Alongside its flavour, hojicha is often appreciated for its gentle nature. It’s naturally low in caffeine compared to most green teas, making it an easy choice for later in the day. It also carries fewer tannins, which contributes to its smooth, less astringent character and makes it feel lighter on the stomach. Like other green teas, it contains antioxidants from the tea leaf itself, though in a softer, more muted form due to the roasting process. 

Hojicha is a Japanese roasted green tea, traditionally made by roasting tea leaves, stems or twigs over high heat. That roasting process transforms the tea completely: the leaves deepen in colour and the cup takes on warm, nutty, caramel-like notes with a gentle smokiness. The result is a tea that feels soft, comforting and quietly complex — equally good on its own or folded into a latte. 

Compared to other Japanese green teas, hojicha is relatively new. It’s widely believed to have emerged in Kyoto in the 1920s, when tea merchants began roasting leftover green tea leaves and stems to extend their life and create something more approachable for everyday drinking.

What began as a practical way to reduce waste quickly became a staple in Japanese homes. Today, hojicha is loved across Japan in many forms: brewed hot, poured over ice, whisked into lattes, and worked into everything from ice cream to desserts.

Brewing hojicha is refreshingly low-fuss. Because it’s roasted, it tends to be more forgiving than delicate green teas. For hojicha powder, whisk it with a small amount of hot water until smooth before topping with more water or milk. It also works beautifully iced, especially when you want something mellow but still full of flavour. (need to confirm with Nameru about brewing instructions)

What makes us love Hojicha? It feels familiar even on the first sip — nutty, sweet, and a little nostalgic. It’s the kind of drink that invites you to slow down, settle in, and go back for another cup.

Craft your own at home with our Hojicha Latte Powder, which you can find online or at any of our Stitch Coffee cafes.