White resealable bag of Ikuyo matcha with floral design beside white and orange package of Stems Hojicha by Ippodo Tea
White resealable bag of Ikuyo matcha with floral design beside white and orange package of Stems Hojicha by Ippodo Tea Teacup of green prepared matcha tea beside black plate of loose tea powder and white resealable bag of Ippodo Ikuyo matcha Porcelain teacup of amber roasted green tea and plate of roasted stems with orange and white package of Ippodo Stems Hojicha White resealable bag of Ikuyo matcha with floral design beside white and orange package of Stems Hojicha by Ippodo Tea
Blender's Choice

Blender's Choice: Just Add Milk

$60$65
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For those who enjoy a creamy latte or milk tea, our blending team has selected this set of favorites that pair well with milk's character. This is a one-time release with a limited quantity available at a special price.wa

Shelf lifeConsume quickly
The best before date is 180 days from when it is freshly packaged in Japan. For the best experience, consume within around one month of opening.
Serving sizeMatcha: 2 g (1 tsp.)
Hojicha: 10 g (4 tsp.)
Up to 3 pots can be brewed with the same leaves.
Net weight3.5 oz (Ikuyo)
3.5 oz (Stems Hojicha)

Note: This offer is exclusive to our online store IppodoTea.com. We selected these items for a seasonal promotional bundle, offered at a special price. They will be shipped in their regular, individual packaging.

  • Ikuyo - 100g bag
  • Stems Hojicha - 100g bag

We recommend this set for those who enjoy matcha lattes and other drinks with creamy, foamy milk added.

Adding milk to Japanese green teas can be surprisingly tricky. At Ippodo, we’ve tested a lot of different combinations, and two of our favorites are matcha and hojicha.

A matcha latte combines the crisp, green bite of matcha powder with the creaminess of milk.

In our selection, Ikuyo is one of our top recommendations to make lattes with, because its just-right astringency and medium depth balance well with milk’s sweetness. Its vibrant green color also makes for a delicious-looking drink.

Hojicha is a Japanese tea that has been roasted to bring out caramelly, hearty aromas. These comforting roasted fragrances complement milk’s thick texture and taste.

Stems Hojicha is our choice for a hojicha in lattes or with milk. It’s roasted more heavily, and it has a punchy, nutty character that shines through.

When adding milk, advanced users might choose to steam, froth, or heat on the stove, leading to more foaminess and an authentic latte. Others might like just a splash of cream added for an “au lait” style. Either way, one key is to make a strong tea base first before adding milk, to ensure your drink is well-balanced and not too diluted.

What milk to choose? Our first recommendation is to try the milk you drink regularly. We have had success with soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and dairy milk in drinks.

Ways to Prepare

An easy recipe for preparing at home to enjoy with breakfast or as a snack.

1. Sift matcha
3 g (1.11 oz)
2 heaping tea ladles or 1.5 level teaspoons.
Sifting matcha through Ippodo Chakoshi tea strainer into cream ceramic teacup with handle using Chashaku bamboo tea ladle
Sifting matcha through Ippodo Chakoshi tea strainer into cream ceramic teacup with handle using Chashaku bamboo tea ladle
Matcha Latte
1. Sift matcha
3 g (1.11 oz)
2 heaping tea ladles or 1.5 level teaspoons.
2. Add hot water
100 mL (3.4 oz) 80°C (176°F)
Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 80°C, then pour into tea bowl.
Pouring hot water from white porcelain teacup into cream colored shallow ceramic mug containing vibrant green sifted matcha
Pouring hot water from white porcelain teacup into cream colored shallow ceramic mug containing vibrant green sifted matcha
Matcha Latte
2. Add hot water
100 mL (3.4 oz) 80°C (176°F)
Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 80°C, then pour into tea bowl.
3. Whisk
15 seconds
Whisk vigorously 15 seconds, making an "M" shape.
Whisking green matcha base in teacup with handle using Chasen bamboo whisk and overlaid directions arrows along sides of bowl
Whisking green matcha base in teacup with handle using Chasen bamboo whisk and overlaid directions arrows along sides of bowl
Matcha Latte
3. Whisk
15 seconds
Whisk vigorously 15 seconds, making an "M" shape.
4. Add milk
100 mL (3.4 oz)
Pour warm or foamed milk into mug.
Pouring foamy frothed milk from silver pitcher into concentrated green matcha tea latte base in short beige ceramic mug
Pouring foamy frothed milk from silver pitcher into concentrated green matcha tea latte base in short beige ceramic mug
Matcha Latte
4. Add milk
100 mL (3.4 oz)
Pour warm or foamed milk into mug.

This recipe combines the comforting roasted fragrance of hojicha with the soft creaminess of milk.

1. Measure the leaves
6 tbsp. (15 g / 0.53 oz)
Add tea leaves to a kyusu or teapot.
Silver tablespoon filled with dried rolled Ippodo Hojicha premium roasted Japanese green tea leaves
Silver tablespoon filled with dried rolled Ippodo Hojicha premium roasted Japanese green tea leaves
Hojicha with Milk
1. Measure the leaves
6 tbsp. (15 g / 0.53 oz)
Add tea leaves to a kyusu or teapot.
2. Add hot water
200 mL (6.8 oz) 100°C (212°F)
Pour boiling water to cover tea leaves.
Pouring hot water from silver kettle into white Hakuji ceramic Ippodo Tea Co. Japanese kyusu teapot
Pouring hot water from silver kettle into white Hakuji ceramic Ippodo Tea Co. Japanese kyusu teapot
Hojicha with Milk
2. Add hot water
200 mL (6.8 oz) 100°C (212°F)
Pour boiling water to cover tea leaves.
3. Brew
1+ minutes
Brew without stirring or disturbing the tea leaves.
Ippodo Tea Co. white Hakuji ceramic kyusu teapot set beside orange clock timer on white table
Ippodo Tea Co. white Hakuji ceramic kyusu teapot set beside orange clock timer on white table
Hojicha with Milk
3. Brew
1+ minutes
Brew without stirring or disturbing the tea leaves.
4. Pour into mug, then add milk
Milk to taste
Use a warmed or cold milk option of your choice. Enjoy!
Pouring milk on top of amber Hojicha roasted green tea from white Hakuji ceramic (kyusu) teapot into white porcelain Japanese teacup
Pouring milk on top of amber Hojicha roasted green tea from white Hakuji ceramic (kyusu) teapot into white porcelain Japanese teacup
Hojicha with Milk
4. Pour into mug, then add milk
Milk to taste
Use a warmed or cold milk option of your choice. Enjoy!
Add to bag - $60$65
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