Hojicha Latte-Recipe and Nutrition Facts

As the world of tea expands beyond the standard green and black varieties, Hojicha latte is the new sensation in the West among tea and coffee lovers, especially those looking for low-caffeine alternatives. It is a comforting, aromatic alternative to coffee and matcha. But what exactly is hojicha? Why is the latte version gaining popularity? Is it healthier than other similar beverages? Read on for everything you need to know before giving it a try.

What Is a Hojicha Latte?

A creamy, roasted green tea beverage that stole matcha’s limelight, made with hojicha powder or steeped hojicha leaves with added steamed milk (dairy or non-dairy). It’s a different profile with smooth, nutty, earthy, and toasty texture, different from grassy teas like matcha.

Hojicha (pronounced as ho-jee-cha) is a Japanese green tea brewed from roasted leaves of bancha, sencha, or kukicha at high temperature. This meticulous roasting technique decreases bitterness, reduces caffeine concentration, and gives the leaves a caramelized aroma. The roasted leaves are then either steeped whole or finely ground into a powder to make hojicha lattes with the addition of milk.

Flavor Profile:

• Toasty
• Nutty
• Caramel-like
• Mildly sweet
• Smooth and non-bitter

Unlike matcha, hojicha is not green in color. It has a warm brown hue due to the roasting.

Hojicha Latte Calories

The calories in a Hojicha Latte depend on how it’s made, especially the type of milk and any added sweeteners. Here’s a general breakdown:

Approximate Totals:

• Plain with almond milk: 35–50 kcal
• With whole milk & sugar: 160–180 kcal
• Oat milk sweetened: 100–140 kcal

A hojicha latte is relatively low in calories when measured against a standard matcha latte or flavored coffee drink, especially when made with non-dairy milk and sugar.

Hojicha Latte Caffeine

Hojicha is renowned for its low caffeine content. It has less caffeine in it’s pure form as hojicha is made from roasted older tea leaves of bancha. This makes it a premium choice for caffeine-sensitive people or the one’s looking to reduce their intake without compromising on flavor. We highly recommend it as a top-tier selection for late afternoons or evenings, especially for those looking for moderate daily caffeine consumption:

• Hojicha powder (1 tsp): ~7–13 mg caffeine
• Matcha (1 tsp): ~60–70 mg caffeine
• Coffee (8 oz): ~95 mg caffeine

Is Hojicha Latte Healthy?

Yes, these robust yet moderately caffeinated hojicha lattes, oozing with antioxidants, can be a healthy addition to your beverage routine, but it depends on how they’re prepared. Here’s why:

1. Low Caffeine

The best choice for caffeine-sensitive people or for calming down in the evening without overly triggering your nervous system and sacrificing your sleep.

2. Antioxidants

Despite roasting, hojicha still retains catechins, polyphenols, and L-theanine, which help in:

• Fighting inflammation
• Improving focus and relaxation
• Supporting heart health

3. Digestion-Friendly

The roasted properties make it gentler on the stomach compared to other green teas or coffee.

4. Less Acidity

It is a better choice for people with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs, as Hojicha is alkaline-forming.

Note: Too much sugar or high-fat dairy regularly reduces the healthiness.

Is Hojicha Better Than Matcha?

The selection of better depends upon a person’s preferences and needs. Hojicha and matcha are both Japanese green teas but differ notably in flavor, caffeine, and nutritional profile. Where hojicha is lower in caffeine and antioxidants, and has a toasted nutty flavor, matcha brims with antioxidants and has a grassy flavor with higher caffeine content.

Which is better?

• Select hojicha if you’re looking for a calming alternative with low caffeine.
• Select matcha if you want an energizing superfood brimming with antioxidants.

At the end of the day, it depends on your preference. Many tea enthusiasts enjoy both at different times of the day.

What Is a Dirty Hojicha Latte?

A Dirty Hojicha Latte is a hybrid drink that mixes hojicha and espresso, close to a dirty chai latte, It adds a shot of espresso to the classic hojicha latte, resulting in a bold and complex drink with the following notes:

• Toasty (hojicha)
• Bitter and rich (espresso)
• Creamy (milk)

This version has more caffeine due to the added coffee, but retains the signature roasted flavor of hojicha.

Why It’s Popular:

• Gives a midday energy boost
• Has an Instagram-worthy layered appearance
• Offers a unique coffee-tea fusion

Caffeine Content of Dirty Hojicha Latte:

• Hojicha: ~10 mg
• Espresso shot: ~63 mg
• Total: ~70–75 mg

How to Make Hojicha Latte

Whether you are using loose leaves of hojicha or hojicha powder, below are the easy recipes for homemade hojicha latte using both methods.

Method 1: Using Hojicha Powder

Ingredients

• 1 tsp hojicha powder
• 1 cup milk (any type)
• Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Hot water (2–3 tbsp)

Instructions

1. Pour 1 teaspoon of hojicha powder into a mug
2. Add 2–3 tbsp of hot water and whisk
3. Heat or steam 1 cup milk until warm and frothy
4. Pour the milk into the hojicha mixture
5. Sweeten to taste and stir well
6. Top with a dusting of hojicha powder or cinnamon (optional)

Method 2: Using Loose Leaf Hojicha

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp loose leaf hojicha
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• Optional sweetener

Instructions

1. Steep hojicha leaves in hot water 90°C / 194°F for 2–3 minutes
2. Strain the tea into a mug
3. Heat and froth the milk separately
4. Pour the frothed milk into the mug with tea
5. Stir and add sweetener if desired

You can also use a milk frother or electric whisk for a café-style finish!

Iced Hojicha Latte Variation

Want a summer twist? Make it iced:

Ingredients

• 1 tsp hojicha powder
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 1 cup milk
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Whisk hojicha powder and hot water
2. Fill a glass with ice
3. Add milk over the ice
4. Pour in the hojicha mix and stir

Optional: Add a shot of espresso for an iced dirty hojicha latte! Or go for a perfectly balanced combination of coffee and chai with our easy dirty chai latte recipe.

Where to Buy Hojicha Powder

• Japanese tea shops
• Online retailers like Amazon, Yunomi, or Hojicha Co.
• Asian grocery stores

For the best quality, try to get organic powder with no additives.