Genmaicha

Genmaicha otherwise known as Popcorn Tea, is a traditional Japanese blend of green Bancha tea and puffed rice with a warm, toasty flavour with soft grassy notes and a smooth, savoury finish. Originally a humble everyday tea, it’s now a crowd-pleasing favourite and is perfect for pairing with food or enjoying on its own.


Regular price £5.95
Size
Description

Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese blend of green Bancha tea and puffed brown rice, often affectionately referred to as "popcorn tea" due to the occasional popped rice kernels that resemble popcorn. Originally enjoyed by the working class as a more affordable tea, Genmaicha has become a beloved classic in Japanese tea culture and is celebrated for its comforting, toasty flavour and nourishing character.

The gentle, grassy notes of Japanese Bancha are perfectly balanced by the warm, nutty aroma of toasted rice, creating a savoury-sweet infusion that’s soothing, satisfying, and incredibly smooth. The roasted rice softens the natural astringency of the green tea, leaving a lingering, umami-rich flavour on the lips and a subtle sweetness on the finish.

Light yet flavourful, this tea is a wonderful palate cleanser and pairs beautifully with food making it a standout choice for dinner parties, sushi nights, or simply when you’re craving something cozy and unique. Its comforting flavour and gentle caffeine content also make it ideal for afternoon sipping.

TIME: All Day

INFUSIONS: 2

TYPE: Green Tea

ORIGIN: Japan

CAFFEINE: Low

Brewing instructions
  • Use around 3g of tea (1-2 heaped teaspoons) in 250ml of water
  • Use slightly cooled boiled water, around 80°C
  • Infuse for 4 minutes depending on your preferred strength
Health Benefits

All tea comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis, but the way it's processed creates the wide variety of teas we enjoy today. Green tea is minimally processed and not oxidized, which helps preserve its natural antioxidants, fresh flavour, and vibrant green colour.

Compared to black tea, green tea retains a higher concentration of polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which are known for their powerful antioxidant properties. While green tea contains less caffeine than black tea, it still provides a gentle energy boost which is ideal for staying alert without the jitters.

Green tea is linked to a wide range of health benefits, including:

  • Enhanced brain function and focus
  • Support for heart health and healthy cholesterol levels
  • Boosted metabolism and fat oxidation
  • Reduced inflammation and cellular protection

It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which works synergistically with caffeine to promote calm, focused energy and support mental clarity without causing drowsiness.

Ingredients

Green tea and puffed rice.