Low Caffeine Teas: A Gentle Guide to Hojicha, Kukicha, Genmaicha & Herbal Infusions

Not everyone wants a strong caffeine kick from their tea. Some of our customers are looking for something lighter in the evening, something gentle on the stomach, or simply a tea they can enjoy throughout the day without overthinking it.

That’s where low caffeine teas come in.

In this guide, we’ll walk through four popular options—Hojicha, Kukicha, Genmaicha, and herbal infusions—along with how to brew them properly and which teaware we recommend for the best experience.

Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea)

Hojicha is one of Japan’s most comforting teas. It is made by roasting green tea leaves over high heat, which gives it a warm, toasty aroma with notes of caramel, wood, and cocoa.

Because of the roasting process, Hojicha is naturally very low in caffeine.

Health & Benefits

  • Naturally low caffeine

  • Gentle on the stomach

  • Often enjoyed in the evening

  • Warm, calming aroma

Brewing Instructions

  • Tea: 5g

  • Water: 200–250ml

  • Temperature: 90–95°C

  • Steep time: 1.5–2 minutes

Hojicha is forgiving. You don’t need to be too precise.

Best Teaware

  • Porcelain teapot (most neutral)

  • Glass teapot (great for colour clarity)

  • Everyday kyusu (if you want a traditional touch)

We usually recommend porcelain or glass here because Hojicha doesn’t need clay influence to shine.

Kukicha (Twig Tea)

Kukicha is often called “twig tea” because it’s made from the stems and stalks of the tea plant rather than the leaves.

This gives it a light, slightly nutty flavour with a soft sweetness.

Health & Benefits

  • Very low caffeine

  • Light and refreshing

  • Good for multiple infusions

  • Easy on digestion

Brewing Instructions

  • Tea: 5g

  • Water: 80–85°C

  • Steep time: 60–90 seconds

  • Can be re-steeped 2–3 times

Kukicha is surprisingly elegant when brewed correctly.

Best Teaware

  • Kyusu (excellent for control and quick pouring)

  • Porcelain teapot

  • Gaiwan (for tasting sessions)

A kyusu works particularly well because Kukicha releases flavour quickly.

Genmaicha (Green Tea with Roasted Rice)

Genmaicha is one of Japan’s most comforting everyday teas. It blends green tea with roasted brown rice, creating a warm, slightly nutty flavour that is very easy to enjoy.

Some versions also include matcha, making it richer and greener.

Health & Benefits

  • Lower caffeine than pure green tea

  • Satisfying and grounding flavour

  • Great everyday tea

  • Often easier on the stomach than sencha

Brewing Instructions

  • Tea: 5g

  • Water: 80–90°C

  • Steep time: 60–90 seconds

  • 2–3 infusions possible

Avoid boiling water, as it can make the green tea component slightly bitter.

Best Teaware

  • Kyusu (ideal for balance and pour speed)

  • Porcelain teapot (neutral taste)

  • Glass teapot (great for beginners)

We often recommend a kyusu here because it gives a clean, balanced cup without overpowering the roasted rice aroma.

Herbal Infusions (Naturally Caffeine-Free)

Herbal teas are not technically “tea” from the Camellia sinensis plant, but they are a wonderful caffeine-free alternative.

Common options include:

  • Chamomile

  • Peppermint

  • Rooibos

  • Lemon balm

  • Hibiscus

Each has its own personality, from floral and calming to bright and refreshing.

Health & Benefits

  • 100% caffeine-free

  • Often used for relaxation

  • Can support digestion or sleep (depending on herb)

  • Wide variety of flavours

Brewing Instructions

  • Tea: 2–3g (or 1 teabag equivalent)

  • Water: 95–100°C

  • Steep time: 5–8 minutes

Herbal infusions usually need a longer steep than green tea to fully release their flavour.

Best Teaware

  • Glass teapot (best choice)

  • Large porcelain mug or infuser

  • Simple filter brewer

Glass works especially well because many herbal teas are visually beautiful when they steep.

Choosing the Right Tea for the Right Moment

We often think of tea as something you “switch on” depending on your day:

  • Morning focus → Kukicha or Genmaicha

  • Afternoon balance → Genmaicha or Kukicha

  • Evening wind-down → Hojicha or herbal infusion

  • Before bed → Chamomile or rooibos

Low caffeine teas are not just alternatives—they are part of a rhythm.

One of the nicest things about tea is that it doesn’t have to be intense to be enjoyable.

Hojicha, Kukicha, Genmaicha, and herbal infusions all offer something different, but they share the same idea: tea should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.

If you’re exploring lower caffeine options, start simple. Try one or two styles, experiment with brewing, and see which one naturally becomes part of your daily routine.

That’s usually how the best tea habits begin.

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