Is This Beverage The New Matcha?

Hōjicha Hōji- YAH

By Yana Van Der Byl | 27th March 2025

Move over matcha, there’s a new tea stealing the spotlight this autumn. Meet Hōjicha — the effortlessly chic, subtly smoky, and totally cosy Japanese roasted green tea that’s about to become your caffeine fix and your autumn aesthetic.

What is Hōjicha?

Think of Hōjicha as matcha’s cooler, moodier cousin. Instead of that bright green vibrancy, it’s roasted to a warm, toasty brown — kind of like a cup of golden-hour magic. The roasting process removes most of the bitterness, leaving behind a caramel-like, nutty, and slightly smoky flavour that just screams sweater weather. Plus, it’s low in caffeine, meaning it won’t give you the jitters but still delivers a gentle boost.

@matisseella

have you tried hojicha yet? #hojichalatte #matchalatte

♬ FRENCH BOSSA NOVA – Ladji Mouflet & gracegrace

How to Sip Like an It-Girl

Hōjicha is the ultimate multitasker — cosy enough for a slow morning, chic enough to order at your favourite farmers market. Try it:

Straight Up: Brew it hot for a comforting, smoky sip on a crisp morning.
Hōjicha Latte: Swap your morning coffee for a creamy almond milk hōjicha latte — it’s giving soft girl autumn.
Iced & Boujee: Cold brew it overnight, add vanilla syrup, and pretend you’re in a Pinterest board.
In Your Baking: Hōjicha brownies? Hōjicha tiramisu? Say less.

This season, let chai take a backseat. Hōjicha is here to wrap you in a toasty, caramel-hued hug — and honestly, isn’t that exactly the autumn glow-up we need?

Imagery: @bobbybangs / @matisseella

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