Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea known for its warm, nutty flavor and calming qualities. While it is often marketed as a low‑caffeine tea, not all hojicha is created equal.
What Is Hojicha Tea?
Hojicha is a roasted green tea from Japan, typically made from bancha (late‑season leaves), sencha (younger leaves), or kukicha (stems and twigs). The roasting process at high temperatures (around 200 °C) not only gives hojicha its signature smoky aroma but also reduces bitterness and alters caffeine perception.
- Origin – Kyoto, Japan, early 20th century.
- Flavor profile – Toasty, nutty, caramel‑like.
- Leaf types used – Bancha, sencha, kukicha.
- Caffeine range – 7–20 mg per cup.
- Best time to drink – Afternoon or evening.
Hojicha’s appeal lies in its balance: low caffeine, high relaxation, and a comforting roasted taste. It is often recommended for people sensitive to caffeine or those seeking a soothing alternative to coffee.
Why Some Hojicha Teas Have More Caffeine Than Others
Hojicha is often thought of as a low‑caffeine tea, but the truth is that its caffeine levels can vary widely depending on several natural and processing factors. While roasting reduces bitterness and alters the chemical profile of the leaves, it doesn’t completely eliminate caffeine.
- Leaf type – Younger sencha leaves contain more caffeine than mature bancha leaves.
- Stem content – Kukicha (twig tea) has the lowest caffeine since stems naturally contain less.
- Roasting intensity – While roasting reduces perceived bitterness, caffeine sublimates at 178 °C, meaning heavy roasting can lower caffeine slightly.
- Brewing method – Longer steeping times, hotter water, and higher leaf‑to‑water ratios extract more caffeine.
For example, hojicha made from first‑harvest sencha leaves may reach closer to 20 mg per cup, while kukicha hojicha often falls below 10 mg. Cold brewing also extracts less caffeine, making it ideal for evening consumption.
12 Hojicha Teas Ranked by Highest Caffeine Content
Ranking these teas helps tea drinkers choose the right option for their lifestyle, whether they want a gentle evening cup or a slightly stronger roasted tea for daytime focus.
Emptea Hojicha Loose Leaf Dark Roasted
Emptea’s Dark Roasted Hojicha is crafted from carefully selected bancha leaves, roasted at higher temperatures to achieve a bold, smoky flavor. With only 7–8 mg of caffeine per 250 ml cup, it is ideal for evening relaxation or for those sensitive to stimulants.
Defining features of Emptea Hojicha Loose Leaf Dark Roasted:
- Deep Roast Flavor – Bold, smoky notes with hints of caramel.
- Low Caffeine – Just 7–8 mg per serving, perfect for late‑night tea.
- Loose Leaf Quality – Whole leaves roasted for balanced extraction.
- Smooth Finish – Gentle mouthfeel without bitterness.
- Relaxation Tea – Designed for calming evening rituals.
This tea is best suited for drinkers who want a comforting roasted flavor without the buzz. It pairs well with light desserts or can be enjoyed on its own as a soothing nightcap.
Yamasan Kyoto Uji
Yamasan Kyoto Uji Hojicha originates from the historic tea fields of Uji, Kyoto, a region renowned for premium Japanese teas. This hojicha is roasted from sencha leaves, giving it a slightly higher caffeine content than twig‑based varieties, averaging 7–10 mg per 250 ml cup.
Defining features of Yamasan Kyoto Uji Hojicha:
- Kyoto Uji Origin – Cultivated in Japan’s most famous tea region.
- Balanced Roast – Nutty and sweet with a smooth finish.
- Moderate Caffeine – 7–10 mg per serving, slightly stronger than twig hojicha.
- Sencha Leaf Base – Younger leaves roasted for richer taste.
- Versatile Drinking – Suitable for afternoon or evening tea sessions.
This tea is perfect for those who want a classic Kyoto hojicha experience with a touch more caffeine than darker roasted bancha varieties.
Organic Positively Tea Company Hojicha
Organic Positively Tea Company Hojicha is a versatile roasted green tea that balances flavor depth with moderate caffeine levels. With 7–15 mg per 8 oz cup, it offers more stimulation than twig‑based hojicha but remains gentle compared to matcha or coffee.
Defining features of Organic Positively Tea Company Hojicha:
- Organic Certification – Grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals.
- Moderate Caffeine – 7–15 mg per serving, suitable for daytime or evening.
- Bancha Leaf Base – Mature leaves roasted for a smooth, mellow taste.
