Caffeine content: “Matcha contains caffeine along with L\u2011theanine\u2014a combination known to promote alert, focused energy with less jitteriness,” Wright said.\n<\/p>\n L-theanine<\/a> is an amino acid that has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety<\/a>, helping to minimize the jittery effects that are often associated with caffeine.\n<\/p>\n While hojicha doesn’t provide the same energizing effects as matcha, some research suggests that it may offer anti-fatigue properties.\n<\/p>\n “Hojicha is a good option for those sensitive to caffeine<\/a>,” said Manoj Sharma, PhD<\/a>, a professor of public health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.\n<\/p>\n Which Has More Antioxidants And Heart Health Benefits? <\/p>\n Some studies suggest that matcha may benefit heart health<\/a> <\/strong>by lowering LDL<\/a> (bad cholesterol), reducing atherosclerosis<\/a> (plaque formation), and reducing high blood pressure. This is partially due to its high antioxidant content<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n One meta-analysis found that antioxidants called catechins<\/a>, which are found in green tea, help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels.\n<\/p>\n Matcha is also rich in rutin<\/a>, another antioxidant that may benefit heart health.\n<\/p>\n While both teas contain antioxidants, the roasting process reduces the content of these compounds in hojicha.<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Sharma said both beverages may also offer anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, weight management, and cognitive benefits. However, matcha is believed to be more beneficial in these areas. More research is also needed to explore these potential benefits further.<\/p>\n Which Is Right For You? <\/p>\n Which Japanese green tea is right for you depends on your caffeine tolerance, preference, and the time of day.<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n If you’re looking for an energy boost paired with maximum health benefits, matcha is a good choice. But if it’s later in the day and you’re looking to relax or if you’re sensitive to caffeine, hojicha may be the better choice.\n<\/p>\n Or you could drink both to maximize the benefits.\n<\/p>\n “Enjoy matcha early in the day for its energy and antioxidant protection,” Wright said, “then switch to hojicha in the evening for its calm and relaxing effect.”\n<\/p>\n What This Means For You <\/p>\n Matcha offers more caffeine and antioxidants than hojicha, making it a more energizing option<\/a> and potentially more beneficial tea. Hojicha is better for those who are sensitive to caffeine and are looking for a more calming, soothing beverage.<\/p>\n Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n Dashwood R, Visioli F. L-theanine: from tea leaf to trending supplement \u2013 does the science match the hype for brain health and relaxation?<\/a>\u00a0Nutrition Research. 2025;134:39-48.doi:10.1016\/j.nutres.2024.12.008<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Kurosaka C, Tagata C, Nakagawa S, Kobayashi M, Miyake S. Effects of green tea and roasted green tea on human responses<\/a>.\u00a0Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):8588.doi:10.1038\/s41598-024-59383-y<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies<\/a>.\u00a0Current Research in Food Science. 2022;6:100396.doi:10.1016\/j.crfs.2022.11.015<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Khalesi S, Sun J, Buys N, Jamshidi A, Nikbakht-Nasrabadi E, Khosravi-Boroujeni H. Green tea catechins and blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials<\/a>.\u00a0Eur J Nutr. 2014;53(6):1299-1311.doi:10.1007\/s00394-014-0720-1<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Siti HN, Jalil J, Asmadi AY, Kamisah Y. Roles of rutin in cardiac remodeling<\/a>.\u00a0Journal of Functional Foods. 2020;64:103606.doi:10.1016\/j.jff.2019.103606<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
– Hojicha: 8 mg of caffeine per 12-oz cup
– Matcha: 38 to 178 mg of caffeine per 12-oz cup<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n
![\"Mira](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/FE3F9AD2-9085-40B8-8E8E-AF95656B0B37-048bcc651b0f4063b40038d3df45e712.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n