Two Japanese green tea powders, two unique flavours and two very different tea experiences.

You probably know Matcha, the vibrant green Japanese tea powder that has become a favourite around the world. But have you discovered Houjicha Powder yet?

Both Matcha and Houjicha come from Japanese green tea, and both are available as finely ground powders. Yet their flavour, colour, production process and character are quite different.

So, what exactly is the difference between these two Japanese tea favourites?

1. MATCHA – Fresh, vibrant & full of umami

Matcha is made from specially cultivated green tea leaves, traditionally grown in the shade for several weeks before harvesting. This process helps develop its beautiful green colour and distinctive flavour.

After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried and carefully processed into Tencha. The Tencha is then traditionally ground into an ultra-fine powder using stone mills.

Flavour & colour

Matcha has a fresh, slightly sweet and vegetal flavour, with a characteristic umami taste. Its vibrant green colour is one of its most recognisable features.

Caffeine & character

Matcha naturally contains caffeine (theine) and L-theanine. Since you consume the entire powdered tea leaf rather than an infusion, Matcha offers a different tea experience from regular brewed green tea.

How to enjoy Matcha

• Traditional Matcha, whisked with warm water

• Creamy Matcha Lattes

• Iced Matcha

• Smoothies

• Baking and desserts

2. HOUJICHA – Roasted, smooth & comforting

Houjicha is also made from Japanese green tea, but with one important difference: the tea leaves are roasted.

Traditionally, green tea leaves such as Bancha or Sencha are roasted at high temperatures, transforming their colour, aroma and flavour. This roasting process gives Houjicha its characteristic warm, brown colour and distinctive roasted taste.

Houjicha Powder is made by finely grinding roasted tea leaves, just like Matcha powder.

Flavour & colour

Unlike Matcha's fresh and vegetal taste, Houjicha has a warm, roasted flavour with notes of nuts, caramel and toasted wood. It is naturally smooth and mellow, without the typical bitterness associated with some green teas.

Caffeine & character

Houjicha generally contains less caffeine than Matcha, although the exact amount depends on the tea leaves used and the roasting process. This makes it a popular choice for those looking for a gentler tea experience.

How to enjoy Houjicha

• Creamy Houjicha Lattes

• Iced Houjicha

• Smoothies

• Baking and desserts

• Simply whisked with warm water

3. Matcha vs. Houjicha: What's the difference?

4. Which one should you choose?

It really depends on your personal taste and the moment.

Choose Matcha if you love fresh, vibrant flavours and enjoy the characteristic umami taste of Japanese green tea.

Choose Houjicha if you prefer warm, roasted and naturally mellow flavours. Its comforting character makes it especially lovely in a creamy latte.

And why choose just one? Both powders offer something unique, and we love having both in our tea collection.

Discover your favourite

At Hug the Tea, we carefully select our organic Japanese tea powders, working directly with our Japanese tea farmers.

Whether you prefer the fresh character of Matcha or the roasted warmth of Houjicha, both offer a wonderful way to enjoy authentic Japanese tea at home.

THE PUREST OR NOTHING.

Discover our Matcha & Houjicha collection at www.hugthetea.com.