If you’ve dipped your toe in the world of Japanese teas (or stepped foot in any café in Auckland worth their salt) you’re likely familiar with matcha — the punchy green powder found in everything from lattes to ice cream, baking, and smoothies. But there’s a new kid on the block contesting matcha’s reign. Hojicha — made from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis) — is fast-gaining popularity, loved for its mellow and distinct roasted flavour and myriad health benefits, with much less caffeine.

While matcha is known for its vibrant, punchy taste and smooth buzz, hojicha is ideal for when you want comfort and calm. And while they may differ in taste, colour, and character, both have something unique to offer beyond the usual coffee hit. Here, we look at the buzz behind each.

Matcha

Best to Drink: when you want to have energy

Matcha is the finely milled powder of young, shade-grown green tea leaves. The leaves are steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a silky powder you whisk directly into hot water — meaning you’re drinking the whole leaf, not just an infusion as you would with green tea. It’s known for its vibrant green hue, rich umami flavour, and a unique balance of calm alertness (thanks to L-theanine and a gentle caffeine kick). Traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, with origins dating right back to 8th century China, matcha has now firmly established itself as a go-to for wellness aficionados, lauded for its clean energy boost with and rich antioxidant content, particularly catechins like EGCG which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Hojicha

Best to Drink: when you want to relax

Hojicha takes a slightly different path. Instead of fresh young leaves, it’s made from more mature tea leaves, stems, and even twigs — roasted at high temperatures until they turn a toasty golden brown. The result is a warm, nutty, slightly caramelised flavour with almost no bitterness. It’s naturally low in caffeine and gentle on digestion, making it an ideal choice for evenings or when you crave something soothing. In fact, when it comes to health benefits, there are plenty, with hojicha packed with catechins and polyphenols which promote skin health and support the immune system, as well as L-theanine which is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Hojicha lattes are gaining ground, but you can also drink it straight, chilled over ice across the warmer months, or, we’re sure, many other creative ways which we’ll see cropping up in the months to come.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful alternative to coffee, both matcha and hojicha tick the box — with each rich in both flavour and health benefits. Matcha brings focus and clarity, while hojicha offers comfort and ease. And both look great in a mug.