Is Hojicha Decaf? (And What “Low Caffeine” Actually Means)
If you’re googling “is hojicha decaf”, you’re not alone. Hojicha has that toasted, café-cosy vibe—so it’s easy to assume it’s caffeine-free. The truth is slightly more nuanced (in a reassuring way).
Quick Answer
Hojicha is not “decaf” by default. Unless it’s specifically labelled decaffeinated hojicha, it usually contains some caffeine. That said, hojicha is typically low caffeine compared with matcha and many other teas—so it often fits beautifully into an “I want something gentler” routine.
Is hojicha decaf?
In everyday café chat, people sometimes use “decaf” to mean “it won’t keep me up.” But technically, decaf means the caffeine has been removed through a decaffeination process (like you see with decaf coffee or decaf black tea).
Hojicha, on the other hand, is traditionally made by roasting green tea leaves. Roasting changes the flavour dramatically (hello, toasted caramel notes), but it doesn’t automatically turn the tea into a “decaf product.” If you need true decaf, look for explicit wording like “decaffeinated” or “caffeine removed” on the label.
Decaf vs low caffeine vs caffeine-free (plain English)
- Decaf = caffeine has been actively reduced using a decaffeination method. It’s very low, but usually not zero.
- Low caffeine = naturally contains caffeine, but tends to be lower than other options. Exact amounts vary by tea material, serving size, and how you brew it.
- Caffeine-free = contains no caffeine (or effectively none). Think herbal infusions like peppermint, rooibos, or chamomile (not technically “tea” from the tea plant).
Here’s the myth-busting takeaway: hojicha sits in the “low caffeine” camp most of the time—not the “caffeine-free” camp.
Does hojicha have caffeine?
Yes—hojicha usually has caffeine, because it’s made from the same tea plant as green tea, black tea, and matcha. What changes is the tendency: hojicha is often produced using bigger, more mature leaves and sometimes stems, which generally contain less caffeine to begin with.
Brewing style matters too: hotter water and longer steep times typically extract more caffeine. With powdered tea drinks (like matcha), you ingest the tea itself—so the “caffeine feel” can be stronger than a quick steep of loose leaf. In other words, what you make matters just as much as what you buy.
Is hojicha caffeine-free?
No, hojicha isn’t typically caffeine-free. If you’re looking for something reliably caffeine-free, choose a herbal infusion. If you want a tea that’s often lower caffeine, hojicha is one of the most popular choices—but it still contains some.
Hojicha vs matcha vs green tea vs black tea vs decaf coffee
This is a simple, real-life comparison (no scary numbers). Think of it as “caffeine tendency” plus the moment it usually fits best. Your exact experience will vary with serving size, brand, and brewing method.
| Drink | Caffeine tendency | When it often feels best |
|---|---|---|
| Hojicha (roasted green tea) | Low (varies by leaf + brew) | Afternoons, post-lunch reset, cosy evenings |
| Matcha (powdered green tea) | High (you consume the leaf) | Morning focus, pre-work, “I need a proper lift” |
| Green tea (steeped) | Low–medium | Mid-morning, lighter afternoons |
| Black tea (steeped) | Medium | Breakfast, “classic cuppa” moments |
| Decaf coffee | Very low (not zero) | After dinner “coffee ritual” without the full buzz |
Note: “Decaf” means reduced caffeine, not always caffeine-free. Caffeine varies widely by brand, dose, and preparation.
Why hojicha feels gentler (without the woo)
If matcha can feel like a bright spotlight, hojicha is more like a warm lamp. Not because it’s magically “caffeine-free,” but because of how we experience it:
- Roast notes change the vibe. Hojicha’s toasty aroma and nutty, caramel-ish flavour can read “dessert-adjacent” even when it’s unsweetened. That makes it feel cosy and unhurried.
- It’s often sipped more slowly. A big mug of hojicha is usually a “sip and chat / sip and journal” drink—not a quick chug between meetings.
- Milk drinks dilute intensity. Hojicha is commonly enjoyed as a latte, which naturally spreads flavour and caffeine across a larger, creamier drink.
- Serving size is usually smaller. Many people use less hojicha than matcha when they’re making a drink at home—especially when they’re new to it.
Put simply: hojicha tends to be low caffeine, and the way we drink it often supports a gentler experience.
Hojicha at night: can you drink it in the evening?
Many people choose hojicha as an evening tea because it’s typically lower caffeine than matcha or black tea. But “at night” is personal: some people are caffeine-sensitive, and others can have an espresso after dinner and sleep like royalty.
