How Much Caffeine Is in a Hojicha Latte?

Hojicha latte-known for roasting and merrow flavor. It is getting standard menu at cafe and popular drink that you can also enjoy easily at home.

While many people think it’s perfect for relaxing or taking a short break, it is common that some people wonder “How much caffeine does it actually contain?”

In this article, we’ll introduce key points about hojicha latte, including the approximate amount of caffeine content, precautions for drinking it at night or during pregnancy, and how it differs from matcha latte.

We hope this will provide helpful hints for enjoying hojicha latte with greater peace of mind.

What Is a Hojicha Latte?

A hojicha latte is a gently flavored and aromatic drink made by adding milk to hojicha, a type of Japanese tea.

Hojicha itself is made by roasting tea leaves such as sencha or bancha at high temperatures. This roasting process draws out a nutty aroma and a refreshing aftertaste, giving hojicha its distinctive light and clean flavor.

Hojicha has mild bitterness and astringency, making it smooth and gentle on the palate. Its compatibility with milk enhances its soothing quality, making it perfect for a relaxing moment.

Additionally, by using powdered hojicha, you can easily make an authentic latte without the need to brew tea leaves. In recent years, variations using plant-based milks such as oat milk or almond milk—alongside traditional cow’s milk—have also become popular.

Does Hojicha Latte Contain Caffeine?

Because of its gentle flavor, hojicha latte is often assumed to be caffeine-free. However, while the amount is low, the hojicha used in the latte does contain caffeine.

Since milk—the other ingredient—contains no caffeine, the caffeine content of the latte is essentially the same as that of the hojicha used.

As a rough guideline, one cup contains around 20 mg of caffeine. This is approximately the same amount as a standard serving of hojicha.

While the mild bitterness and mellow taste of hojicha latte may not give the impression of caffeine, it is important to remember that it is low-caffeine, not caffeine-free.

Why Is the Caffeine in Hojicha Latte Low?

Changes in Caffeine Due to Roasting and the Part of the Plant Used

Compared to coffee or matcha, hojicha contains significantly less caffeine, and it is known as a “low-caffeine” Japanese tea.

The tea leaves used for hojicha come from the same Camellia sinensis plant as matcha. So why they are the difference in caffeine content?

One major reason lies in the manufacturing process. Hojicha is made by roasting tea leaves at high temperatures, and it is believed that during this roasting process, some of the caffeine in the leaves is broken down or volatilized by the heat. As a result, the amount of caffeine is reduced during extraction.

Additionally, hojicha often uses bancha or kukicha (stem tea), both of which naturally contain less caffeine. This also contributes to the lower caffeine content.

Comparison of Caffeine Content with Other Beverages

So, how does the caffeine content of hojicha compare with other types of tea and beverages?

The table below shows approximate caffeine amounts per cup of various drinks:

From this table, the caffeine content of hojicha is about one-third that of coffee or matcha. Compared with other caffeinated drinks, it is relatively low in caffeine.

https://matchadirect.kyoto/blogs/matcha-101/how-much-caffeine-is-in-hojicha-vs-matcha-and-coffee

Is It Okay to Drink Hojicha Latte at Night?

With its warm, roasted flavor and gentle taste, hojicha latte is enjoyed as a relaxing cup for a peaceful time. It’s often selected as a drink for daytime relaxation or after meals.

However, if you plan to enjoy it at night, some caution is required.

Although hojicha latte contains less caffeine than matcha or coffee, it is not completely caffeine-free. Depending on individual sensitivity, even a small amount of caffeine can affect sleep.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to avoid taking it at night. It is better to enjoy a hojicha latte during the day for a relaxing moment.

Differences Between Hojicha Latte and Matcha Latte

Both hojicha latte and matcha latte are popular japanese tea-based lattes, but there are significant differences in flavor, aroma, and caffeine content.

Hojicha latte uses roasted tea leaves, which results in a lower caffeine content—about 20mg per cup. With its roasted aroma and clean aftertaste and a smooth mouthfeel, hojicha is a perfect choice for a relaxing moment.

In contrast, matcha latte is made with finely ground whole tea leaves, so it contains a higher amount of caffeine—around 60mg per cup. The unique bitterness and umami of matcha combined with the creaminess of milk create a rich, full-bodied flavor.

If you want to spend a relaxing time, it is better to choose hojicha latte. If you're looking for a refreshing boost from caffeine, matcha latte is a great choice. Depending on the situation, you can enjoy a richer tea time experience.

Conclusion

Hojicha latte is loved for its roasted aroma and smooth mouthfeel, and it contains less caffeine than coffee or matcha. Its smooth, mellow flavor makes it an easy, comforting drink that people enjoy in their daily lives.

Since it’s not caffeine-free, you should be mindful of when you drink it. Still, its gentle flavor brings a sense of tranquility to everyday life and continues to be a popular choice for many people.