This South American herb contains about 85 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces. This is slightly less than a cup of coffee but more than a cup of green tea. Unlike coffee, its caffeine releases gradually, providing sustained energy instead of a spike and crash.
An average cup of coffee contains about 90mg caffeine per 8 ounces. The beverages have obvious differences. But both significantly affect the body.
Yerba Mate vs Other Beverages
It has almost twice the caffeine of black tea but less than half of coffee. A 16 oz cup of half regular and half decaf coffee contains about 55mg caffeine.
Many factors influence caffeine levels in coffee. A general guide:
- Drip brewed Arabica coffee (6 oz): 80 to 130 mg
- Robusta coffee (6 oz): 140 to 200 mg
- Decaf coffee (8 oz): 2 to 12 mg although often higher
- Instant coffee (8 oz): 27 to 173 mg
South Americans safely drink 1-4 liters daily. In U.S., Canada and Europe it’s common for an avid drinker to consume at least 1-2 liters daily. Consumption depends on personal tolerance and preference.
Benefits
This herb provides balanced, sustained energy.
How Much Caffeine in Yerba Mate?
It contains 30-50 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. This is similar to a cup of green tea but less than a cup of coffee. The caffeine can enhance mental focus and increase energy levels. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals contributing to potential health benefits.
It has a higher caffeine content than Brazilian or Paraguayan varieties, containing 78 mg per 5 oz cup. This is just less than coffee at 85 mg. Overall, there is substantial caffeine that gives an energy boost and can improve brain function.
History and Culture
It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily popular in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile. It was first cultivated by the indigenous Guaraní people prior to European colonization.
Compared to coffee, its caffeine is less jittery with few negative effects associated with coffee. It contains muscle relaxing compounds like theobromine and theophylline.
Daily Recommendations
It is generally safe to consume in moderation, up to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects. Dry leaves contain 1-1.5% caffeine. The caffeine content depends on the brewing method, averaging 70 mg per cup compared to 120 mg in coffee. On average, it contains more caffeine than green or black tea. For experienced drinkers, 2-3 servings daily is common. But moderation is always wise.
Its caffeine content boosts energy and focus. As an herb like mint or parsley, it appears adaptogenic, helping the body respond to stress. Of course too much can be unhealthy. Concerns remain about cancer risks.
How Caffeinated is Yerba Mate?
Dry leaves usually contain between 1% to 1,5% of caffeine. The caffeine content depends on the brewing method and varies between 20mg and 180mg per cup, averaging about 70 mg. This is less than coffee’s 120 mg but more than green tea’s 25 mg or black tea’s 50 mg.
It is high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and almost as much caffeine as coffee, providing longer-lasting energy without the crash.
There are about 80-85 milligrams of caffeine in each 8-ounce cup. Which is much more than almost any other tea, but slightly less than coffee. Its unique combination of caffeine and other compounds provide a longer-lasting boost without the crash compared to coffee.
The caffeine content can vary depending on the type, processing method and brewing technique, ranging from 20-100 milligrams per serving, or even higher.
It typically has about 85 milligrams of caffeine, while coffee has about 95. That means it has more caffeine than regular black tea, but less than coffee, providing some of coffee’s improved focus and mood benefits, but less.
Drinking it provides antioxidant content and low caffeine level compared to coffee. Loose-leaf prepared traditionally will provide the biggest caffeine boost.