Maté is a herbal infusion made from the leaves and stems of the Paraguayan Holly tree. Leaves and twigs are cut from the tree, then they go through sorting, cutting, crushing, toasting, aging, and finally they can be flavored and mixed with other herbs.
The best Guayakí flavors include Orange Exuberance, Bluephoria, Lemon Elation, Tropical Uprising, Enlighten Mint, Revel Berry, Blackberry Mint, Lima Limon, Grapefruit Ginger, Cranberry Pomegranate, and Classic Gold. In this article, we also tell you about the benefits of maté. If you are not sure which Guayakí flavor is for you, continue reading to learn more about the popular flavors of this drink!
This container is what Argentinians call Mate and they don’t go a day without drinking it. It is a traditional South American drink. This caffeine-rich infused drink is made from dried leaves called maté mixed with hot water. The leaves are dried chopped and ground into a powder. It is then drunk through a metal straw (traditionally silver) known in Argentina as a Bombilla.
Maté is a plant that is part of the holly genus species found in South America. Its leaves are brewed to make a stimulating, caffeinated beverage. Referred to as the “drink of the Gods”, in some regions, it is even more popular than coffee.
The origins of maté are filled with folklore. Discovered by the indigenous peoples of Paraguay (the Guarani) and Brazil (the Tupi), it was known as an herb “from the gods” used for physical stamina and medicinal purposes.
To combat deforestation, international NGOs have started programs using maté to secure the buy-in of local communities and fund local cooperatives.
We have prepared a list of some of the best flavors for you to try. Guayaki products are a popular tea worldwide that helps drinkers feel invigorated. It also has several health advantages. Because products are among the best available, you know you are receiving the finest quality.
- Orange Exuberance
- Bluephoria
- Lemon Elation
- Tropical Uprising
- Enlighten Mint
- Revel Berry
- Blackberry Mint
- Lima Limon
- Grapefruit Ginger
- Cranberry Pomegranate
- Classic Gold
How much caffeine is maté?
An 8-ounce serving of brewed maté contains about 85 mg of caffeine. Coffee has about 130 mg per serving. Green tea has 50 mg. Maté provides sustainable energy.
Green tea tastes lighter than maté. It steeps faster, in one to two minutes. It lifts energy, but not to maté’s level. Both have antioxidants. Maté contains chlorogenic acid.
Maté has 78 mg of caffeine per 5 oz cup. Coffee has 85 mg. Maté boosts energy without later crashes. It affects people differently than coffee.
PAHs may harm health and raise cancer risk.
One tablespoon of maté has ~80mg of caffeine. South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters of maté daily.
When served cold, maté is called tereré. Indigenous Guarani cultivated it first.
Maté’s caffeine differs from coffee’s. Coffee drinkers crash after hours. Maté drinkers feel stimulated and soothed from theobromine. It boosts focused energy and mental alertness without crashes.
Soil, sun, and moisture affect caffeine levels batch to batch. Processing methods also affect caffeine levels.
Does maté have more caffeine than coffee?
A cup of maté typically has about 85 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains about 95. That means that maté is more caffeinated than regular black tea, but less than coffee. Drinking a cup of maté tea will give you some of the improved focus and mood you get from drinking coffee — but a bit less.
Maté may have some impressive antioxidants, but coffee boasts quite a few health benefits, too. Along with the mood and focus benefits of caffeine, studies have shown that drinking coffee also reduces your risk of certain cancers, diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and serious issues like obesity and diabetes.
At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, maté contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea (4). Thanks to its caffeine content, maté can help increase your energy levels and boost your mental focus. Like black tea, maté contains caffeine, which is a stimulant.
With less caffeine than coffee but more than tea, maté is a balanced caffeine option. Maté has about 78 mg of caffeine per 5 oz cup, which is just less than coffee at 85 mg. In general, both coffee and maté provide the body with specific health benefits. Both these drinks provide antioxidants and stimulants.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that maté has less caffeine than coffee. Maté has about one-third the caffeine of coffee. Maté also contains less tannin than coffee, which is another chemical that slows down how quickly a person’s body absorbs caffeine.
Is maté actually good for you?
Maté is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant native to South America. The caffeine content of maté tea depends on the brewing method and varies between 20mg and 180mg per cup. On average, a cup of maté contains about 85 mg of caffeine compared to 120 mg in a cup of coffee.
Maté has an herby, earthy flavor. It contains caffeine as well as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. It provides a stimulating effect similar to coffee but without the "crash" that coffee drinkers often experience afterwards.
Some potential health benefits of drinking maté include increased energy and mental focus, weight loss, improved heart health, and protection against diseases like cancer and diabetes. However, too much maté may also have adverse health effects.
Maté can be prepared in a traditional hollow gourd using a metal straw, or it can be brewed in tea bags. It is now available in ready-to-drink canned or bottled beverages as well. Both the flavor profile and caffeine content can vary greatly depending on factors like the brand, specific plant varietal, age of the leaves, and brewing time.