Yame Organic Hojicha Loose Leaf Tea – Roasted Japanese Green Tea (100g)
Original price was: $29.99.$19.99Current price is: $19.99. — or subscribe to save up to 15%
100 gram bag of organic hojicha (Roasted Japanese green tea) from Yame, Japan
Makes 20-30 servings
- Certified JAS Organic
- Non-GMO
- No-additives
- Stone-milled
- Authentic Japanese Origin
- Unsweetened
- 100% Pure Premium hojicha leaves
The best way to enjoy tea all day (very little caffeine) and all year round (hot and cold). If you want to cook or bake with this, consider the powder instead.
Comes in an aluminum lined washi (traditional japanese paper) bag to protect the tea from heat, light and oxidation.
Available on backorder
Free shipping on orders over $50!
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
- No Hassle Refunds
- Secure Payments
Description
Last updated: April 2026
- ✅ Premium Organic Hojicha: Experience the pure, organic delight of our Hojicha Loose Leaf Tea, sourced from the renowned Yame region in Japan. Each 100g pack offers 20 servings of healthful brew, ensuring a premium and sustainable tea experience with every cup.
- ✅ Authentic Yame Cha: Our hojicha is a testament to Yame, Japan's legacy in tea cultivation, offering a smoky, caramel-sweet essence unique to this esteemed locale.
- ✅ Soothing Hojicha Tea: Each serving invites tranquility with its aromatic warmth and a hint of honey, making our Hojicha Loose Leaf Tea the perfect companion for relaxation or focused study.
- ✅ Low-Caffeine Comfort: Enjoy the comforting embrace of our low-caffeine Hojicha Green Tea, offering a gentle energy lift without the jitters, perfect for any time of day.
- ✅ Versatile & Flavorful: Whether served hot or iced, our hojicha delivers a rich, smoky flavor with versatile brewing options, making it a delightful choice for tea enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike.
- ✅ Eco-Conscious Brewing: Our JAS-certified organic hojicha ensures a sustainable and eco-friendly tea experience, steeped in the heritage of Japanese tea culture.
- ✅ Soothing & Aromatic: Each cup of our hojicha tea invites tranquility with its soothing aroma and hint of honey, perfect for moments of relaxation or focused study.
What Is Hojicha?
Hojicha (ほうじ茶) is a roasted Japanese green tea distinguished by its warm, earthy flavor and characteristic reddish-brown color. Unlike unroasted green teas such as sencha or gyokuro, hojicha undergoes a high-heat roasting process — traditionally carried out in a porcelain pot over charcoal at approximately 150°C — that transforms its flavor profile from grassy and vegetal to toasty, caramel-sweet, and nutty. The roasting process also prevents oxidation and produces the tea's signature light brown to golden hue.
- Key Takeaways
- Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea with a toasty, caramel-sweet, and nutty flavor — markedly different from unroasted green teas.
- This 100g pack of Yame Organic Hojicha yields approximately 20 servings and is JAS-certified organic.
- The high-heat roasting process removes approximately 60–70% of caffeine via sublimation, making hojicha one of the lowest-caffeine Japanese green teas available. (Multiple sources / Tea chemistry consensus, 2024)
- Sourced from Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture — one of Japan's most prestigious tea-growing regions, recognized by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF, 2024).
- Vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly; suitable for hot or iced brewing and enjoyed at any time of day.
Why Does Hojicha Have Such Low Caffeine?
Hojicha is significantly lower in caffeine than other Japanese green teas because the roasting process causes caffeine to sublimate — converting from solid directly to vapor — at high temperatures. According to established tea science (Multiple sources / Tea chemistry consensus, 2024), hojicha roasted at 160–220°C loses approximately 60–70% of its caffeine through sublimation, not decomposition. This makes it one of the most accessible Japanese green teas for those seeking to limit caffeine intake.
For context, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA FoodData Central, 2024), a standard 237ml cup of brewed green tea contains approximately 29mg of caffeine. Hojicha's roasting process reduces this substantially, which is why it is commonly consumed throughout the entire day in Japan — including after meals and with dessert, where its roasted savoriness naturally balances sweetness.
What Makes Yame Hojicha Special?
This hojicha is sourced from Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture — a region widely regarded as one of Japan's finest tea-producing areas and officially recognized in Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF, 2024) production data for high-grade green tea varieties. Yame benefits from a mountainous terroir with misty mornings and significant diurnal temperature variation, both of which contribute to complex, nuanced flavor development in its teas. Expert tea masters in Yame carry out the roasting process by hand, unlocking the characteristic golden-brown hue and rich, aromatic depth that set Yame hojicha apart from mass-produced alternatives.
