The best yerba mate brands taste good and provide energy. The herb grows natively in South America. There, the plant is popular as a hot drink. The seeds only germinate after being digested by specific native birds. This makes cultivation difficult.
The flavor depends on where it was grown and personal taste. It can be served hot, iced, sweetened or not. This article compares sweetened, bottled drinks.
Best Bottled Yerba Mate Drinks
The Trader Joe’s Organic Sparkling Mate is unsweetened with fizzy bubbles. It balances the tea’s bitter notes. The brand U.S. Wellness Naturals makes a mate with a mild bitterness and grassy, earthy flavor.
When brewing, boil water first. Place six teaspoons of leaves in a French press. Let soak for ten minutes before adding a tablespoon of grass-fed butter. This gives caffeine for focus and energy.
The Amanda brand has a bold, earthy aroma. Sip it traditionally from a gourd with a stainless steel straw. The taste is direct with a citrusy aftertaste.
Drinking at very hot temperatures above 65°C connects it to higher cancer risks. This may come from PAHs that are carcinogens. Too much caffeine also causes side effects like migraines and insomnia.
The Canarias brand is popular in Uruguay as authentic South American. It provides health benefits like weight loss and energy. However, it has a strong, bitter taste and finely ground leaves.
We reviewed to help you understand the best brands. The Cruz de Malta hails from Argentina with an authentic flavor.
The yerba mate herb is native to South America. The fascinating aspect is how it is grown. The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by very specific native birds. This makes cultivation more difficult.
I make about 3 cups which calls for 6 Tsps. Here are the steps:
- Boil water to a fast boil.
- Place 6 tsps in the french press.
- Let soak for ten minutes before adding grass-fed butter.
- This gives caffeine for energy.
Each type has its own distinct characteristics that make it stand out from the rest.
We’ve tested dozens of brands, exploring forms, processing methods, intensities, and price points.
Drinking very hot at temps of 149 F or warmer is connected to higher cancer risks. It may be due to carcinogenic PAHs. You may also experience caffeine side effects if you drink high amounts.
Taragui is one of the oldest on the market. The taste is bitter, smoky with a scent of rugged leather and a mildly acidic aftertaste.
This brand contains the health benefits of both and green tea. If you’re looking for a healthy, energizing drink try this product.
The herb is native to South America. It’s thought to enhance stamina. The seeds only germinate after being digested by native birds. This makes cultivation difficult.
The best varies on tastes. We’ve tested dozens of brands. Here are the best:
- U.S. Wellness Naturals Tea. It has the overall flavor.
- Rosamonte Special Selection Tea. It’s the runner-up.
Yerba mate is naturally caffeinated. It can be served hot, cold, sweet or not. We’re talking about the canned version. Whether you like it sweet or not, there’s one for you.
Trader Joe’s Organic Sparkling is best with no sugar. The fizz offsets bitterness. And it’s organic.
Another top brand is Canarias. Strong, bitter flavor and creamy texture. 100% natural without chemicals. Best microclimates produce the leaves. Considered a fine Uruguayan style with loose leaves.
Flavor Profiles
The flavor is earthy. It can be enjoyed with or without flavors. Some find it bitter but others like the profile. We’ll discuss the best flavors.
My recipe provides the best focus with oils. I make 3 cups using 6 teaspoons of leaves. Use a french press if possible.
A variety is available at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market.
It was traditionally consumed by indigenous tribes. Today it has recognition for its health benefits. But not all are equal – each has distinct characteristics. We want to ease worries about choosing the best, so we made this list of teas, where to get them and how to best enjoy.