Hojicha Caffeine: How It Compares to Other Drinks and When to Drink It

"Hojicha is low in caffeine" is a common claim, but how much caffeine does it actually contain? And how does it really compare to coffee, black tea, or sencha?

This article looks at hojicha caffeine levels with specific numbers, explains why the low-caffeine reputation exists, and offers practical guidance on when to drink which beverage throughout the day.

Hojicha caffeine: comparison with other beverages

Caffeine per 100 ml

The following figures are general estimates per 100 ml and will vary depending on brew strength and method:

• Drip coffee: approx. 60 mg
• Black tea: approx. 30 mg
• Sencha (green tea): approx. 20 mg
• Hojicha: approx. 20 mg
• Bancha: approx. 10 mg
• Genmaicha: approx. 10 mg
• Rooibos: 0 mg
• Barley tea (mugicha): 0 mg

Hojicha has roughly the same caffeine as sencha and about one-third of drip coffee. The roasting process reduces water content but not much caffeine, as caffeine is heat-stable.

Why hojicha has a low-caffeine reputation

The reputation comes from two factors. First, hojicha is often made from bancha, which uses mature leaves that naturally contain less caffeine than the young shoots used in sencha. Second, hojicha is typically brewed with very hot water for a short time, limiting how much caffeine is extracted.

Practical guide for caffeine-conscious drinkers

Timing your drinks through the day

• Morning to midday: coffee or sencha work well for alertness
• After 3 pm: switch to hojicha or bancha to reduce impact on sleep
• Evening to bedtime: rooibos or barley tea for a caffeine-free wind-down

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

General guidance suggests limiting caffeine to 200-300 mg per day during pregnancy. Two to three cups of hojicha falls within that range, but factor in caffeine from other food and drinks. When in doubt, consult your doctor.

For children

Hojicha is less astringent than sencha, making it a gentle introduction to Japanese tea for children. Brew it weak and start with small servings. If you prefer to avoid caffeine entirely for young children, rooibos or barley tea are caffeine-free alternatives.

Enjoying hojicha in HCMC

Cold-brew hojicha

For HCMC's heat, cold-brew hojicha is ideal. Add tea leaves to a pitcher of cold water, refrigerate for 3-4 hours, and strain. Cold brewing also extracts less caffeine than hot brewing, so it is a good option if you want to reduce your intake further.

Hojicha latte

Brew hojicha strong, then add warmed milk for a hojicha latte. The toasty aroma of the tea and the creaminess of milk complement each other beautifully. No sugar needed: the roasted notes carry the flavour.

Find hojicha on Farmi

The Farmi app carries hojicha sourced directly from Japan. Order in Japanese and get it delivered within HCMC. Download the Farmi app and find your favourite hojicha for daily tea time.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Can you drink too much hojicha and exceed safe caffeine levels? For healthy adults the general limit is 400 mg per day. Hojicha alone is unlikely to exceed that, but count caffeine from coffee and other sources as well.

Q2. Is decaf hojicha available? Some manufacturers offer caffeine-free hojicha. For those who need to avoid caffeine entirely, decaf hojicha or rooibos are good alternatives.

Q3. Can I drink hojicha before bed? Caffeine sensitivity varies, but many people find hojicha consumed 2-3 hours before sleep has little effect. For extra caution, try cold-brew hojicha, which has even less caffeine.

Q4. Is hojicha or green tea healthier? Both contain catechins, though roasting reduces catechin levels slightly in hojicha. Hojicha is gentler on the stomach and produces pyrazine compounds from the roasting that may promote relaxation. Choose based on your body and preference.