This product is Certified JAS Organic — Japan Agricultural Standard (JAS) organic certification is Japan's official government standard confirming that tea has been cultivated without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, verified by a registered certification body under the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Hojicha Loose Leaf vs. Hojicha Powder: Which Should You Choose?
Both formats deliver the signature roasted character of hojicha, but they serve different purposes. The table below summarizes the key differences to help you choose.
| Feature | Yame Hojicha Loose Leaf Best for: Traditional hot or iced tea brewing |
Miyazaki Hojicha Powder Best for: Baking, cooking & culinary use |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Whole roasted tea leaves | Finely milled powder |
| Primary Use | Brewing hot or iced tea | Baking, lattes, cooking, desserts |
| Flavor Character | Smoky, caramel-sweet, honey-like, aromatic | Concentrated roasted, smoky sweetness |
| Origin | Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan | Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan |
| Organic Certification | Yes — JAS Certified Organic | See product listing |
| Caffeine Level | Low (~60–70% reduced by roasting) | Low |
| Pack Size | 100g (~20 servings) | See product listing |
| Dietary | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly | See product listing |
Product Details
- 100% premium organic roasted green tea leaves
- Authentic Japanese origin — Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Vegan, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
- Certified JAS Organic
- 100g per pack (~20 servings)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hojicha taste like?
Hojicha tastes roasted, earthy, and caramel-sweet, with a characteristic smokiness and a gentle hint of honey. Unlike grassy or astringent green teas, the roasting process gives hojicha a warm, toasty, and smooth character. According to Hara Y (2001, Green Tea: Health Benefits and Applications), the roasting process fundamentally alters green tea's chemical composition, producing the distinct flavor compounds responsible for hojicha's signature profile.
Is hojicha actually a green tea?
Yes — hojicha (ほうじ茶) is a type of Japanese green tea, typically made from sencha or bancha leaves, that has been roasted at high heat. The roasting dramatically changes its color, aroma, and flavor while significantly reducing caffeine content, but it originates from the same Camellia sinensis plant as all green teas.
When is the best time to drink hojicha?
Hojicha is suitable for any time of day. Because its caffeine content is significantly reduced through roasting (Multiple sources / Tea chemistry consensus, 2024), it is one of the few Japanese green teas commonly enjoyed in the evening. In Japan, it is especially popular after meals and with dessert, as its roasted savoriness balances sweetness naturally.
How do I brew Yame Hojicha Loose Leaf?
Hojicha is more forgiving to brew than delicate green teas. Use approximately 5g of loose leaf per 200ml of water heated to 90–95°C, and steep for 30–60 seconds. For iced hojicha, use cold water and steep the leaves in the refrigerator for several hours. The ISO 3103:2019 standard (International Organization for Standardization, 2019) outlines internationally recognized parameters for tea preparation in sensory evaluation, though everyday brewing may be adjusted to personal taste.
What is the difference between hojicha and genmaicha?
Both are lower-caffeine, roasted-character Japanese teas, but they differ in composition and flavor. Hojicha is made entirely from roasted green tea leaves, delivering a pure, smoky-caramel flavor. Genmaicha is green tea blended with roasted brown rice, giving it a distinct nutty, popcorn-like taste. As noted by Heiss & Heiss (2007, The Story of Tea), genmaicha originated as a way to stretch expensive tea leaves with roasted rice — both styles are now valued for their toasty flavors and lower caffeine profiles compared to unroasted green teas.
Additional information
| Bag Type | Wide mouth bag, Tall bag |
|---|
27 reviews for Yame Organic Hojicha Loose Leaf Tea – Roasted Japanese Green Tea (100g)
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
You may also like…
-
Subscribe & Save up to 15%
Sale!
Miyazaki Organic Hojicha Powder – Roasted Japanese Green Tea (100g)
Original price was: $29.99.$20.99Current price is: $20.99. — or subscribe to save up to 15% -
Subscribe & Save up to 15%
Sale!
Organic Japanese Koucha Black Tea – Single Origin Japan (100g)
Original price was: $39.99.$26.99Current price is: $26.99. — or subscribe to save up to 15% -
Subscribe & Save up to 15%
Sale!
Organic Tamaryokucha Curly Green Tea – Single Origin Japan (100g)
Original price was: $31.99.$24.99Current price is: $24.99. — or subscribe to save up to 15%
Related products
-
Subscribe & Save up to 15%
Kabusecha Shade-Grown Green Tea from Yame, Japan (100g bag)
$34.99 — or subscribe to save up to 15% -
-
Sale!
Miyazaki Organic Hojicha Loose Leaf Tea – Roasted Japanese Green Tea (10g)
Original price was: $8.00.$5.99Current price is: $5.99.
