A cup of yerba mate typically has about 85 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains about 95. The South American beverage is more caffeinated than regular black tea, but less than coffee. Drinking the tea gives you some of the improved focus and mood from drinking coffee — but less.
Caffeine Content
The mate generally contains less caffeine than coffee. However, the caffeine content can vary depending on factors such as the brewing method and the type used.
In addition to caffeine, it contains theobromine and theophylline, which are stimulant compounds that contribute to its energizing effects.
You can consume the South American drink and coffee together, although it’s important to be mindful of your overall caffeine intake to avoid potential side effects such as anxiety and insomnia.
Health Risks
Both yerba mate and coffee have health risks associated with consuming them.
The leaves contain 1-1.5% caffeine. The caffeine content depends on the brewing method and varies between 20-180mg per cup. A cup contains about 70mg on average, while a cup of coffee averages 120mg. However, both can vary greatly depending on product and method. On average, a cup of green tea contains about 25mg of caffeine while a cup of black tea has 50mg.
Using a French press or espresso machine can result in higher caffeine content compared to using tea bags or loose leaf. However, regardless of the method, it generally contains less caffeine than coffee.
While both yerba mate and coffee contain caffeine, they differ in taste and nutritional benefits. The South American drink remains a beloved tradition there.
Key Points
- Caffeine is a stimulant found in various beverages and foods.
- At 85mg per cup, yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea.
The caffeine content can vary depending on factors like:
- Processing method
- Brewing technique
On average, it contains 30-70mg of caffeine per 8 ounce serving. However, the content can range from 20-100mg per serving, or even higher.
The caffeine provides stimulation and soothing, due to the high concentration of theobromine. It provides mental alertness without an unwanted crash.
The Tea is made from the leaves of a South American holly-like tree. It is high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Yerba mate is less bitter and more enjoyable than coffee or tea.
The caffeine content will vary based on:
- Brewing time
- Product quality
On average, a cup contains approximately 30-50mg of caffeine, which is less than a cup of coffee. To stay within safe levels of caffeine intake, it’s recommended that you consume no more than 3-4 cups per day. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to limit your intake to 1-2 cups per day.
What you’re probably really worried about is the cancer talk around this herb. It is believed that consumption is associated with increased risk of certain cancers, but the carcinogenic mechanism is unclear. Commercial brands contain high levels of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are acquired during the traditional drying process.
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 a standard cup of coffee.
Many factors can influence how much caffeine is present. Individual responses to caffeine can vary widely and depend on factors such as genetics and tolerance level.
South Americans safely drink upwards of 1–4 liters per day. In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. The amount you consume daily will mainly depend on your own tolerance and preference.
It contains caffeine. The caffeine content can vary greatly depending on the product and brewing method. On average, it contains about 85 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup. That’s slightly less than coffee at 120 mg per cup. However, it provides a unique caffeine experience compared to coffee. Coffee drinkers often experience jitters or a crash afterward while mate drinkers don’t.
This is due to other stimulants called xanthines. Different xanthines produce different effects. Besides caffeine, it contains theobromine and theophylline. These contribute to its energizing effects without the crash.
It also contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and vitamins and minerals. It is praised for providing almost as much caffeine as coffee but with health benefits similar to tea. The South American drink is not acidic like coffee and lower in tannins than tea so it is less bitter.
The caffeine content depends on factors like:
- Quality of leaves
- Brewing method
- Steeping time
Higher quality leaves and shorter steeps result in less caffeine. Lower quality leaves and longer steeps result in more caffeine. On average, a cup contains 30-70 mg but it can range from 20-100 mg or more per cup.