The best Guayakí Yerba Mate flavors include Orange Exuberance, Bluephoria, Lemon Elation, Tropical Uprising, Enlighten Mint, Revel Berry, Blackberry Mint, Lima Limon, Grapefruit Ginger, Cranberry Pomegranate, and Classic Gold.
This South American herbal tea has an earthy flavor.
With a stunning array of flavors that beautifully intertwine the traditional earthy taste of this wonder with various exciting ingredients, Yerba Mate takes you on an extraordinary adventure of taste and nutrition with each sip.
It can be enjoyed with or without added flavors.
Yerba Mate Flavor Variation
Because it has such varying taste profiles depending on how it is prepared and processed, the taste ultimately depends on the brand of the tea you choose. It has a bitter taste thanks primarily to the tannins it contains. Many people enjoy this bitter taste, while others prefer to balance it out by adding mint, honey, sugar, milk, or citrus. Depending on the brand you choose, you could have a strong bitter flavor, or a slightly milder taste. Some brands can take on a smokey flavor, depending on how the leaves are processed.
If you’ve never tried it before, you may be wondering what it tastes like. It is often brewed like tea. It has a unique flavor that is quite different from other teas you may have tried. When you take your first sip, you’ll notice that it has a strong, earthy flavor. Some people describe it tasting like grass or soil. It can also have a slightly bitter aftertaste. However, as you continue to drink it, you may start to notice other flavors as well. Some people describe it as having a nutty or smokey taste.
Yerba Mate Caffeine and Health Benefits
The caffeine content depends on the brewing method. Dry leaves contain between 1-1.5% caffeine. Brewed drink contains 20-180 mg of caffeine per cup. An 8 oz serving has about 85 mg. It is proven to have antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and more. Too much may not be good. Its relation to cancer risk is still unclear. Some studies suggest it may help prevent cancer due to its healthy compounds.
Some people add mint, honey, sugar, milk or citrus to balance the bitter taste. Brand affects flavor too. Kiln drying produces a smoky flavor. Open fire drying also leads to a smoky taste. The plant naturally tastes earthy, grassy or woody. It has higher antioxidant content compared to green tea. Its flavor profile is stronger than matcha but more robust than black tea. It is bold, complex, smooth and satisfying.
On average, a cup contains 30-85mg caffeine. This gives an energy boost and can improve brain function, while providing a mix of stimulation and soothing from compounds like theobromine. It is not acidic or bitter like coffee and tea, so it’s more enjoyable to drink.