Matcha vs Hojicha – What’s the Difference?

If you’ve visited my Honey & Sunshine market stall, you’ve probably heard me ask:

“Would you like matcha or a hojicha?”

And if your brain immediately replied “I’m sorry, a what now?” don’t worry, you are definitely not alone!

I get this question constantly at my market stall on Torquay High Street, so I thought I’d write a proper explanation. Because although both drinks are Japanese green teas, they have very different personalities. Think of them as sisters: one is the energetic, gym-going, colour-coordinated friend, and the other is wrapped in a cosy blanket with a good book and a candle burning in the background.

Let’s take a closer look….

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Matcha is the bright green powder that has completely taken over Instagram, TikTok, and probably half your friends’ morning routines. But good matcha is not just a pretty drink.

Because the whole tea leaf is ground into a fine powder, you’re actually consuming the leaf itself rather than simply steeping it in water. This gives matcha its vibrant grassy flavour and naturally higher caffeine content.

At Honey & Sunshine, I love matcha because it provides a gentle & steady energy instead of the dramatic coffee rollercoaster. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can help promote a sense of focused calm. Many people find it helps them feel alert without the jittery feeling they sometimes get from coffee.

My favourite way to serve it:

Coconut milk & fresh berries

The slight natural sweetness of coconut milk balances matcha’s earthy, grassy notes beautifully. It turns what could taste a little bitter into something smooth, creamy, and kind of addictive tbh.

Hojicha is matcha’s underrated cousin, and I think it deserves a lot more attention! Unlike matcha, hojicha is roasted after the tea leaves are harvested, and this roasting process transforms the flavour completely.

Hojicha is:

• Nutty
• Earthy
• Warm and slightly smokey

Because the roasting process reduces the caffeine content, hojicha is naturally more calming and gentle. It’s perfect for people who love the ritual of a latte but don’t necessarily want a strong caffeine hit.

My favourite pairing

Oat milk wins this time.

I personally find that oat milk enhances hojicha’s toasted notes as it is notably creamier than other milks. I think this combo brings out the best in the hojicha and makes it taste delicious.

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Conclusion

Of course it all depends what your aim is and what your personal tastes are. And no matter which one you choose both can be found at my market stall Torquay High Street!

So… which one should you choose?

I tend to treat myself to one of each throughout my day, beginning with an iced coconut matcha in the morning and an iced oat hojicha after lunch!

The best way to decide? Taste them yourself ☀️

Reading about flavour is helpful, but nothing beats holding an ice-cold latte in your hand while wandering through the English Riviera!! You can find both my Matcha Latte and Hojicha Latte at my Honey & Sunshine nomadic market stall!

See where to find me next on my events page. I’m always happy to chat through the differences, recommend a milk pairing, or help you choose based on whether you’re heading to work, the beach, or a much-needed self-care afternoon.

So next time you see the bright green matcha and the caramel-brown hojicha side by side, you’ll know exactly what the heck I’m talking about.

And if you still can’t decide? Come and try both 😉 I fully support a “one in each hand” approach to tea research!! 🍵✨

Thank you for reading!

Olivia @ Honey & Sunshine xoxo