On average, an 8-ounce serving of yerba mate contains approximately 30-50 milligrams of caffeine, while an equally sized serving of coffee contains around 95 milligrams. The caffeine in both coffee and yerba mate can provide a boost of energy and improve mental alertness.
Besides caffeine, yerba mate contains theobromine, theophylline, and chlorogenic acid, which offer health benefits in addition to an energy boost. When it comes to flavor, yerba mate exhibits a unique combination of grassy and herbal notes, with a touch of bitterness compared to coffee’s more robust and invigorating taste.
The debate between the herbal drink and coffee is subjective and depends on what you’re looking for in your beverage, whether it’s yerba mate’s unique, nutritious profile or coffee’s potent stimulant properties. If you’re looking for a healthful beverage with less caffeine, the tea is a clear choice.
Caffeine Content in Clean Yerba Mate
The herbal drink contains 30-50 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. This is significantly lower than coffee. It provides a noticeable energy boost without jitters or crashes. It has additional health benefits beyond caffeine, including antioxidants, weight management support, immune function, and improved mental clarity.
There are 80-85 milligrams of caffeine in each 8-ounce cup of yerba mate. This is much more than almost any other tea, but slightly less than a standard cup of coffee.
The caffeine in the beverage works differently than coffee. The stimulating effects can be less aggressive. This leads to better tolerance. We also tend to drink yerba mate diluted in water and shared between people.
Safe Daily Intake
South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters of yerba mate per day. In the U.S., Canada, and Europe, avid drinkers consume at least 1–2 liters daily. The amount you drink mainly depends on your own tolerance and preference.
A cup of yerba mate tea has about 78 mg of caffeine. This is just less than coffee at 85 mg. The caffeine content in coffee and yerba mate can vary widely due to different factors. But yerba mate generally contains less caffeine than coffee.
Thanks to its caffeine content, the herbal drink increases energy levels and mental focus.
How Much Yerba Mate Is Safe Per Day
Yerba mate is proven to contain vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and more. The caffeine content of the tea depends on the brewing method and varies between 20mg and 180mg per cup.
Moderate consumption of yerba mate, up to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily, is generally safe for most adults. Excessive consumption can lead to insomnia, increased heart rate, and digestive issues.
Compared to green tea, yerba mate has a heavier taste and longer 5 minute steep time versus 1-2 minutes for green tea. The most notable difference is their health benefits.
South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters of yerba mate per day.
Is Yerba Mate Very Caffeinated?
Yerba mate leaves contain between 1% to 1.5% caffeine. On average, yerba mate has 30-70 mg caffeine per cup compared to 120 mg per cup of coffee.
Yerba Mate is made from a South American holly tree. It has almost as much caffeine as coffee but without the acidic taste. It is high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Drinking yerba mate provides stimulation and mental alertness without an unwanted crash later. It’s a natural herb that contains healthy compounds.
On average, yerba mate has 80 mg caffeine per cup. That’s less than coffee which has 100+ mg per cup. Yerba mate is an herb used to make a popular South American drink consumed more than coffee in parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil.
Yerba mate leaves are high in caffeine and antioxidants. They also contain small amounts of vitamin C and other nutrients. The caffeine provides stimulating effects while the other compounds give health benefits.