Itoen Oi Ocha: Unsweetened Green Tea vs Bold Green Tea

In everyday life, many Japanese people like to drink green tea or “Ryokucha (緑茶)” as a refreshment.

Accordingly, various kinds of green tea PET bottles can be bought everywhere in Japan, say, from vending machines and in convenience stores.

In terms of the variety of Japanese green tea, Matcha, Sencha, Bancha, Genmaicha, Gyokuro, and Hojicha are common types.

And in fact, PET bottles containing those green tea can be seen around the country.

Itoen Oi Ocha Green Tea

Among such green tea PET bottle varieties, what I introduce here, “Oi Ocha (おーいお茶)” from “Ito-En (伊藤園)” holds an overwhelming domestic market share.

This product is actually the Guinness world record holder for the best sales result concerning green tea beverages.

According to the official website of Itoen, Oi Ocha only consists of the first flush tea brewed from special green tea leaves for Oi Ocha finished by green tea masters.

The tea contains no artificial sweetener, preservative, flavoring, or coloring.

Itoen Oi Ocha comes in 2 regular varieties, “Unsweetened Green Tea” and “Unsweetened Bold Green Tea”.

Today for comparison, I’ve got both, and below are their features.

Oi Ocha Unsweetened Green Tea 525ml PET Bottle

• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: 140 Yen (about 1.3 USD)
• Best: For 9 months after production
• Nutrition Facts (per 100 ml): 0 kcal, 0.03 g salt equivalents, 40 mg catechins

This is the original Oi Ocha. A very easy-to-drink, fine-tasting green tea, leaving a refreshing aftertaste. Anyone from adults to children can like it.

Oi Ocha Unsweetened Bold Green Tea 525ml PET Bottle

• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: 140 Yen (about 1.3 USD)
• Best: For 9 months after production
• Dosage: Up to 1200 ml a day
• Nutrition Facts (per 1200 ml): 0 kcal, 0.2 g salt equivalents, 960 mg catechins, 340 mg gallate-type catechins

This is the healthier version of Oi Ocha that can bring a certain benefit. With a bold, bitter taste, this earthy green tea helps reduce body fat.