Organic Hojicha

Our Hojicha is crafted from meticulously selected, clean, and vibrant tea leaves, roasted by seasoned experts to elevate its exceptional quality. Due to the delicate nature of these leaves, the powder has a naturally sticky texture - similar to grinding tender baby spinach with a mortar and pestle. Whisking is essential to achieve its signature smooth, velvety consistency. A traditional bamboo whisk transforms the process into a mindful, meditative ritual, while an electric frother offers a quick and effortless alternative. This simple yet crucial step unlocks the luxurious mouthfeel of premium Hojicha.

A common misconception about Hojicha powder is its "mixability" in water. Unlike sugar, it doesn’t dissolve but remains suspended, as it’s made from finely milled whole tea leaves. Some natural settling may occur over time - simply give your cup a gentle swirl or stir to restore the suspension. In fact, unusually high mixability can indicate lower-quality leaves, subpar grinding methods, or even added fillers like tapioca. If the powder completely dissolves, it may not be true tea at all, but rather a freeze-dried liquid.

For the richest flavor and aroma, we recommend using pure water heated to 185°F, a slightly higher temperature than matcha, to enhance Hojicha's signature warm, toasty notes.

For step-by-step guidance on preparing your hojicha for the best flavor and texture, check out our green tea preparation guide.

At Yu Tea, we believe in full transparency when it comes to what's in your cup. Our Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document we've carefully compiled from third-party lab reports. It outlines the results of comprehensive testing of our Organic Hojicha – including checks for heavy metals, microbial contaminants, radiation, and other quality markers. We also include information on naturally occurring compounds like caffeine and antioxidants to help you better understand what is in our Hojicha.

Sharing this report is one of the ways we uphold our commitment to purity, wellness, and trust – so you can sip with confidence.

View the Hojicha Certificate of Analysis

Absolutely! Hojicha is versatile and can be used in various recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and savory dishes, adding a unique flavor and nutritional boost. For inspiration, explore our collection of delicious hojicha recipes, perfect for any occasion.

Each single-serving Hojicha stick contains 1 gram or roughly 1/2 tsp.

Each pouch of Hojicha contains a net weight of 75 grams or roughly 2.65 oz.

To help you make informed choices about your tea consumption, here's a comparative look at caffeine content across our tea collection (per serving, one stick) along with other common beverages (per 8 oz):

Yu Tea Collection*:

Decaf Sencha : 4 mg

Genmaicha: 5 mg

Decaf Matcha: 6 mg

Hojicha: 17 mg

Sencha: 20 mg

Matcha: 41 mg

Other Beverages:

Decaf Coffee: 2 – 12 mg

Hot Chocolate: 5 – 25 mg

Black Tea: 14 – 61 mg

Brewed Green Tea: 24 – 40 mg

Coffee: 95 – 240 mg

*Note: Our tea values are from our most recent batch testing; results vary by lot and packaging.

To retain the freshness and potency of your Yu Tea Hojicha, it's essential to store it away from air, sunlight, moisture, and heat. Follow these steps for optimal preservation:

• Resealable Bags: Our teas come in resealable pouches or individual single-serving sticks for extra convenience and freshness. For pouches, after each use, gently squeeze out the air and reseal the bag securely.
• Alternative Containers: If desired, transfer your tea to a non-clear, air-tight container with a snug-sealing lid to keep it fresh.
• Temperature Control: In warmer climates (average temperatures around 70 °F), store in the fridge if possible. Ensure to bring it to room temperature an hour before use to prevent condensation.

Over time, Hojicha's potency gradually decreases. The "best by" date is set for two years after production to maintain optimal nutritional value and flavor. Tea consumed beyond this period may still be safe to drink but will likely have diminished flavor, aroma, and health benefits. To fully enjoy hojicha's vibrant taste and wellness properties, we recommend consuming it fresh or purchasing a new supply once it's past the best-by date.

By adhering to these storage guidelines, you'll ensure that every cup of Yu Tea you brew is as vibrant and beneficial as the last, celebrating the authentic essence of our meticulously crafted teas.

Yes, we conduct rigorous testing on all our tea products, including Hojicha, to ensure their quality and safety. This includes testing for potential contaminants such as heavy metals like lead. While trace amounts of certain elements can naturally occur in soil, we take every precaution to ensure our teas meet the highest safety standards for food products.

We are committed to transparency and providing safe, high-quality teas to our customers. For more information about contaminants in food, you may find resources like the FDA’s Environmental Contaminants in Food page helpful.

All Yu Tea products are food, not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with any food product, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have specific health concerns before incorporating our teas into your routine.

The one study done with green tea and milk found that skim milk lowered the EGCG people absorbed by about a third, while most of the catechins still got through; milk proteins (caseins) bind to catechins. You can read what the studies found in our milk and green tea article.

We don't know of studies in people that tested plant-based milks with green tea. Almond, oat and other low-protein milks have less of the proteins that bind catechins, so they are a reasonable choice for a latte, but that is an educated guess, not a tested result.

We haven't seen evidence that a little sweetener changes what green tea's catechins do, so choose the one you like and use it sparingly; try the tea plain first, since good green tea has its own natural sweetness. If you drink green tea for its EGCG, have at least some of it plain, with water only.

Yu Tea is a food, not a medicine. Over the years we have worked with a group of naturopathic doctors, integrative oncologists, nutritionists and health coaches; you can meet them on our experts page. If you have a health condition or take medication, please ask your own doctor whether green tea suits you, since green tea can interact with some medicines.

Absolutely! We welcome wholesale inquiries. Simply email us, and we will take care of your needs.