Hojicha Powder Latte: A Warm, Roasted Alternative to Matcha
What Is Hojicha Powder?
Hojicha is a Japanese roasted green tea with a distinctive warm, caramel-like flavour. Unlike matcha, which is vibrant green and grassy, hojicha has deep brown tones and a naturally smoky sweetness — no bitterness at all.
Hojicha powder is made by finely grinding roasted tea leaves, just like matcha is made from shaded green tea leaves. This powder format dissolves completely in liquid, making it ideal for lattes, baking, and desserts. It is not the same as loose-leaf hojicha — the powder gives a richer, more concentrated flavour and a beautiful creamy texture.
Why Hojicha Powder for Lattes?
Hojicha powder is naturally very low in caffeine — roughly a third of matcha and a fifth of coffee. This makes it a perfect evening drink or an option for those who are caffeine-sensitive. The roasted flavour pairs beautifully with milk, creating a latte that feels indulgent without any added sugar.
The Perfect Hojicha Powder Latte
Ingredients
- 2g hojicha powder (about 1 teaspoon)
- 30ml water at 70°C
- 200ml milk of your choice (oat milk complements the roasted notes perfectly)
- Optional: a touch of honey or maple syrup
Steps
- Sift the hojicha powder into a small bowl or cup to remove any clumps
- Add 30ml of 70°C water and whisk until smooth — hojicha powder dissolves more easily than matcha, so a few seconds of vigorous whisking is enough
- Heat your milk to about 65°C and froth it
- Pour the frothed milk over the hojicha concentrate
- Enjoy — hojicha has a natural sweetness from the roasting process, so try it without sweetener first
Iced Version
For an iced hojicha latte: prepare the concentrate with hot water as above, fill a glass with ice, pour cold milk, then add the hojicha concentrate on top. The brown and white layers create a beautiful visual effect.
Which Milk Works Best?
- Oat milk: Our top pick — the natural sweetness and creaminess complement hojicha's roasted character
- Whole milk: Rich and classic, brings out the caramel notes
- Almond milk: Light, nutty — a nice pairing with the toasty flavour
- Coconut milk: Adds a tropical twist that works surprisingly well
Hojicha vs. Matcha: When to Choose What
Both are powdered Japanese teas, but they serve different moments. Matcha is your morning boost — grassy, energising, rich in caffeine and L-theanine. Hojicha is your evening comfort — warm, soothing, almost caffeine-free. Many of our customers keep both on hand.
