Food · Teas
Mugicha (Barley Tea)
麦茶 (Mugicha)
Also known as: Japanese Barley Tea
At a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Not applicable (food use primarily) |
| Japanese labeling name | Not applicable (food use primarily) |
| Common Japanese notations | 麦茶, ムギチャ |
| Origin | Plant-derived (roasted barley) |
| Typical functions | Caffeine-free beverage |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Food regulated under the Food Sanitation Act. |
Mugicha is infused roasted barley, served cold in summer in virtually every Japanese household and hot in winter. It is caffeine-free, making it the default tea for children and for hot-weather hydration.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Summer beverage (chilled bottled and pitcher tea)
- Children's tea (caffeine-free)
- Roasted-grain RTD beverages
- Tea-based confectionery and gelato
- Cosmetic toners (mild antioxidant lines)
What it is
Mugicha is produced by roasting unmilled barley grains and packaging them for brewing. Modern convenience versions are sold in tea bags that brew in cold or hot water. The beverage has a distinctive roasted-grain aroma and a slightly nutty, mildly sweet flavor.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Mugicha is a default summer household beverage in Japan — brewed in large pitchers and chilled. It is also a common offering in restaurants and a school-lunch tea.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Food regulation under Food Sanitation Act.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Food use permitted. |
|---|---|
| USA | Imported as specialty tea. |
| China | Imported. |
| Korea | Korean boricha is a related barley tea. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification.
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Related ingredients
References
- MAFF food classification — mugicha
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.