3 Best Genmaicha Teas in 2025: Our Top Japanese Green Tea Picks

Genmaicha has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a simple Japanese staple. This amazing blend of roasted rice and green tea has become one of the most beloved green tea blends worldwide, and honestly, it's not hard to see why. When you taste genmaicha green tea, you're getting this perfectly balanced cup that feels warm, mild, and refreshing all at once—it's like a cozy hug in tea form.

This guide is here to walk you through the best genmaicha tea options in 2025, and we're looking at everything that matters: flavor, blend quality, customer comments, and whether you're getting good value for your money.

Whether you're a casual tea drinker just starting out or someone looking to seriously upgrade your daily Japanese green tea ritual, you're in the right place. Stick around as we learn more about what makes genmaicha green tea so special and discover what makes it unique in this post.

Genmaicha is this wonderful traditional Japanese green tea that's blended with roasted brown rice—and trust me, it's way more interesting than it might sound at first. Some of those rice grains actually puff up during the roasting process, which gives the blend this visually unique texture that's part tea leaves, part golden rice kernels. 

You might hear people call it 'popcorn tea' or 'puffed rice tea' because of that roasted rice, and honestly, those names are pretty spot-on. This brown rice tea has this smooth, nutty flavor that's just so approachable. The rice works its magic by softening those natural grassy notes you get in green tea and cutting down on any astringency. 

That's what makes genmaicha such a perfect choice if you're just getting started with tea—it's not intimidating at all. It also acts as a great alternative for people who find matcha or pure sencha too intense. 

Genmaicha has these really humble beginnings that go back centuries in Japan. It was first enjoyed by Buddhist monks and working-class communities who needed to make their expensive tea leaves stretch further by adding roasted rice. Back in the day, genmaicha was honestly the tea of choice for people who couldn't afford pure green tea—this rice addition was all about making tea more affordable.

But here's the beautiful part: over time, what started as a simple cost-cutting practice actually created something entirely new and special. That roasting process introduced this amazing toasty, savory flavor that really stands apart from other Japanese green tea blends. It wasn't trying to be anything fancy, but it ended up being incredible.

Today, you'll find genmaicha being enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and tea shops all across Japan and at international tea sites everywhere. It's no longer seen as some cheaper substitute—not at all. It's earned its place as its own respected category within Japanese green tea, and honestly, it deserves every bit of that recognition.

Brand Overview:  Tea with Tae specializes in high-quality Japanese teas focused on delivering a smooth and elegant tea experience. They prioritize eco-friendly packaging and convenient formats, offering premium loose leaf quality with easy brewing for everyday enjoyment.

Flavor & Experience: This genmaicha delivers a smooth, nutty flavor layered with toasted grains and clean green tea notes. The aroma carries toasted grain, warm bread, and light vegetal freshness. Its flavor stays mild and balanced across multiple cups, with the roasted rice adding comfort and body while the green tea keeps it refreshing and easy to enjoy.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Put a teaspoon of Genmaicha Traditional Japanese Green Tea into 8 oz of 170°F water and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. As it brews, the cup develops a golden-green tone with floating grains, releasing a toasted aroma while the texture stays soft, smooth, and gently rounded on the palate. The liquor of brewed genmaicha should be a translucent, warm, and clear yellow-green color.

Brand Overview:  Teappo is a California-based artisan tea company run by a husband-and-wife team, with a family legacy spanning over a century in premium Taiwanese oolong sourcing. They specialize in sustainably grown loose leaf teas and premium tea powders from Taiwan and Japan, thoughtfully curated and packaged locally.

Flavor & Experience:  This genmaicha offers a savory and nutty flavor with a gentle grassy backbone from the green tea leaves. The roasted brown rice adds warmth and subtle sweetness, while a light umami note builds as it cools. The blend feels clean, balanced, and refreshing without any sharp bitterness.

Brewing & Serving Notes:  Steep a teaspoon of Genmaicha in hot water just below boiling for about 2 to 3 minutes. As it opens, the aroma of roasted grains rises first, followed by fresh green tea notes, creating a smooth cup with low astringency and a light, refreshing body.

Brand Overview: This matcha genmaicha is another excellent offering from Teappo, alongside their traditional genmaicha blend, giving tea lovers more options to enjoy They focus on sustainably grown loose leaf teas and high-quality tea powders from Taiwan and Japan, carefully curated and locally packaged. 

