This South American herbal infusion is from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The leaves are dried and steeped in hot water to make the infusion. It’s consumed from a gourd and sipped with a metal straw. The gourd is shared as a sign of friendship.
It contains caffeine along with other nutrients, providing energy without side effects. It has more antioxidants than other teas when prepared.
Indigenous Americans first consumed it by chewing the leaves. An infusion became popular with South American cowboys. Companies now sell sweetened drinks. But the real thing may not catch on due to germophobia.
The plant has been seen as a moneymaking commodity since Europeans arrived. It continues to symbolize culture and tradition in South America. Processed by hand, this drink supports weight loss and better digestion.
We tested dozens of brands in various forms. The best have authentic flavor or more mild taste for alternatives to coffee or tea. This plant infusion is naturally caffeinated. Hot or cold, it’s a great herbal alternative.
This popular South American infusion made from the Ilex paraguariensis plant has less caffeine than coffee but more than most other teas. It also has health benefits. It contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that may boost heart and liver health, improve digestion, support weight loss, and enhance physical and mental energy.
Compared to coffee, it has less caffeine but more nutrients. It provides a similar energy boost with additional health benefits from its plant compounds. It is grown sustainably in several South American countries and has become popular worldwide as a healthy, natural pick-me-up.
The best brands are Rosamonte, Ecoteas, Cruz de Malta, Canarias, and Guayaki. Rosamonte has a smooth, mild taste good for beginners. Ecoteas offers organically-grown product in convenient tea bags. Cruz de Malta is a traditional favorite for its bold, sweet yet smoky flavor. Canarias contains no stems for a cleaner taste. Guayaki is a top choice for North American consumers with its smooth nutty notes.
It contains caffeine comparable to coffee. It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It brings health benefits: slowing blood clotting, decreasing blood sugar, lowering the risk of some neurological diseases.
It is generally safe and well tolerated. Too much can cause anxiety, jitters, insomnia. Avoid in evenings, especially if caffeine sensitive.
It tastes woody, with vegetable flavor and some smokiness. It has a bitterness more grassy than from tannins. The flavor is strong, slightly bitter, sometimes described chocolatey or nutty.
It offers more brain and health benefits than coffee or tea. It enhances exercise performance. It provides long-lasting energy without a crash.
Sharing it can break down social barriers. Serving it to a stranger brings intimacy. It allows people to bond easily.
After more than 100 years in South America, it is gaining popularity worldwide. But its communal nature may limit widespread adoption in individualistic and germophobic cultures.