How To Choose The Best Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba mate is a delicious and traditional South American tea. Even though yerba mate has caffeine, it’s technically an herbal tea. It’s made from Ilex paraguariensis plant leaves and stems which are dried and smoked. The smoked leaves are then steeped to make a tasty tea.

Traditionally, mate is served in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw with a filter on the end. The filter keeps out excess leaves and stems. It’s got tons of health benefits including:

• Plant nutrients
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Polyphenols
• Antioxidants
• Cancer-fighting properties
• Digestive system support
• Improved memory
• Enhanced focus
• And so much more

Whether you’re new to yerba mate or you’ve got a gourd next to you now, let’s explore more.

*Hi there tea lover! We developed this list based on ratings, best-sellers, and trusted tea reviews. So start up your kettle, grab a cup, and let’s go!

The Best Yerba Mate Tea for Beginners

Yerba mate has a distinctly refreshing taste. But for some newcomers, it’s also an acquired taste. The more you familiarize yourself and drink yerba mate, the more you’ll grow to love it. Here are some fantastic yerba mate brands to get you started:

• Rich and robust yerba mate brand
• Earthy and mellow taste
• Organic and gluten-free

• Refreshing and full-bodied
• Dry and smoky flavor profile
• Mellow stimulation

• Earthy and woodsy
• Notes of sour berries
• Heavier taste

The Best Organic Yerba Mate Teas

If you’re already a fan of yerba mate tea, it’s time to level up with some great organic brews. They’re rich in antioxidants and other nutritious compounds like:

• Xanthines
• Caffeoyl derivatives
• Saponins
• Polyphenols
• Vitamins and minerals
• Essential amino acids

Because of this, many organic yerba mate drinkers get to enjoy health benefits like:

• Enhanced focus
• More energy
• Weight-loss support
• Enhanced immunity
• Lower blood sugar

Here are a couple of organic yerba mate teas to get you started on an even healthier path:

• Air-dried tea leaves
• Less smoky flavors
• Earthy and herby taste

• The fresh and smooth flavor profile
• Bold earthy taste
• Deep and complex

The Best-Flavored Yerba Mate Teas

Some yerba mate drinkers love the flavored varieties. With lots of different tastes to choose from, it’s easy to enjoy this deliciously healthy drink. Grab your metal straw, your gourd, and one of these tasty tea flavors:

• Lightly sweetened
• Notes of blueberries
• Elderberry flavors

• Juicy and refreshing
• Mango and hibiscus
• Notes of hibiscus flower

• Minty and refreshing
• Peppermint and honey taste
• Subtle flavors

• Refreshing lemony flavor
• Notes of ginger and elderflower
• Light and not too sweet

How to Choose the Best Yerba Mate Tea

When you’re ready to jump into the world of yerba mate, it’s tough to know which tea you’ll love the most. We recommend trying a few different brands and brews to find a balance your palate enjoys. But here are some tips to help get you started on your yerba mate journey:

Taste profile

Not every yerba mate tea tastes exactly the same. Some are sweeter, some are more bitter, others are earthier. Review the teas in this guide to learn more about the flavor profile of each brand. Then give a few yerba mate teas a try and compare.

Caffeine levels

Most yerba mate teas list the caffeine content on the label. Obviously, the more caffeine, the more energy you’ll get after a cup. But not everyone loves lots of caffeine. And sometimes it’s nice to have a cup of mate before bed. So let caffeine levels guide you toward the best brew for you.

Bags vs. loose leaves

Some yerba mate teas are available in tea bags you can steep on the go. Others come in loose leaves — so you have to boil water. Think about how you’ll enjoy your yerba mate tea and choose accordingly. If you’re looking for a new afternoon tradition, go with loose leaves. But if you want a pick-me-up at work, tea bags are the better bet.

Benefits of Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba mate tea has tons of health benefits which is one of the reasons it’s a popular South American drink. It’s actually an herbal tea (even though it has caffeine), so it’s got lots of plant nutrients like:

• Xanthines
• Caffeoyl derivatives
• Saponins
• Polyphenols

These nutrients deliver health benefits like:

• Increased energy
• Enhanced mood
• Lots of vitamins and minerals
• Allergy relief
• Digestive aid
• Weight loss
• Better immunity
• Bone health support
• Heart health support
• Anti-cancer properties

Caffeine Consistency in Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba mate has more consistent caffeine levels compared to other beverages like:

• Coffee
• Green tea
• Black tea

On average, most cups of yerba mate tea have less caffeine than coffee. But more than other kinds of tea. So you’ll get a nice boost in energy without the hand jitters!

Final Thoughts and Top Picks

Yerba mate tea is a popular beverage for tea lovers around the world. And it’s no wonder. There are tons of options to choose from and each one is as tasty and nutritious as the last. Check all yerba mate teas here.

Also, read our other articles about the best teas!
How To Choose The Best Rooibos Tea
How To Find The Best White Teas & Their Benefits
How To Choose The Best Pu-Erh Tea
How To Find The Best Oolong Tea
Ultimate Guide To The Best Green Tea In The World
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Matcha Tea
How To Choose The Best Black Tea
Types of Herbal Teas & Their Benefits