Copycat Starbucks Hojicha Frappuccino (150 Calories)
Starbucks Japan quietly launched a toasted-tea frappu in 2019 and word of its smoky-sweet charm rippled across tea circles worldwide. Today you can recreate that flavour bomb at home with five pantry-friendly ingredients, one blender and—best of all—only 150 calories. Hojicha’s caramel notes meld with frosty almond milk to deliver a caffeine-light pick-me-up that tastes like a campfire marshmallow with zero bitterness.
If you’re new to hojicha, think of it as matcha’s mellow, roasted cousin: Japanese green tea leaves are slow-roasted until chestnut-brown, lowering caffeine and releasing nutty aromatics. Powdered hojicha works exactly like matcha powder but offers an earthy hue and comforting depth that shines in cold drinks.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Hojicha latte powder (4 g) – Use ceremonial‑grade for a silky finish. If you only have loose‑leaf, blitz it in a spice grinder until fine.
- Almond milk (150 ml) – Any barista oat or dairy skim works; calories will shift slightly.
- Sweetener – Allulose keeps sugar near zero, but maple syrup adds cosy depth (+17 cal).
- Xanthan gum (optional) – A café secret that stops ice separating so your frappuccino stays spoon‑thick.
- Ice – Fresh cubes make the blend fluffier; avoid freezer‑burned shards.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Measure 150 ml almond milk into your blender cup.
- Add 4 g hojicha powder, 8 g sweetener and a pinch (1 g) of xanthan gum.
- Blend on low for 5 seconds to dissolve the powder and activate the gum.
- Tip in 150 g fresh ice cubes. Secure the lid.
- Run the blender on high for 30–40 seconds until the mixture turns pale beige and forms soft peaks.
- Pour into a 12 oz chilled glass.
- Top with optional 10 ml light whipped cream. Enjoy immediately with a wide straw or spoon.
Calorie Calculator
| Variation | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base recipe (almond milk) | 150 | 3 g | 12 g | 9 g |
| + 25 ml light whipped cream | 175 | 3.5 g | 13 g | 11 g |
| Swap 2 % dairy milk | 205 | 6 g | 20 g | 9 g |
| Add 10 g vanilla whey (see below) | 225 | 12 g | 14 g | 10 g |
Blender vs Protein Shaker
| Feature | High‑speed Blender | Spiral‑ball Shaker |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Barista‑grade airy & spoonable | Lightly frothy, iced‑latte body |
| Ice Pulverisation | Crushes ice micro‑fine | None – must use crushed ice or skip |
| Clean‑up | Rinse jug & lid | Dishwasher‑safe in 30 s |
| Ideal Use | Weekend treat, Instagram aesthetics | Gym bag, office desk sip |
Cost per Serving
Optional Protein Add‑Ins 💪
Turn your frappuccino into a macro‑friendly breakfast shake:
- Vanilla whey isolate (10 g) – dissolves cleanly, nudges calories to 225 while boosting protein to 12 g.
- Pea‑rice vegan blend (12 g) – earthy notes pair surprisingly well with the roasted tea; add an extra splash of milk if the blend thickens too much.
- Collagen peptides (10 g) – flavour‑neutral, keeps carbs low; great for skin‑boosting iced sips.
Blend or shake powders with the liquid before adding ice to avoid gritty pockets.
Serve & Store
Enjoy immediately—melting ice will dilute the roast flavour. If you must prep ahead, blend the base without ice, chill up to 24 h, then add ice and re‑blend when ready.
Pair it with More Hojicha Goodness
- 🔥 Try our Ultimate Hojicha Latte Recipe for cosy evenings.
- ❄️ Need a summer pick‑me‑up? Brew a jar of Hojicha Cold Brew that steeps while you sleep.
Final Sip
This copycat hojicha frappuccino ticks every box: wallet‑friendly, waistline‑friendly and unbelievably quick. Tag #HojichaAtHome on Instagram so we can admire your frothy creations!