glass jars full of hojicha and matcha latte

Hojicha vs matcha: Which should you get?

Comparing hojicha and matcha based on processing level, flavour profile, and more

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Key Facts

  • Hojicha is a Japanese tea made from roasted green tea leaves. It is brown in colour and produces a smoky flavour and aroma.
  • Matcha is a Japanese green tea that is usually in powder form. This bright green drink has a grassy, slightly sweet, and vaguely bitter taste.


The popularity of the tea plant has led to the observation and celebration of different tea cultures around the world; the English love their Earl Grey and breakfast tea, India has chai as its national drink, and the Japanese have their own tea ceremonies. 

Because tea consumption here in Australia has been mostly influenced by the British, those who want to venture into the world of Japanese teas may need help learning which variety—hojicha vs matcha, for instance—is more to their taste. This guide discusses these two types of green teas and points out their similarities and differences.

What is hojicha?

hojicha vs matcha - a small bowl of hot hojichaA warm bowl of comforting hojicha (Source: iStock)

Hojicha is a type of green tea that originated in the 1920s in Kyoto, Japan. It is made by roasting dry bancha, sencha, or kukicha leaves. Due to how it is processed, the tea is brown in colour, has a smoky taste and aroma, and has a name that comes from the Japanese words hoji (roast) and cha (tea). Hojicha is usually available as loose leaves, but it can also be found in powdered form.

What is matcha?

hojicha vs matcha - a small bowl of hot matchaA bowl of freshly blended matcha (Source: iStock)

Matcha is another kind of green tea with a much longer history; its roots can be attributed to a Buddhist monk named Eisai in the 12th century, after he went back to Japan from a period of study in China. It got its name from the combination of the words matsu (to rub or to paint) and cha (tea). Usually in the form of a bright green powder, matcha is known for its vegetal and umami flavours.

Matcha vs hojicha: Which is better for your needs?

Here are some things that illustrate how matcha is different from hojicha:

In terms of processing level

hojicha vs matcha - roasting green tea to make hojichaRoasting green tea leaves to create fragrant hojicha (Source: iStock)

Producing hojicha begins with steaming mature tea leaves. They are then rolled for a couple of hours, causing their curly shape to be straightened. Afterwards, they are dried so they can be stored properly.

The steps above are repeated twice before the leaves can be roasted at 200°. Traditionally, a clay pot called horoku is used to roast them, but some manufacturers use more advanced machines.

Meanwhile, creating the fine green powder that is matcha is more complicated. The process commences right when the tea plants are being grown under the shade of rice straws or bamboo mats. 

After the tea leaves are picked, they undergo steaming, air drying, and de-stemming. But before they can be ground into powder, more steps may be necessary—such as firing or blending—depending on their intended grade variety.

In terms of grade variety

hojicha vs matcha - a teaspoon of culinary grade matcha powderA spoonful of vibrant green matcha powder (Source: iStock)

Another key difference between hojicha and matcha involves their grading systems. Matcha has three standardised grades: ceremonial, culinary, and daily. 

Ceremonial-grade matcha, which is of top-shelf quality, is mainly used for tea ceremonies. Due to its high chlorophyll levels, matcha of this grade tends to have a deeper colour. 

Culinary-grade matcha is the one used as an ingredient in various drinks and food recipes. It has five subgrades: premium, café, ingredient, classic, and kitchen. 

Meanwhile, daily-grade matcha is the Goldilocks of matcha in terms of bitterness and sweetness. It is also called traditional- or premium-grade matcha.

Hojicha, on the other hand, does not follow a rigid grading system, although many are labelled as ‘premium’ to separate them from hojicha of regular or lower quality.

Recommendation: If you would like to go on a green tea adventure, choosing matcha allows you to experience more varieties in terms of quality and taste.

In terms of cost

The price of green tea varies depending on the grade, but typically, matcha powders are more expensive than packaged hojicha. The cost of a 30-gramme bag of matcha usually ranges from $15 to $50. Meanwhile, you can buy a 60- or 90-gramme bag of hojicha for the same price, sometimes even less.

