Caffeine content
The South American brew contains more caffeine than green tea but less than coffee. It has a stronger taste and longer steep time compared to green tea. Both yerba mate and green tea contain antioxidants. The South American beverage has the antioxidant chlorogenic acid while green tea contains EGCG.
A cup of the South American drink contains around 85 mg of caffeine on average, which is more than black tea at 50 mg but less than coffee. This makes it a good energy booster.
Health benefits
The South American tea is popular among athletes in that region. It can be prepared in various ways, including using a gourd or through infusion.
Understanding caffeine content in yerba mate drinks helps manage intake. A serving of Mate Libre yerba mate contains 50 mg of caffeine, plus antioxidants. This provides a healthy, stimulating energy drink.
With moderate caffeine levels, the South American tea provides a balanced stimulant option between coffee and tea. It also elicits euphoric feelings similar to eating chocolate.
The caffeine content depends on factors like where it was grown and how it was processed. The xanthines theobromine and theophylline contribute to its different stimulatory effect.
Comparison to other drinks
Yerba mate leaves contain caffeine. The caffeine level of an 8 ounce cup can range anywhere between 20mg and 180mg. The most notable differences are in the health benefits. Both have antioxidants.
To give you a better understanding of caffeine levels, here’s a comparison of caffeine content: At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea.
Potential risks
Yerba mate tea contains PAH, a known carcinogen also found in grilled meat and tobacco smoke. Yerba Mate Tea is made from brewing the leaves of a holly-like tree found in South America. Yerba Mate is praised for having almost as much caffeine as coffee.
Popularity
First, let’s take a look at the evidence-based mental and physical health benefits. Yerba mate is used to make the national drinks of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil. In these countries, yerba mate outnumbers coffee by a factor of six.
Yerba mate has an herby and earthy flavor. The flavor may slightly vary depending on how it was grown and brewed.
In Canada, Europe, and the U.S., it’s not uncommon for an avid yerba mate drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. Mate seems to be in a group of herbs known as adaptogens.
Yerba mate caffeine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized by the liver. This process varies person to person, lasting 4 to 6 hours. Individual differences influence duration, like caffeine sensitivity and tolerance.
Comparison to green tea
Green tea lifts energy, but not to yerba’s level. Most notable differences are in health benefits. Both have antioxidants. Yerba Mate contains antioxidant Chlorogenic acid. Green tea has EGCG.
Caffeine content
Yerba mate contains about 80 milligrams of caffeine per cup — almost twice black tea but less than half coffee.
Duration of effects
Yerba mate shows stimulating properties for some time. For experienced drinkers, 2-3 servings a day should not be extraordinary. Of course, moderation always required.
Compared to coffee, the South American brew drinkers feel stimulation and soothing due to alkaloids theobromine and theophylline.
Drinking yerba mate provides mental alertness you don’t get with coffee or tea, with less bitterness and more enjoyment.
Variation by preparation
Guayakí yerba mate tea bags have the lowest caffeine. The traditional gourd method has much higher caffeine.
Although a tea, Guayaki markets mate as an energy drink alternative. With caffeine competing with energy drinks, it may not suit caffeine sensitivity. The caffeine per variant is:
- Cans: 150 mg per 16 oz
- Bottled Tea: 8.75 mg per oz
Dry yerba mate leaves contain 1-1.5% caffeine. Brewing method changes the caffeine from 20-180 mg per cup.
Comparison to energy drinks
Guayakí is better than RedBull or Monster with naturally sourced caffeine from leaves versus additives. It has less sugar and organic ingredients. Bloating is a potential side effect.
Where to buy
Where to buy Guayaki Yerba Mate Tea: Grocery stores, coffee shops, drug stores, warehouse clubs, Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com.