Flavor & Experience:  This matcha genmaicha blends creamy umami with toasted rice and fresh green tea notes. The flavor feels richer and fuller than classic genmaicha, with a slightly sweet finish. The matcha adds depth, while the roasted rice keeps the cup balanced, nutty, and surprisingly smooth.

Brewing & Serving Notes:  Add a teaspoon of Matcha Genmaicha to warm water and allow it to steep gently for about 2 minutes. During brewing, the liquid turns a vibrant green-gold as the matcha integrates, creating a thick, smooth mouthfeel with layered umami and softened toasted rice aromas.

Genmaicha, or brown rice tea, owes much of its character to the Japanese green tea leaves. You've got three main types to choose and each one offers a totally distinct flavor that'll make your taste buds happy.

1. Sencha: This one offers a bright, grassy flavor that pairs beautifully with those toasty roasted grains notes. You'll get a refreshing, balanced cup with natural sweetness and a lovely nutty aroma. If you're new to genmaicha, this is honestly a great starting point—you can't go wrong here.
2. Gyokuro:  A premium green tea with shaded leaves that deliver a rich, umami flavor. When you blend it with roasted grains, it produces a smooth, mellow taste with just a hint of sweetness. Perfect if you're looking for a refined rice tea experience that feels a bit special.
3. Bancha: Made from mature leaves harvested later in the season, this one gives you a milder, earthier flavor that really lets those roasted grains shine through. It's super popular for daily drinking because it's so approachable, plus it has lower caffeine content—perfect if you're sensitive to caffeine but still want to enjoy tea.

Making genmaicha tea at home is honestly simple and pretty forgiving. This blend doesn't demand those strict techniques like ceremonial matcha—you can relax and enjoy the process! Follow these steps and you'll get a perfect cup every time:

1. Use fresh filtered water for a cleaner flavor. Your tea will thank you for it!
2. Heat your water to slightly below boiling—ideally around 160°F to 175°F (70°C to 80°C). Don't use boiling water because it can scorch those delicate Japanese green tea leaves and make things bitter. Nobody wants that!
3. Measure one teaspoon of genmaicha per cup, whether you're using loose leaf or a tea sachet. Easy enough, right?
4. Steep the tea gently for about 2 to 3 minutes to develop that smooth, layered flavor without any bitterness creeping in.
5. Take a moment to enjoy that warm and comforting aroma as the tea leaves open up and that lovely roasting scent fills the air. This is the best part!

Genmaicha tea is valued not only for its unique flavor but also for its natural plant compounds—making it a popular alternative to other Japanese green teas. By blending green tea leaves with roasted brown rice, genmaicha offers a mild and refreshing cup that fits easily into your daily tea routine. And honestly? You'll love how gentle it feels!

It contains naturally occurring antioxidants like catechins and polyphenols from the green tea leaves, which are commonly studied for their role in overall wellness and inclusion in a balanced diet. The roasted rice contributes to the tea's amazing flavor and aroma, plus it contains naturally occurring nutrients found in whole grains. Meanwhile, the green tea brings its natural plant compounds that many people enjoy as part of their daily tea ritual.

Compared to pure green tea or matcha, genmaicha usually has lower caffeine thanks to that added rice—perfect if you're sensitive to caffeine but still want to enjoy tea. Its mild flavor and warm aroma make it a popular choice for those relaxed, everyday tea moments we all need.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

To keep your genmaicha tea fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, follow these storage tips, and your tea will stay amazing:

1. Store your genmaicha in an airtight container to protect it from moisture, heat, and light. Think of it as giving your tea a cozy, safe home.
2. Keep that container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Your tea doesn't want to absorb weird smells from your spice rack!
3. If you buy genmaicha in bulk (smart choice!), divide it into smaller portions to minimize repeated exposure to air. Your future self will thank you for this.
4. For longer storage, you can refrigerate genmaicha in a tightly sealed container, but make sure to let it return to room temperature before brewing. This prevents moisture buildup that could ruin your tea.

Genmaicha remains one of the most versatile Japanese green tea blends. Its roasted rice, refreshing green tea base, and mild flavor make it a delicious way to enjoy tea every day. Whether you choose a traditional blend or a matcha genmaicha, each offers a different experience without sacrificing balance.

Explore the full genmaicha collection on Taste of Tea and find the blend that suits your taste. Our team is happy to help you choose the right tea for your routine and explore the various kinds of genmaicha available.