Recommendation: Go for hojicha if you want to try any type of green tea without spending a lot of money.

In terms of preparation style

hojicha vs matcha - sifting matcha powder before whiskingSifting matcha powder to ensure a smooth, lump-free brew (Source: iStock)

Another hojicha and matcha difference is regarding how they are traditionally prepared.

Brewing hojicha involves adding tea leaves to a kyusu (a type of Japanese teapot) and then pouring hot water afterwards. It only takes a minute or two before the flavour seeps in and the tea becomes ready for drinking. Note that there’s no need to stir the mixture during the process.

Making a traditional matcha drink, on the other hand, requires more steps and tools. This is true whether you want usucha (lighter type) or koicha (bolder type). 

The first step involves placing a small sieve on top of a chawan (tea bowl). Afterwards, a chashaku (tea scoop) is used to add and sift matcha powder into the sieve. The next steps are pouring a small amount of hot water into the bowl and mixing it with the powder for a few seconds using a bamboo whisk. The person drinking the tea may add more water if desired.

Recommendation: Choose hojicha if brewing matcha seems too complicated.

In terms of flavour profile

hojicha vs matcha - drinking freshly brewed matchaSavouring a cup of freshly brewed matcha (Source: iStock)

There’s a few differences between hojicha vs matcha taste-wise. The process of roasting gives hojicha a smoky taste and aroma. There’s also a hint of sweetness similar to caramel and a slight bitterness like dark chocolate that can be found in this velvety tea.

Meanwhile, matcha’s taste and aroma are predominantly vegetal, just like grass. It is also nutty, slightly bitter, and rich in umami, which refers to a distinctly savoury flavour. You know a matcha drink is well-prepared if it has a frothy texture.

Recommendation: Choose matcha if umami is a new concept that piques your interest.

In terms of nutritional content

If you’re unsure whether to choose hojicha vs matcha health benefits-wise, do know that both green teas are rich in antioxidants, catechins, polyphenols, and amino acids. These lead to younger-looking skin, a stronger immune system, and lower stress levels.

However, there’s a difference between hojicha vs matcha caffeine levels. The former has very low caffeine content, so it won’t alter your sleep schedule even if you consume it at night. Meanwhile, the latter is rich in the said stimulant, making it unsuitable for those with caffeine sensitivity.

Recommendation: If you want green tea that you can drink at any time of the day, hojicha is a better choice than matcha.

In terms of versatility

hojicha vs matcha - matcha and hojicha soft serve in conesCreamy matcha and hojicha soft serve in waffle cones (Source: iStock)

Either hojicha or matcha can be turned into other types of drinks; there’s hojicha latte, mojito mocktail, and macchiato, as well as matcha lemonade, smoothie, and soda. Moreover, both are used as ingredients for desserts and baked goods, including ice cream, cookies, and cake. Some may find it surprising, but they can also be used to make pasta.

Recommendation: You can’t go wrong with either if you want a type of tea with several uses.

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Hojicha vs matcha


Hojicha Matcha
Processing Level
Straightforward
Complex
Grade Variety
Grading system is not rigidly defined and is typically either regular or premium
Follows a strict grading system and has several varieties
Cost
Affordable
Typically pricier
Preparation Style
Easy to prepare
Brewing involves several steps and tools
Flavour Profile
Has a smoky flavour and aroma; texture is creamy
Flavour can be described as umami; texture is frothy
Nutritional Content
Rich in antioxidants, catechins, polyphenols, and amino acids; has low caffeine content
Also rich in the same nutrients; has high caffeine content
Versatility
Used as an ingredient to make a range of drinks, desserts, pastries, and meals
Also has very varied uses


FAQs on hojicha and matcha

Yes, both types of green tea come from Camelia sinensis, a type of evergreen shrub.

Yes, it is not taboo to combine hojicha and matcha, whether as a cold or hot drink.

It may not be the best idea to replace hojicha with matcha since, as discussed above, these Japanese green teas have distinct flavour profiles.

Both hojicha and matcha, when stored properly and left unopened, can be consumed within one to two years. Once their packaging is opened, they will remain fresh for around three months.

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