How many calories are in a hojicha latte? Your definitive nutrition guide

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

An iced hojicha latte from a major chain like Starbucks can contain around 91 calories per 100ml, but the total calories depend heavily on serving size and added ingredients. Understanding how many calories are in a hojicha latte is key for mindful consumption, as the rich, roasted flavor can mask a surprising amount of added sugar and fat.

Quick Summary

The calories in a hojicha latte vary significantly based on milk choice, sweeteners, and preparation methods. A simple, unsweetened homemade version is substantially lower in calories than many sweetened café drinks. Opting for low-fat or plant-based milks and natural sweeteners can greatly reduce the final count.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a hojicha latte is not fixed and depends on the specific type of milk, amount of sweetener, and serving size.
Milk is a Major Factor: Milk choice is the most significant determinant of calories; whole dairy milk adds the most, while unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or soy add the least.
Sweeteners and Syrups Add Up: Added sugars from sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or flavored syrups are the primary source of extra calories, especially in café-prepared drinks.
Low Caffeine Content: Hojicha contains significantly less caffeine than matcha or coffee, making it a calming beverage suitable for any time of day.
Homemade Offers Control: Making a hojicha latte at home gives you complete control over ingredients and allows you to create a much lower-calorie version.
Instant Mixes Can Be Deceiving: Convenience hojicha latte sachets can be high in calories and sugar, so checking the nutrition label is essential.
Beneficial Antioxidants: Despite being roasted, hojicha still provides beneficial antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.

Understanding the Calorie Breakdown

Unlike traditional teas that are steeped in water, a hojicha latte's calorie count is a sum of its parts. The pure hojicha powder itself is virtually calorie-free, so the bulk of the energy comes from the added ingredients: milk, sweeteners, and any extra toppings. By dissecting each component, you can gain a clear picture of how to customize your hojicha latte to fit your dietary needs.

The Impact of Your Milk Choice

The most significant calorie variable in any latte is the milk. Different types of milk contain varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein, all of which contribute to the final calorie count. For instance, a hojicha latte made with whole dairy milk will have a much higher calorie density than one made with unsweetened almond or soy milk.

Whole Dairy Milk: Higher in fat and calories, providing a richer, creamier texture but with a higher energy load.
Skim Dairy Milk: A low-fat option that significantly reduces calories while still providing protein and calcium.
Oat Milk: A popular plant-based alternative that offers a creamy consistency but can be higher in carbohydrates and calories than other non-dairy options.
Soy Milk: Another plant-based choice, which can range in calories depending on whether it's sweetened or unsweetened.
Almond Milk: Often the lowest-calorie milk option, especially unsweetened, with a thinner consistency and nutty flavor.

Sweeteners and Toppings: The Hidden Calories

Sweeteners and toppings are often the biggest culprits for unexpected calories. A single teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, and many café-style drinks use multiple pumps of sugary syrup, each containing 20-30 calories or more.

Syrups and Sauces: Caramel, vanilla, or other flavored syrups can quickly inflate the calorie count. Some cafés add whipped cream, which can add a considerable number of calories and fat.
Instant Mixes: Pre-packaged instant hojicha latte mixes often contain a significant amount of added sugar. For example, one sachet of Gold Kili hojicha latte contains 93 calories, with most from sugar.
Healthier Options: For a lower-calorie, sugar-free alternative, consider using a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia. These provide sweetness without the added calorie load of refined sugars.

Hojicha vs. Matcha: A Calorie Comparison

While both hojicha and matcha are Japanese green teas, their nutritional profiles differ. Since hojicha is roasted, it contains less caffeine and is typically less bitter, often requiring less sweetener. When it comes to calories, however, the comparison is less about the tea itself and more about the preparation.

