Loose leaf Genmaicha organic green tea displayed on a white background, featuring sencha green tea leaves mixed with toasted brown rice. A traditional Japanese-style green tea blend handcrafted in Oregon.
Clear glass mug filled with brewed Genmaicha organic green tea, pale golden in color, resting on a white surface beside toasted brown rice and green tea leaves. A traditional Japanese-style tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.
Black tin of Genmaicha organic loose leaf green tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co., made with sencha green tea leaves and toasted brown rice. Handcrafted in Oregon.

Organic Green Tea | Nutty & Savory | Low Caffeine

Organic Genmaicha (Popcorn Tea)

The popcorn tea. Savory green tea with toasted rice.

$18.00 USD
$18.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: Tea Tin
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About Genmaicha

The Popcorn Tea

If you think green tea is too grassy or bitter, this is the one that will change your mind. Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese blend of green tea and toasted brown rice. The roasting process gives the rice a warm, nutty flavor that tastes remarkably like popcorn. It is savory, comforting, and impossible to over-steep.

Why It Works

The magic is in the starch. The toasted rice releases natural sugars and starches into the water, which smooth out the astringency of the green tea leaves. You get the antioxidants of green tea but with a thick, broth-like body that feels much more satisfying than a standard water-based infusion.

The Lunch Ritual

Drink it with food. In Japan, this is often served with meals because its savory character complements food perfectly. It is the ideal companion for a rice bowl, sushi, or even a simple sandwich at your desk. It cleanses the palate without overpowering your lunch.

Organic Ingredients
  • Organic Green Tea
  • Organic Roasted Brown Rice
Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm and toasty. It smells exactly like fresh popcorn or roasted grains.

Flavor: Savory and nutty. The "green" flavor takes a backseat to the comforting taste of the toasted rice.

Finish: Smooth and clean. It leaves a sweet, starchy coating on the tongue.

Why You'll Love It

The People's Tea: Historically, tea was expensive. Japanese peasants added roasted rice to their green tea to stretch their supply. What started as a necessity became a beloved national flavor known as the "People's Tea."

Low Caffeine: Because the rice takes up space in the spoon, you are brewing fewer tea leaves per cup. This makes Genmaicha naturally lower in caffeine than a pure green tea.

Black tin of Genmaicha organic loose leaf green tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co., made with sencha green tea leaves and toasted brown rice. Handcrafted in Oregon.

Genmaicha

$18.00 USD
$18.00 USD

Steep toasty. Sip comfort.

Clear glass mug filled with brewed Genmaicha organic green tea, pale golden in color, resting on a white surface beside toasted brown rice and green tea leaves. A traditional Japanese-style tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.

Heritage Brew Guide

Interactive Brew Guide
8 oz
Water Volume
212 °F
Steeping Temperature
1.5 tsp
Tea Leaf Amount
5 min
Steep Time
1 Serving
°F/oz °C/ml

Craft Your Cup

  • The Savory Latte: It sounds strange, but brewing this strong and adding a splash of oat milk creates a drink that tastes like the milk left over in a cereal bowl. It is delicious.
  • Soup Broth: Use brewed Genmaicha as a base for a light noodle soup or Ochazuke (rice with tea). The savory notes add an incredible depth to the dish.

Loose leaf Genmaicha organic green tea displayed on a white background, featuring sencha green tea leaves mixed with toasted brown rice. A traditional Japanese-style green tea blend handcrafted in Oregon.

Your Questions About Genmaicha, Answered.

Why is there rice in my tea?

It is tradition! The toasted brown rice adds a nutty, savory depth that balances the fresh green tea. Some kernels even pop during roasting, which is why it is affectionately called "Popcorn Tea."

Is it gluten-free?

Yes. Despite the grain content, it is made with brown rice and green tea, both of which are naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Does it have caffeine?

Yes, but less than straight green tea. Since the rice displaces some of the tea leaves by volume, you get a milder caffeine kick. It is a great choice for a gentle afternoon lift.

FAQs Simply Answered

Are your teas organic?

The Short Answer: Yes. Every single leaf, root, and flower we source is Certified USDA Organic.

The Details: We believe that flavor starts in the soil. We strictly partner with growers who practice sustainable, organic farming, organic approved pesticides, no GMOs, and no "natural flavorings" sprayed on the leaves. While our Salem facility is a dedicated small-batch kitchen (and not yet a certified processing plant), our commitment to 100% organic ingredients is absolute. You are drinking pure nature, nothing else.

What are the "Refill Bags"?

We designed our system to be sustainable.

Our Signature Tin, protects the tea and contains all the detailed brewing and ingredient information.

The Refill: When you run low, you buy a Refill Bag.

Please Note: These biodegradable bags are designed as "Transport Vessels" only. They are not intended for individual sale. Upon arrival, please use the refill bag with into your YBTCO Tin. This ensures your tea stays fresh and you have the correct brewing instructions at hand.

Where is this made?

Handcrafted in Oregon.

Every batch of Yerba Buena tea is blended, tested, and packed in our dedicated tea kitchen in Salem, Oregon. We do not use co-packers or giant industrial machines. We blend in small lots to ensure that the oils are still volatile and the spices are still punchy when they reach your cup. It is a difference you can taste.

Is it safe for allergies (Gluten/Nuts)?

We keep it clean. All YBTCO teas are naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan. Our facility does not process wheat, soy, peanuts, or dairy.

The Coconut Note: The only allergen present in our facility is Coconut (Tree Nut), which is used in specific blends like Maven Blend and Turmeric Spice. We adhere to strict cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination, but if you have a severe tree nut allergy, please shop with caution.

When will my order ship?

We know you are ready to brew. Because we hand-pack orders, they typically leave our Oregon kitchen within 2-3 business days.

  • Free Shipping: We cover the shipping on all US orders over $70.
  • The Carriers: We ship via USPS and UPS. You’ll get a tracking number the second your label is printed so you can follow the tea to your doorstep.

Refer to our Shipping Policy for complete information.