Know Your Sip: Hojicha vs Matcha: Which is better for your Health?

What is Matcha? 

Derived from shade-grown green tea leaves (typically tencha), matcha is a finely ground powder tea whisked with warm water until frothy. The leaves are stone-ground, meaning you consume the whole leaf, and it is also stronger in nutrients and caffeine. It is famous owing to its rich green colour, grassy flavour and unique bitter taste. 

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What is Hojicha?

Hojicha, on the other hand, is made using roasted leaves and stems of green tea, usually bancha or sencha tea. The results of this roasting process are reddish brown colouring and a nutty and smoky taste of Hojicha. It is grassier and is pretty mellow to the palate.

Matcha Vs Hojicha: Which Is Better With Caffeine?

“Matcha is the winner when it comes to the need for a clean energy boost that would not provoke any jittery crash. It gives caffeine in a slow trickle thanks to L-theanine. The amino acid enhances attentive relaxation, which is perfect for productivity. But to those with sensitivity to caffeine, Matcha can be too stimulating,” said Varnit Yadav, Certified Nutritionist and Exercise Coach from the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences, India, and JPS Health & Fitness, Australia. 

Meanwhile, Hojicha is roasted a roasted form of green tea, offering a lower caffeine content. This is why it is ideal late in the afternoons, evenings or even the children and older people.

Antioxidants: Matcha Leads the Race

According to the Journal of Chromatography A study, Matcha is found to have 137x more EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) than green tea. So, when it comes to attacking free radicals more efficiently, supercharging metabolism and protecting the heart better, Matcha wins the race. 

Hojicha is roasted on high heat and therefore has lower quantities of EGCG. However, it still has other helpful compounds such as pyrazines, which could be helpful in digestion and calming purposes.

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Which is Better For the Gut: Matcha or Hojicha?

When the debate is about which green tea is better for gut health, Hojicha is a iunanimous winner. Matcha has unimaginable health properties, but at times, caffeine and chlorophyll content reaching the gut, can cause irritation or increased acids. Hojicha, on the other hand, is non-acidic, friendly to the gut, and mild, so people with problems like digestion, acid reflux, or anxiety can opt for Hojicha.

Matcha vs Hojicha: What Should You Drink?

Both Matcha and Hojicha pack antioxidants, but they differ in caffeine content. Different in properties, Matcha and Hojicha give very different perks. Let’s take a look: 

Opt for Matcha if:

• You want a natural energy boost.
• You need help with weight management or focus.
• You want higher caffeine levels.
• You want a higher energy boost.

Opt for Hojicha if:

• You are caffeine-sensitive or pregnant.
• Want a tea that's easy on the stomach. 
• You want help with digestion and sleep.

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Hojicha vs Matcha: Nutritional & Health Comparison