Matcha vs Hojicha: Which Of These Viral Drinks Deserves Your Attention & Order?

Japanese green teas are having their moment with matcha lattes dominating our Insta-feeds and hojicha frappes, the menus of artisanal cafes. And if you’re confused about choosing the striking green brew over its toasty cousin, then we’re here to give you the ultimate showdown. Matcha vs Hojicha, which of these viral Japanese brews deserves your attention? It’s time to spill the tea!

Matcha: The Internet’s Viral Sensation

Matcha, the flavour (and colour) of the season comes from specially grown and processed green tea leaves from camellia sinensis tea plant in Japan. Tencha leaves from this plant are cultivated in the shade to enhance their amino acid content and chlorophyll. Before the gritty green powder enters your purview, its green leaves go through a steaming, drying and stone-grounding process.

Flavour: Grassy, slightly bitter, umami with a gritty texture

Caffeine: 60–70 mg per cup approx.

Vibe: Striking green colour, perfect for those Insta-worthy clicks

Health Benefits: Packed with antioxidants and helps boost energy

Availability: Widely available at cafes, restaurants and online stores

Versatility: Matcha is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with fruity notes like strawberry and mango.

For hot beverage drinkers, matcha lattes are subjective to taste due to their overpowering grassy notes.

The Japanese brew is widely enjoyed chilled with dairy or plant-based milk like coconut milk.

Best Way To Enjoy It: Chilled Lattes, smoothies, desserts, soft serve

Also Read: Matcha Vs Hojicha: 7 Key Differences To Know Before You Sip 

Hojicha: The Rising Star Among Japanese Brews 

If the distinct grassy flavours of Matcha isn’t your game, then perhaps Internet’s slowly brewing new sensation, Hojicha might be! Like Matcha, Hojicha is also extracted from the same tea plant. But the toasty notes of Matcha is attributed to the tea plant’s twigs, older leaves and stems that undergo a thorough roasting process over charcoal. The less popular of the two brews, Hojicha is everything Matcha isn’t.

Flavour: Toasty, smoky, nutty with vanilla and chocolate-y notes

Caffeine: Lesser than Matcha, 10–20mg per cup approx.

Vibe: Reddish-brown hue, perfect for that chilly, cosy weather

Health Benefits: Aids digestion( since it’s roasted), stress reliever (less caffeine) and has antioxidants (lesser than Matcha)

Availability: While Matcha has taken India by storm, Hojicha is yet to catch up on. It’s available at coffee houses serving specialty brews.

Versatility: Less versatile than Matcha, Hojicha’s toasty flavour profile is often experimented in cookies and ice creams.

For coffee lovers, a hot Hojicha Latte would be preferable as it’s deep earthy, toasty flavour profile is reminiscent of a Cappuccino or Mocha.

Drink this Japanese brew chilled by ordering Hojicha Cold Brews and Iced Hojicha Latte.

Best Way To Enjoy It: Hot lattes, mochis and cookies

Also Read: What Is Japanese Tea Ceremony? 6 Japanese Tea Etiquettes To Keep In Mind

Our Final Verdict

The Matcha vs Hojicha debate might not be a longstanding one. But if you take it from us, we lean towards Hojicha! With less caffeine content, a more palatable flavour profile of toasty chocolate-y notes, a steaming hot cup of Hojicha Latte is deeply comforting! But if a vibrant, versatile, high energy and high antioxidant drink is your go-to then Matcha is the brew for you!

After all, it’s all about the tea that vibes with you the most!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro (vasiliybudarinphotos and  pixelshot)