Black Soybean Tea (黒豆茶) & Corn Tea (とうもろこし茶)
Are you looking for a caffeine-free souvenir from Japan? If so, I highly recommend picking up some black soybean or corn tea bags from Muji. They are my favorite teas —I don’t remember how many times I’ve repurchased them.
You might not have tried black soybean tea or corn tea before. While these "grain teas" might not be as famous as green tea, they are common in Japan and can be found in most grocery or drugstores. They are naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy them any time of day. They pair perfectly with meals or sweets, or just on their own.
Black Soybean Tea (Kuromame-cha)
The tea is made from roasted black soybeans. It is not bitter or sour. It has a rich, toasted aroma and a subtle, natural sweetness. Beyond the taste, it offers great health benefits. Black soybeans are rich in anthocyanins and isoflavones.
Corn Tea (Toumorokoshi-cha)
Corn tea also has a pleasant, roasted scent and a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is a healthy choice as well, known for containing iron and dietary fiber.
Why buy them at Muji?
Muji offers these teas at affordable prices using domestic ingredients, such as black soybeans produced in Japan and corn from Hokkaido. They offer three convenient ways to try them:
- Small Pack: 10 tea bags (Paper packaging)
- Large Pack: 30 tea bags (Plastic packaging)
- Ready-to-Drink: 500 mL plastic bottles
How much do they cost?
Black soybean tea: 250 yen for 10 tea bags, 650 yen for 30 tea bags, and 120 yen for a 500 mL plastic bottle (all prices including tax).
Corn tea: 290 yen for 10 tea bags, 650 yen for 30 tea bags, and 120 yen for a 500 mL plastic bottle (all prices including tax).
Where can you find them?
You can find these teas at almost any Muji location across Japan. If you are in Tokyo, large stores are in Ginza and Ariake. Other convenient locations include Seibu Shibuya (Movida Hall), Lumine Shinjuku 2, Seibu Ikebukuro (Annex Bldg.), Ueno Marui, Kitte Marunouchi, Tokyo Midtown.
Whether you’re a tea lover or just looking for a healthy Japanese souvenir, Muji’s grain teas are my recommended items. Because these teas are affordable and lightweight, they make the perfect souvenir for yourself, friends, and family without ever having to worry about your baggage weight limit.