Shizuoka Organic Cooking Matcha Powder - Single Origin Japan (100g) 
Sakura Sencha Japanese Green Tea with Cherry Blossom Leaves (100g)
Pupawheelie –
As a fan of Hojicha and its naturally low caffeine content, I was excited to try this. I was not disappointed! It offers a smooth and flavorful cup with a delightful roasted aroma. Since it’s low in caffeine, I can enjoy it in the evenings without worrying about it keeping me awake. I’m so pleased with this tea that I’ve already set up an auto-ship order
Kevin W. –
My wife is a daily green tea drinker, so I asked her to try this Hojicha. She really enjoyed it and said she would definitely drink it again.
If you’re a green tea lover, I recommend skipping the travel size and sample sizes and opting for the 100-gram bag. It offers significantly better value per ounce.
Customer –
I really enjoyed this Hojicha! It has a pleasant nutty flavor without any bitterness. The tea steeps well and produces a clean cup with no noticeable dust or debris. While the cost per ounce is a bit higher, the quality of the tea justifies it.
Note: This is loose leaf tea, so you’ll need a tea steeper to brew it.
R.S. –
One of the coolest things about the internet and Amazon has been the ability to find things that used to remain local. As a tea enthusiast who enjoys switching between various types throughout the day, I’ve always had a soft spot for Hojicha, a love cultivated during my year in Japan. Finding Hojicha that truly captures the essence of those memories has been a challenge until now.
This tea brews up a beautiful golden color, and the roasting process imparts a unique flavor unlike any other green tea. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly smooth. This is the perfect tea to wind down with after dinner.
The tea arrived fresh and very nicely packed, with a noticeable aroma of roasted tea leaves upon opening the bag. It’s clear that quality was a priority.
While not the most budget-friendly option, the exceptional quality of this Hojicha justifies the price. It’s quickly become a favorite among my family, and we’re all enjoying every cup.
MidwestTechMaven –
This is an excellent review! You’ve captured the essence of what makes this Hojicha special. Here’s a slightly refined version with a few minor tweaks:
Sipping on Yame’s Finest Organic Hojicha Loose Leaf tea was like being enveloped in the warmth and richness of traditional Japanese tea culture. The roasting process imparts a unique smoky and nutty aroma to the tea leaves, immediately noticeable upon opening the bag. This golden brown hojicha boasts a smooth taste with a slightly sweet profile.
The low caffeine content makes it the perfect evening beverage, offering the comfort of a hot drink without the restlessness that caffeine sometimes brings. This tea offers a complex flavor profile with subtle nuances that unfold with each infusion, showcasing the skill of its producers.
MusicCityEngineer –
This Hojicha from Yame, Japan, is a high-quality roasted green tea. The roasting process gives it a browner appearance than regular green tea, resulting in a deeper, richer flavor that is distinct from the bright, sharp taste of standard green tea.
𝕭𝖎𝖏𝖔𝖚 –
This is the first time I have tried hojicha tea and the first thing that came to mind is toasted pumpkin seeds. That’s what I personally feel this tastes like, but much smokier and even slightly umami in the aftertaste. Just very interesting! Not sure if it’s how I brewed this tea, which was in a diffuser ball, but it took a few cups to finally decide it simply wasn’t for me. But the reason I feel I will give this another try is because of one reason: Starbucks. There was a hojicha caramel creme Frappuccino recipe that I decided to try out, and that’s when this tea really shone. The intense nuttiness of the tea was highly complimented by the cream and caramel syrup, and the strong hit of smokiness in the aftertaste was nicely cut back by the overall sweetness of the drink. It’s especially delicious when swapped with melted high cacao percentage dark chocolate or dark roast coffee- the more bitter it is the better. So it’s an acquired taste, for sure, but can be a great option to enjoy with the right recipe.
E. –
This is my first experience with roasted tea, and I was pleasantly surprised! It has a lovely earthy aroma, and a small amount goes a long way. I only needed about a teaspoon to make a full cup of tea. The brewed tea is clean, smooth, and very enjoyable. Highly recommended!
AmazonBuyer –
This is a high-quality tea that I really enjoyed. It has a smooth and pleasant flavor. The high quality of the ingredients is evident.
Sherrylv –
This Hojicha is excellent! The tea leaves appear to be of high quality, and the bag was well-sealed. The tea itself boasts a rich, nutty flavor with a slight bitterness, characteristic of a well-roasted Hojicha. I’m quite pleased with this purchase.
Kathy –
This Hojicha boasts a strong, comforting aroma with prominent earthy and smoky notes. While the aroma is intense, the tea itself is surprisingly smooth with no bitterness, a pleasant departure from some other roasted teas. The quality of this Hojicha justifies the slightly higher price point. It’s a worthy investment for any tea enthusiast seeking a truly exceptional cup.
