Does Yerba Mate Have Caffeine?
Yes. Yerba mate naturally contains caffeine, and many people describe the effect as similar to a cup of coffee, though milder and longer lasting.
Mate and coffee
The exact amount of caffeine varies a lot with the brand of yerba, how much you use and how long you keep refilling the cup. Because a mate is refilled many times, a long session can add up to more than a single cup of coffee.
What changes the strength
Using more yerba, using hotter water (below boiling) and refilling many times all increase the amount you take in. A smaller cup, less yerba and fewer refills make it lighter.
How to make it gentler
Start with a small mate, use fewer refills and avoid drinking it late in the evening if you are sensitive to caffeine.
A note on health
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, take medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor before drinking mate regularly.
Quick answers
Is mate stronger than coffee?
It depends on how you prepare it. A single cup is usually comparable, but a long session with many refills can add up.
Does decaffeinated yerba mate exist?
Some products are sold with reduced caffeine. Check the label of each yerba.
Ready to try it? A complete mate set has everything you need to start.
MATEAR Imperial Mate and Yerba Container Set, Wrapped in Handmade Leather, with Bombilla