Yerba mate contains caffeine, but people often describe the effect as different from coffee: more awake, yet calmer, without the sharp peak. In this blog you'll read roughly how much caffeine is in it, how that compares to coffee and tea, and why the feeling differs. Want to try it yourself? You'll find loose yerba mate powder in our energy herbs.
How much caffeine is in yerba mate?
A cup of yerba mate contains roughly 30 to 50 mg of caffeine per 150 ml, depending on how much yerba you use and how long you steep it. For comparison:
Cup of coffee: about 80 to 100 mg of caffeine
Cup of yerba mate: about 30 to 50 mg of caffeine
Cup of black tea: about 25 to 50 mg of caffeine
Cup of green tea: about 20 to 40 mg of caffeine
So yerba mate sits between coffee and tea. Because the traditional gourd method re-steeps the same yerba several times, the total amount over a session can add up.
Why does yerba mate feel different from coffee?
Many people say yerba mate gives a steadier, less jittery feeling than coffee. That likely comes down to two things. First, the lower caffeine dose per cup. Second, besides caffeine, yerba mate also contains theobromine, the same compound found in cacao. Theobromine works milder and longer than caffeine, which can spread out the effect. Note: this is how users experience it, the exact effect varies from person to person.
Yerba mate, coffee or tea: what do you choose?
That depends on what you're after. Want a strong, fast boost, then coffee gives the highest dose. Looking for something calmer you can drink through the day, then yerba mate or tea fits better. Many people switch from coffee to yerba mate to deal less with a racing heart or a restless feeling. Whether that works for you is best found by trying it for a week.
Tips on dosing
Start with 1 teaspoon of yerba per cup and build up to taste and desired effect.
Steep it longer and more caffeine is released.
Sensitive to caffeine? Don't drink yerba mate late in the day, just like coffee.
Want more strength in less volume? A yerba mate 10:1 extract is more concentrated.
Other caffeine-containing herbs
Yerba mate isn't the only plant-based alternative. In our energy herbs you'll find more:
Guarana powder, with one of the highest caffeine contents among plants
Green tea (Gun Powder), milder than coffee
Cola nut powder, traditionally used for energy
Ginseng, which contains no caffeine itself but is often combined
Frequently asked questions
Does yerba mate have more or less caffeine than coffee?
Less. A cup of yerba mate has about 30 to 50 mg, a cup of coffee 80 to 100 mg.
Does yerba mate keep you awake?
Yes, due to the caffeine. Many people experience it as a calmer kind of alertness than coffee, but that varies per person.
Can I drink yerba mate in the evening?
If you're sensitive to caffeine, better not drink it late in the day, just like coffee.
Where do I buy yerba mate?
Loose yerba mate powder and the 10:1 extract are in our energy herbs. Prefer a ready-made tea blend? Take a look at our tea.