F2 –
I truly enjoyed this tea! It has a rich and flavorful profile, reminiscent of the teas I savored during my travels in Japan. The roasting process has imparted a delightful flavor without any bitterness, which is a key factor for me in a good green tea. It would be helpful if the recommended water temperature were included on the label.
Overall, I highly recommend this tea!
Chris –
I appreciate the smaller sampler size, as it allows me to try this Hojicha without a significant commitment. This pouch provides enough tea for 2-3 cups, which is perfect for an initial tasting.
The tea itself is quite enjoyable. It has a pleasant nutty flavor characteristic of Hojicha. It’s important to note that over-steeping can lead to bitterness, so I recommend steeping for 2-3 minutes for optimal flavor.
CChan –
I enjoyed sampling this organic Hojicha. It offers a distinct flavor profile compared to traditional green tea, with a prominent nuttiness resulting from the roasting process. The subtle flavors and aroma are truly delightful. Even after a second steeping, the tea retains its character. This is a fantastic way to explore the world of green tea and discover the unique qualities of Hojicha.
Teena K –
As a frequent tea drinker, I often find green tea a bit grassy for my liking. However, this Hojicha pleasantly surprised me. It boasts a smooth flavor profile with a delightful balance of richness and mildness. I was impressed by how much the tea leaves expanded during steeping, initially making me think I might have under-measured. However, the resulting brew was flavorful and satisfying.
I will definitely consider purchasing this tea again.
VCR –
This Hojicha offers a calming and distinctive flavor profile, distinct from other teas I’ve tried. It has a gentle smokiness and a hint of nuttiness. While not overly complex, it’s a delightful change of pace. I wish the packaging included brewing instructions, although they are available online. A one-minute steeping time makes this tea very convenient to prepare.
The resealable packaging is a welcome feature, but I anticipate enjoying this tea quickly!
Rob –
This is an excellent review! You’ve captured the essence of what makes this Hojicha special. Here’s a slightly refined version with a few minor tweaks:
Yame’s Finest Organic Hojicha instantly transported me to a warm fireside with its inviting aroma of toasted nuts and caramel. This aroma promises comfort and relaxation, and the first sip delivers on that promise. This isn’t your typical bitter green tea. It’s smooth and mellow, with a gentle roast that enhances the sweetness of the leaves. The strength is just right – assertive enough to be satisfying, yet delicate enough to linger on the palate without overwhelming. Each cup feels like a mini spa break, melting away stress and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of hojicha, this is a sure winner. Highly recommend!
Cerulean Sage –
This is a pleasant tea to have after meditation as it has a well-rounded complex flavor. This is just a small sample package but it can still brew multiple pots, so I imagine a full size order would go a long way!
Moon –
I truly enjoy this Hojicha! It has a delicate and elegant flavor with a pleasant lightness, free from any bitterness. The tea leaves are of good quality, appearing as small sticks, which is characteristic of loose leaf Hojicha.
B.P. –
This Hojicha has a delightful roasted flavor with a pleasant nutty undertone. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s rice-free. A small amount of tea leaves goes a long way in brewing a strong and flavorful cup. I will definitely be ordering more Yame’s Finest Hojicha soon!
CJay CA –
This Hojicha reminds me of roasted barley tea, but with a distinct green tea undertone. It’s a pleasant change of pace from standard green tea and can be enjoyed in the afternoon or evening without any caffeine concerns. The flavor is mellow and smooth, and I found that a small amount of tea leaves produces a satisfying cup.
Shelley –
These leaves are in great condition and very large. Such a fun experience for those who love tea and love experimenting with new flavors and varieties.
Ann –
This Hojicha is exceptional. It boasts a smooth, nutty, and earthy flavor that rivals the quality of any I’ve enjoyed in premium tea shops in Japan. Highly recommended.
Customer Review –
This Hojicha is exceptional. It boasts a delightful aroma and brews to perfection in minutes. Sourced directly from Japan, this tea offers an authentic experience. Highly recommended for any hojicha enthusiast.
woozle –
This is an exceptional green tea. It’s incredibly smooth and comforting, exceeding my expectations. The quality is evident, and I appreciate the vacuum-sealed bag with a zip top for preserving freshness. I will definitely be purchasing this tea again.
Gaby at Starting Fresh blog –
This Hojicha boasts a deep, nutty flavor with a clean finish and no bitterness. I find it refreshing and enjoyable both hot and cold.
Belle8 –
Excellent quality tea leaves that give off a pleasing taste and aroma. Great first cup of tea each weekend morning. Will purchase again for sure. A bit expensive so I only drink it on the weekends.