If you’re experimenting with hojicha at night, start with a smaller serving and earlier in the evening, then adjust based on how it feels for you. (Cosy science: you’re running your own tiny taste-and-timing experiment.)
Practical guidance: timing, serving size, and café questions
Best times to drink hojicha
- Mid-afternoon: when you want something warm and satisfying without a “big caffeine swing”.
- After meals: roasted flavours pair beautifully with dessert-y notes (think vanilla, sesame, chocolate).
- Evening wind-down: if you’re aiming for a low-caffeine ritual (and you personally tolerate small amounts well).
Serving-size tips (especially if you’re caffeine-aware)
- Start smaller: use a lighter scoop of hojicha powder or shorten steep time for loose leaf.
- Choose a bigger cup, same dose: one scoop in a larger latte can feel gentler than a concentrated small drink.
- Go iced: an iced hojicha latte often stretches one serving across more volume (and sips).
- Keep it simple: if you’re testing how hojicha fits into your routine, try it unsweetened first so you can read the tea itself.
How to ask cafés what they use (so you know what you’re getting)
Café hojicha can vary a lot: some use hojicha powder, others use steeped hojicha, and some use a sweetened hojicha concentrate. If you want a better read on caffeine and sweetness, these questions help:
- “Is this hojicha powder, or brewed hojicha?” (Powder often tastes bolder; brewed can be lighter.)
- “Is it sweetened already?” (Some café bases are pre-sweetened.)
- “How many scoops do you use for a small vs large?” (Serving size is the hidden variable.)
- “Can you make it half-strength?” (Most baristas can—especially for lattes.)
How does it compare to decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee is often chosen for the coffee ritual—the aroma, the warmth, the “I’m having a moment” feeling—without the full caffeine impact. It’s important to know that decaf typically still contains a small amount of caffeine.
Hojicha is different: it isn’t “decaffeinated” by default, but it’s usually low caffeine and naturally mellow in flavour. If you’re deciding between the two, ask yourself what you want most: the coffee taste (decaf coffee) or the roasted, tea-latte comfort (hojicha).
FAQ: is hojicha decaf, low caffeine, or something else?
1) Is hojicha decaf?
Not usually. Hojicha is traditionally roasted green tea, so it typically contains some caffeine unless it’s specifically labelled “decaffeinated”.
2) Does hojicha have caffeine?
Yes—most hojicha contains caffeine because it comes from the tea plant. It’s generally considered low caffeine, but the exact amount depends on the leaves used and how you brew it.
3) Is hojicha caffeine-free?
No. If you need caffeine-free, choose an herbal infusion (like peppermint or rooibos). Hojicha is a low-caffeine tea, not a caffeine-free one.
4) Can I drink hojicha at night?
Many people do, because it’s typically lower caffeine than matcha or black tea. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, try a smaller serving earlier in the evening and adjust from there.
5) Does roasting remove caffeine from hojicha?
Roasting changes the flavour, but it doesn’t automatically make hojicha “decaf.” Hojicha is often lower caffeine because of the tea material used (bigger leaves and sometimes stems) and because brewing choices affect extraction.
6) Is hojicha powder stronger than loose leaf?
It can feel stronger in flavour, especially in lattes. Caffeine depends on dose: if you use more powder, you’ll likely get more caffeine—so start with a smaller scoop and build up to your perfect roast level.
7) How does hojicha compare to matcha for caffeine?
Matcha tends to be higher caffeine because you consume the powdered leaf. Hojicha is usually low caffeine and is often chosen for later-in-the-day sipping.
8) How do I order a lower-caffeine hojicha in a café?
Ask whether they use powder or a sweetened base, and request a large cup with the same number of scoops (or ask for half-strength). Serving size is your best lever.
Sources & further reading
If you want to go deeper (or you love a trustworthy chart), here are reputable references on caffeine, decaf, and tea variability:
- U.S. FDA — “Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?”
- Mayo Clinic — Caffeine content charts (includes decaf)
- UK Food Standards Agency — Caffeine intake and common sources
- EFSA (2015) — Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine
- Global Japanese Tea Association — Caffeine in Japanese teas (incl. hojicha)
- NHS — Water, drinks and hydration (tea & coffee context)
Ready for a cosy, roasted cup?
If you want a creamy, toasty latte vibe with a typically low-caffeine feel, our hojicha powder is made for easy whisking at home—hot or iced.
Shop Hojicha Powder →Friendly note: caffeine experiences vary by person, serving size, and brew method. If you’re managing caffeine for personal reasons, check labels and ask cafés how they prepare their drinks.