- Nutty Aroma – Caramelized fragrance with roasted undertones.
- Balanced Flavor – Neither too strong nor too light, ideal for everyday drinking.
It bridges the gap between very low‑caffeine twig hojicha and stronger sencha‑based varieties, making it a flexible choice for tea lovers.
GARASHA Hojicha Tea
GARASHA Hojicha Tea is a premium roasted tea known for its refined balance of flavor and caffeine. With 11 mg per cup, it sits comfortably in the mid‑range of hojicha teas, offering enough stimulation for focus without overwhelming the senses.
Defining features of GARASHA Hojicha Tea:
- Premium Sencha Leaves – Higher quality leaves roasted for depth.
- Mid‑Range Caffeine – 11 mg per serving, balanced stimulation.
- Smooth Roast – Gentle nutty notes with mild sweetness.
- Versatile Drinking – Suitable for both daytime focus and evening relaxation.
- Japanese Craftsmanship – Traditional roasting methods ensure authenticity.
GARASHA Hojicha is ideal for tea drinkers who want a balanced caffeine level with premium flavor quality.
SUGIMOTO TEA Organic Hojicha
SUGIMOTO TEA Organic Hojicha is a carefully roasted Japanese green tea made from organically cultivated bancha leaves. Known for its smooth, nutty flavor and clean finish, this tea delivers a moderate caffeine level of 12 mg per cup, making it stronger than twig‑based hojicha but still gentle compared to matcha or coffee.
Defining features of SUGIMOTO TEA Organic Hojicha:
- Organic Bancha Leaves – Sustainably grown without synthetic chemicals.
- Moderate Caffeine – 12 mg per serving, balanced stimulation.
- Smooth Roasted Flavor – Nutty, caramelized notes with a clean finish.
- Kyoto Tradition – Crafted using authentic Japanese roasting methods.
- Versatile Use – Suitable for afternoon tea or evening relaxation.
This tea is ideal for those who want a healthy, organic option with moderate caffeine. It offers a comforting roasted taste while providing just enough energy to stay alert without overstimulation.
KINJIRUSHI Premium Hojicha
KINJIRUSHI Premium Hojicha is a high‑quality roasted tea crafted from select sencha leaves, giving it a slightly higher caffeine content of 15 mg per cup. Its flavor profile is rich and layered, combining roasted nuttiness with subtle sweetness.
Defining features of KINJIRUSHI Premium Hojicha:
- Premium Sencha Leaves – Younger leaves roasted for depth and complexity.
- Higher Caffeine – 15 mg per serving, stronger than most hojicha.
- Rich Flavor Profile – Nutty, roasted notes with a hint of sweetness.
- Japanese Craftsmanship – Traditional roasting ensures authenticity.
- Daytime Tea – Best enjoyed in the afternoon for gentle energy.
This tea is perfect for those who want a stronger hojicha experience without the intensity of matcha. It balances flavor richness with a moderate caffeine boost, making it a refined choice for tea enthusiasts.
Ippodo Tea Hojicha
Known for its meticulous roasting process, this hojicha delivers a rich, nutty flavor with a smooth finish. With 15 mg of caffeine per cup, it sits at the higher end of the hojicha spectrum, making it a good choice for those who want a gentle lift without the intensity of matcha or coffee.
Defining features of Ippodo Tea Hojicha:
- Kyoto Heritage – Produced by a historic tea company with centuries of expertise.
- Higher Caffeine – 15 mg per serving, stronger than most hojicha varieties.
- Rich Roasted Flavor – Deep nutty notes with a smooth, caramelized finish.
- Premium Quality – Carefully selected leaves roasted to perfection.
- Daytime Enjoyment – Ideal for afternoon tea when a mild energy boost is desired.
It balances tradition, flavor, and stimulation, making it a standout choice among premium roasted teas.
MIGHTY LEAF Organic Hojicha
MIGHTY LEAF Organic Hojicha is one of the strongest hojicha teas available, offering 17 mg of caffeine per cup. Made from organically grown sencha leaves, it undergoes a careful roasting process that enhances its bold, nutty flavor while retaining more caffeine than typical bancha or kukicha hojicha.
Defining features of MIGHTY LEAF Organic Hojicha:
- Organic Sencha Leaves – Sustainably grown for purity and quality.
- Strongest Hojicha – 17 mg per serving, among the highest in hojicha teas.
- Bold Roasted Flavor – Deep nutty notes with a robust finish.
- Premium Organic Certification – Ensures clean, chemical‑free cultivation.
