🍵 The Roast of the Town: Why Hojicha is Taking Over London Cafés ☕

London's café scene is constantly buzzing with the "next big thing," and right now, the spotlight is shining on a rich, smoky Japanese brew: Hojicha. Move over, matcha—this roasted green tea is quietly rising to fame, winning over Londoners one soothing, caramel-laced sip at a time.

But what's driving the surge of this reddish-brown tea across the capital? It's a perfect blend of changing tastes, a desire for wellness, and the search for a new, comforting flavour profile.

1. The Low-Caffeine Comfort Factor

In an age where many are seeking to manage their caffeine intake without sacrificing their daily ritual, Hojicha is the perfect compromise.

* Gentle Energy: Unlike the high-octane buzz of coffee or even matcha, Hojicha is roasted at a high temperature. This process significantly reduces its caffeine content, making it a wonderful evening alternative or a softer start to the day.

* The L-Theanine Lift: Like other green teas, Hojicha contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation and mental clarity without causing drowsiness. It offers a calming effect, making it the perfect drink for winding down.

2. A Flavour Profile for the Coffee Lover

If you've found traditional green tea too grassy or bitter, Hojicha offers a deliciously different experience. The roasting process transforms the leaves, creating a unique and appealing taste.

* Toasty and Nutty: Its signature flavour is often described as smoky, nutty, and subtly caramelised, with notes reminiscent of cocoa or roasted coffee beans.

* Versatility in Drinks and Desserts: This rich profile makes it incredibly versatile. London cafés are serving it in numerous forms:

   * The classic, comforting Hojicha Latte (often compared to a gentler hot chocolate).

   * Creative concoctions like Hojicha Coco Lemonade.

   * Delicious desserts, including hojicha mousse, daifuku, and cream-filled saltbreads.

3. The Natural Next Step After the Matcha Mania

London has fully embraced Japanese café culture, largely thanks to the phenomenal rise of matcha. Now, consumers are naturally looking for the 'next' authentic Japanese tea experience.

* Curiosity and Discovery: As curiosity for complex, global flavours grows, Hojicha provides a familiar yet novel taste. It offers a shared wellness appeal with matcha but a contrasting flavour, making it an exciting discovery.

* Accessibility and Affordability: Some cafes have noted that the global demand for matcha has led to supply issues and price hikes. Hojicha presents a more accessible and affordable alternative for both cafés and customers.

4. Wellness and Digestion-Friendly

Beyond the low caffeine, Hojicha brings genuine health benefits that appeal to the health-conscious Londoner.

* Gentle on the Stomach: The roasting process lowers the acidity of the tea, making it easier on the stomach compared to some other teas and coffees.

* Antioxidant Power: While the roasting process changes the composition of antioxidants like catechins, Hojicha still retains potent antioxidant properties, helping to fight free radicals and support overall well-being.

 

The 'Roasted Tea' trend isn't a flash in the pan; it reflects a deeper shift in how Londoners are approaching their café visits—seeking comfort, flavour, and wellness in a single cup. But you don't have to queue up at a trendy café to enjoy this authentic taste.

You can also make a real authentic Hojicha experience at home 🏠 !

At Chroma, we capture that smoky, caramelised magic in our very own line of products. Check out our Chroma Hojicha Tea Spread, perfect for:

* Spreading on toast, crumpets, and pastries.

* Swirling into porridge or yogurt for a comforting breakfast.

 * Using as a delicious filling for homemade desserts.

Have you tried Hojicha? What's your favourite way to drink it? Let us know in the comments below.

Try the trend for yourself. Shop Chroma’s Hojicha Tea Milk Spread now and elevate your breakfasts, bakes, and brews.

ORDER HERE: https://chroma-uk.com/products/hojicha-spread