Comparison of Hojicha Latte Variations


Hojicha Latte Type	Key Ingredients	Approximate Calorie Range	Notes
Homemade, Unsweetened	Hojicha powder, unsweetened almond milk	~30-50 calories	Highly customizable and low-calorie
Café, Standard Recipe	Hojicha powder, whole dairy milk, 2-3 pumps syrup	~250-300+ calories	Calories can vary widely based on size and specific café recipe
Café, Iced	Hojicha powder, milk, syrup, ice	~200-250+ calories	Often contains more milk and syrup for a larger serving
Homemade with Oat Milk	Hojicha powder, oat milk, 1 tsp maple syrup	~150-180 calories	Creamy texture with moderate calories
Instant Mix	Hojicha powder, sugar, creamer (pre-mixed)	~90-100 calories per sachet	Convenient but often high in sugar and may lack freshness

How to Make a Healthier Hojicha Latte at Home

Taking control of your ingredients is the most effective way to manage the calories in your hojicha latte. Here's a simple, healthier recipe that allows for customization.

Ingredients:

1 tsp hojicha powder
2 tbsp hot water
1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup or honey for sweetness

Instructions:

Whisk the hojicha: Sift the hojicha powder into a mug or bowl to prevent clumps. Add the hot water and whisk vigorously until a frothy, smooth paste forms.
Heat the milk: Warm your milk of choice in a saucepan or microwave until steaming but not boiling.
Combine and froth: Pour the hot milk into the hojicha mixture. For a latte-like finish, use a milk frother to create a velvety foam. You can also use a blender for an even frothier result.
Add sweetener (optional): Stir in your sweetener if desired, to taste.
Enjoy: For an iced version, use cold milk and pour over ice after combining the hojicha paste.

Nutritional Benefits of Hojicha

Beyond its calorie content, hojicha offers several health advantages, making it a great addition to your diet. The roasting process alters the tea's chemical makeup, but it retains many beneficial compounds.

Antioxidants: Hojicha contains antioxidants called catechins, which help combat free radicals in the body.
Aids Digestion: It is believed that hojicha can help soothe and calm the stomach, making it a pleasant beverage to enjoy after a meal.
Low Caffeine: The roasting process removes much of the caffeine, making hojicha an excellent choice for those sensitive to caffeine or for an evening drink.

Conclusion: A Mindful Drink

So, how many calories are in a hojicha latte? The answer lies entirely in how it's prepared. While a standard café version with full-fat milk and generous amounts of syrup can be calorie-dense, a homemade hojicha latte can be a perfectly healthy, low-calorie treat. By choosing unsweetened plant-based milk and controlling the amount of added sugar, you can enjoy the rich, nutty, and comforting flavors of hojicha without compromising your health goals. Whether you’re crafting it at home or ordering at a café, being mindful of your ingredients is the key to a delicious and healthy drink. For more detailed nutrition breakdowns of various beverages, consider consulting a site like MyNetDiary.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard, sweetened hojicha latte from a café can contain approximately 250-300 calories or more, depending on the serving size and amount of milk and syrup used. An iced version might be around 200-250 calories.

While it's difficult to make a perfectly zero-calorie latte, you can get very close by using pure hojicha powder, hot water, and a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia. Since pure hojicha has 0 calories, the only energy comes from any milk alternative or sweetener.

No, pure hojicha powder or steeped leaves have virtually no calories. All calories are derived from the added ingredients like milk, sweeteners, or toppings.

Not necessarily. An iced version typically has a larger serving size to accommodate ice, which often means more milk and syrup, potentially leading to a higher total calorie count than a smaller, hot latte. Calories depend on the specific recipe and serving size.

Unsweetened almond milk is generally the lowest in calories, providing a creamy texture with minimal added energy. Skim dairy milk is another excellent low-calorie option.

The calorie difference between hojicha and matcha lattes depends on the preparation, not the tea powder itself. A café matcha latte can sometimes be higher in calories due to higher added sugar content to balance matcha's distinct bitter notes.

Instant hojicha latte mixes vary, but typically contain around 90-100 calories per sachet. These mixes are convenient but often have added sugars and powdered creamers, so checking the nutritional label is important.