- Daytime Tea – Best enjoyed in the morning or afternoon for gentle stimulation.
It provides a roasted, comforting flavor while delivering more caffeine than most other hojicha varieties, making it a great option for daytime focus.
Yamamotoyama Houjicha
Yamamotoyama Houjicha is one of the most widely recognized roasted teas, produced by a historic Japanese tea company with centuries of expertise. Its caffeine content ranges from 7–20 mg per cup, depending on brewing strength and leaf selection.
Defining features of Yamamotoyama Houjicha:
- Historic Brand – Produced by one of Japan’s oldest tea companies.
- Variable Caffeine – 7–20 mg per serving, adaptable to brewing style.
- Classic Flavor – Nutty, roasted taste with smooth finish.
- Widely Available – Popular internationally, easy to find.
- Versatile Brewing – Can be brewed light for evenings or stronger for daytime.
This tea is ideal for those who want a trusted, traditional hojicha with flexible caffeine levels. It’s a reliable everyday option that adapts to different drinking occasions.
Senbird Premium Hojicha
Senbird Premium Hojicha is crafted from carefully selected organic leaves, roasted to highlight a smooth, nutty flavor with subtle sweetness. Its caffeine content ranges from 7–20 mg per 8 oz cup, making it one of the stronger organic hojicha options when brewed at full strength.
Defining features of Senbird Premium Hojicha:
- Organic Leaves – Sustainably grown for purity and quality.
- Moderate to High Caffeine – 7–20 mg per serving, stronger than many hojicha teas.
- Premium Flavor – Smooth roasted notes with natural sweetness.
- Sustainable Sourcing – Leaves from small Japanese farms.
- Authentic Craftsmanship – Traditional roasting methods ensure quality.
This tea is perfect for those who want a premium organic hojicha with a stronger caffeine profile. It combines sustainability, flavor depth, and versatility, making it a refined choice for tea enthusiasts seeking authenticity.
Eden Organic Hojicha
Eden Organic Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea made from organically grown bancha leaves. Its caffeine content ranges from 7–20 mg per 8 oz cup, depending on how strongly it is brewed.
Defining features of Eden Organic Hojicha:
- Organic Bancha Leaves – Sustainably grown without synthetic chemicals.
- Variable Caffeine – 7–20 mg per serving, adaptable to brewing style.
- Nutty Roasted Flavor – Smooth, caramelized taste with mild sweetness.
- Flexible Brewing – Can be steeped lightly or strongly depending on preference.
- Organic Certification – Ensures clean, chemical‑free cultivation.
This tea is ideal for those who want a healthy, organic hojicha with customizable caffeine strength. It offers versatility, making it suitable for both relaxation and mild stimulation.
KIMIKURA Hojicha
KIMIKURA Hojicha is one of the strongest hojicha teas available, delivering up to 20 mg of caffeine per cup. Made from premium sencha leaves, it undergoes a careful roasting process that preserves more caffeine while enhancing the tea’s nutty, roasted flavor.
Defining features of KIMIKURA Hojicha:
- Premium Sencha Leaves – Younger leaves roasted for depth and complexity.
- Highest Caffeine – 20 mg per serving, among the strongest hojicha teas.
- Rich Roasted Flavor – Nutty, caramelized notes with a bold finish.
- Japanese Craftsmanship – Traditional roasting ensures authenticity.
- Daytime Tea – Best enjoyed in the morning or afternoon for gentle stimulation.
This tea is perfect for those who want a stronger hojicha experience with a refined roasted taste. It provides a noticeable caffeine boost while maintaining the comforting qualities of roasted tea.
Hojicha vs Matcha: Which Tea Has More Caffeine?
When comparing hojicha to matcha, the difference is dramatic. Matcha involves consuming the entire powdered leaf, resulting in 60–80 mg of caffeine per cup. Hojicha, on the other hand, averages 7–20 mg per cup, making it far gentler.
- Matcha – High caffeine, energizing, often used for focus.
- Hojicha – Low caffeine, calming, ideal for evenings.
- Flavor contrast – Matcha is grassy and vegetal, hojicha is roasted and nutty.
- Health impact – Both contain L‑theanine, but hojicha’s lower caffeine makes it better for those sensitive to stimulants.
In essence, matcha is the energizer, hojicha is the comforter. If you want sustained energy and alertness, matcha is the clear choice. If you prefer a tea that won’t interfere with sleep and offers a cozy roasted flavor, hojicha is the winner.