Matcha and hojicha powder are both made by grinding a Japanese green tea until it is a fine powder. When you drink matcha or hojicha powder you are ingesting the entire tea leaves. While they are similar in that department, these two teas are vastly different from one another. Matcha has been popular in North America for quite some time now, and hojicha powder is slowly making its way to our cups. In fact, hojicha could appeal to an even broader audience. Matcha is a tea in powder form only. The tea used to create authentic matcha is called Tencha. Hojicha, on the other hand, is a loose leaf tea but can be made into a powder. Here are the main differences between these two stone-ground Japanese-style green teas.
First, let’s learn a bit about the teas that are used to make these two powders…
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a powdered green tea (not to be confused with instant tea).
Before matcha is created, tencha green tea is made. Before harvesting the tea leaves for Tencha in the spring, the plants are shaded by covering them with bamboo mats or tarps.
The leaves are then harvested and steamed to prevent oxidation.
Before grinding, the steamed leaves are sorted for different matcha grades and the removal of stems and veins take place. This is Tencha green tea.
You can dry these tea leaves and steep them like a normal green tea, but when tencha gets ground into a fine powder that is what we call matcha.
What is Hojicha?
Unlike matcha, hojicha (also spelled houjicha) is a loose leaf tea. It is a Japanese green tea that is made by roasting either sencha or bancha green tea.
There are two types of hojicha green tea: one is made from leaves and the other is made from stems.
Hojicha made from stems is more expensive than hojicha made from leaves. To create hojicha powder, the leaves and/or stems get ground until very fine, similar to matcha.
RELATED READ: Where to Buy the Best Hojicha Powder Online
The Differences Between Matcha and Hojicha Powder
While there might be a few similarities, below is an outline of some things that differ when comparing matcha and hojicha powder.
Difference #1: The Tea
Matcha is made by grinding Tencha, another Japanese green tea, until it is a fine powder.
Hojicha is a roasted green tea. Hojicha powder is made by grinding the roasted tea leaves until it is a fine powder.
Difference #2: The Colour
Although both are green teas, only one is actually green in colour. Matcha is green (vibrant if it is high quality) and hojicha powder is brown. Do not get it confused with low quality matcha, though.
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Difference #3: The Process
The tea used for making matcha, Tencha, is shaded, harvested, steamed, dried and sorted before grinding to create the powder.
The tea used for making hojicha, Sencha or Bancha, is harvested, steamed, dried, sorted and then slowly roasted before grinding to create hojicha powder. The roasting step is why this green tea is actually brown.
Difference #4: The Taste
Matcha is vegetal and can be bitter at times, especially if it is lower quality.
Hojicha powder is more rich, earthy with toasted notes. It is not bitter because of the roasting process. If you don’t like the “grassy” taste from some green teas, try hojicha!
Difference #5: The Caffeine
Matcha is relatively high in caffeine, but without the jitters and crash thanks to the calming effect of the theanine. Therefore, it is a great tea for the morning or early afternoon.
Hojicha and hojicha powder are low in caffeine. Again, this is partly thanks to its roasting process. Therefore, it is a great tea for the evening and even children.
Difference #6: The Tradition
Matcha is generally prepared as a hot tea to drink, especially if it is high quality. Lower quality grades are used for smoothies, lattes, and baking.
RELATED READ: How To Make Matcha The Traditional Way
Hojicha powder is primarily used as an ingredient for sweets (ie. lattes, chocolates, ice cream, etc.). However, it can still be whisked into a hot tea, too.
RELATED READ: Hojicha Chocolate
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I am a big fan of both matcha and hojicha powder. Do you have a favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
I love both matcha and hojicha! Very different flavours but I always recommend both to coffee drinkers looking for healthier beverages.
Is Matcha Green Tea Powder safety to buy and drink from Coronavirus? They made it in China, Japan, and another countries?
Hi Maya,
Matcha and other teas are safe to consume. There is no risk of being infected through it.
Thats good to know about it. Thank you for the update.
Woo! I think the infographic is great. I really need to use more hojicha powder!
i do love matcha and never tried Hojicha before. but after read your blog, I really excited to try it once.
Awesome! I would love to hear your thoughts on hojicha powder once you get to try it 🙂
Do you have any recommendation for some good hojicha powder?
Hi Mel, yes! Check out Hojicha Co or Soar Organics (I believe this one is also available on Amazon).
btw, Grace and Green now carries some excellent Houjicha powder.
Yes! I’m so excited they have hojicha powder for sale again. I’ll be featuring it on my blog soon!