-down.

Top Health Benefits of Roasted Green Tea (Hojicha)

Hojicha is not just a delicious alternative to matcha — it also offers a range of health benefits that align perfectly with the UK’s growing interest in functional wellness. Because the leaves are roasted, hojicha retains many of the antioxidants found in green tea, including catechins like EGCG, which support immune function and combat oxidative stress. The roasting process also reduces the tea’s astringency, making it gentler on the stomach.

Another key benefit is hojicha’s low caffeine content, which provides a mild lift without the jitters or crash associated with coffee. This makes it an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their caffeine intake without giving up the ritual of a warm, comforting drink. Additionally, hojicha contains the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and mental clarity — a perfect combination for stress relief and mindfulness.

• Rich in antioxidants: Supports skin health and immune function.
• Low caffeine: Suitable for evening consumption or caffeine-sensitive individuals.
• Contains L-theanine: Promotes calm focus and reduces stress.

How to Make a Perfect Hojicha Latte at Home

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience hojicha is by making a hojicha latte. This comforting drink combines the roasted tea with steamed milk (dairy or plant-based) and a touch of sweetener. Start by preparing a strong cup of hojicha — either by steeping loose leaves or using hojicha powder. If you’re using powder, whisk it with a small amount of hot water until smooth, then add warm milk.

For an extra creamy texture, froth the milk using a whisk or electric frother. The result is a deeply satisfying, caramel-like latte that’s lower in caffeine than matcha but just as delicious. If you’re a fan of fruit-infused matcha drinks like summer berry matcha powder, you might also enjoy experimenting with hojicha by adding a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for a warming twist.

• Use 1-2 teaspoons of hojicha powder or 1 tablespoon of loose leaves per cup.
• Whisk with hot water (not boiling) to avoid bitterness.
• Top with frothed oat milk for a dairy-free, creamy latte.

Hojicha in the UK: Where the Trend Is Heading

The hojicha trend in the UK is gaining momentum, driven by a growing appetite for Japanese tea culture beyond matcha. Specialty tea shops and independent cafés in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are increasingly featuring hojicha on their menus, offering everything from classic hojicha lattes to hojicha-infused desserts and baked goods. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also played a role, with tea enthusiasts sharing their hojicha creations and highlighting its unique flavour.

As UK consumers become more adventurous with their tea choices, hojicha is poised to become a staple in the wellness community. Its low caffeine content and soothing properties make it an ideal alternative for those who love the ritual of tea but want something different. For matcha lovers looking to expand their palate, hojicha offers a complementary experience that’s both familiar and novel. And if you’re after a refreshing twist, try pairing it with a vibrant drink like juicy peach matcha energy drink for a burst of clean energy.

• Hojicha is appearing on menus in UK speciality tea shops and cafés.
• Social media is driving interest with visually appealing latte art and recipes.
• Hojicha pairs well with both sweet and savoury flavours, making it versatile for cooking and baking.

Whether you’re a devoted matcha fan or simply curious about the latest Japanese tea trend, hojicha is well worth exploring. Its warm, toasty flavour and gentle energy make it a perfect addition to your daily wellness routine. Ready to dive into the world of roasted green tea? Start your hojicha journey today with a delicious vanilla oat matcha latte or experiment with our range of matcha powders to find your perfect cup.