For many tea lovers, drinking a cup is more than a habit — it’s a ritual. But what if your body is sensitive to caffeine? Or if you're looking for a tea to enjoy in the evening, without disturbing your sleep? Discover Hojicha: a Japanese tea with a toasty flavour and naturally low caffeine content.
Caffeine and Tea: What You Need to Know
Not all teas have the same effect on our body. For those sensitive to caffeine, choosing the right variety can make a real difference. On average, a 200 ml cup of tea contains between 10 and 70 mg of caffeine, but some varieties stand out for their low levels.
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the most well-known teas:
- Matcha Green Tea – 60–70 mg: Since it’s consumed as a powder, it contains more caffeine than most teas.
- Black Tea – 40–60 mg: More stimulating, perfect for mornings.
- White Tea – 25–50 mg: Despite its delicate taste, it can still contain a fair amount of caffeine, as it’s made from young buds.
- Sencha Green Tea – 20–40 mg: A good choice for morning or afternoon, but usually not recommended in the evening.
- Kukicha – 5–10 mg: Made mainly from stems and twigs, naturally low in caffeine.
- Hojicha from Kukicha – less than 5 mg: Thanks to the roasting process, caffeine is further reduced, making it one of the gentlest and most relaxing teas available.
And in case you’re wondering — yes, what we often call theine is actually caffeine.
The difference? In tea, it’s absorbed more slowly thanks to the presence of L-theanine and tannins — but it’s still caffeine!
Hojicha: The Roasted Green Tea with the Lowest Caffeine Content
Hojicha (ほうじ茶) is a roasted green tea from Japan, loved for its deep amber colour, nutty aroma, and smooth, comforting taste.
Unlike other green teas, it doesn’t have grassy or vegetal notes — the roasting process gives it a warm, lightly caramelised profile, reminiscent of chestnuts or toasted nuts.
Its remarkably low caffeine content makes it especially interesting. This is due to both the part of the plant used and the high-temperature roasting, which naturally reduces caffeine even further.
There are two main types:
- Hojicha from Bancha – made from mature tea leaves, light and low in caffeine, ideal for daily use.
- Hojicha from Kukicha (twig tea) – even lower in caffeine, as it’s made primarily from stems and twigs, parts of the tea plant that naturally contain little caffeine. Roasting enhances its sweetness and makes it one of the most relaxing teas of all.
If you’re looking for an evening tea without giving up flavour, Hojicha from Kukicha is a perfect choice — a toasty, mellow infusion that’s incredibly gentle on the nervous system.
The Japanese Hojicha Tradition
In Japan, Hojicha is widely enjoyed both at home and in restaurants.
It’s commonly served after meals — especially in the evening — thanks to its soothing and digestive properties. You’ll also find it in schools, hospitals and public spaces, offered as a gesture of care and hospitality.
Due to its mild nature, it's often given to children and the elderly, and it’s sometimes used as a caffeine-free alternative to water during shared meals.
Its smooth, bitterness-free taste also makes it an ideal starting point for those new to the world of tea.
Pure, Organic, and Carefully Selected
At Erinora, we’ve chosen an authentic loose-leaf Hojicha, organically grown and expertly roasted to preserve its traditional character.
Made from roasted Kukicha (twig tea), it offers a uniquely mellow body and lingering sweetness — perfect alongside a dessert or as part of a peaceful evening ritual.
For a cup with minimal caffeine, choose roasted Japanese teas like Hojicha, made from toasted green tea leaves.
Discover our Organic Hojicha Tea 🌿
Final Thoughts
With its smooth, low-caffeine profile, Hojicha is the perfect companion to wind down at night: after dinner, during a quiet reading session, or simply to enjoy a calming break.
It’s a small daily ritual that combines the pleasure of tea with gentle wellbeing — all without the stimulating effects of regular green teas.
