Yerba Mate: A Natural Alternative to Energy Drinks
- Piece of Cake Staff
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Written by Lindsay Grohs
Yerba mate, a mysterious, almost mystical-sounding substance. Many of us may have heard the word, but few truly know what it is, where it came from, or how it became such a popular drink. Lucky for you, I’m here to break the rumors, clear up the misinformation, and set the facts straight. Along the way, we’ll explore the journey from plant to cup, uncovering the steps that transform the leaves into the drink that lines the shelves of our grocery stores today.
What is Yerba Mate?
Yerba mate, also known as Ilex paraguariensis, is a plant species of holly that originated in Latin and South America. It is mainly cultivated in areas of the Atlantic Forest, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Much of this product stays within its producing countries, with only 5% exported (Gawron‑Gzella, Chanaj‑Kaczmarek, & Cielecka‑Piontek, 2021).
Beyond its geographic origins, yerba mate is celebrated for its cultural and social significance. Traditional ceremonies showcase the drink "in a small gourd which is passed around a group of people who will drink the tea through a filtered metal straw, known as a Bombilla" (Art of Tea, n.d.). All the guests of the ceremony will each drink the entire gourd of tea, refilling it with hot water after their turn and passing it onto the next person with the straw facing towards them.
From Forest to Tea:
The journey of yerba mate from plant to tea is a traditional, naturally occurring one. The process goes a little something like this:
Planting: Yerba mate is planted in subtropical climate conditions with high humidity, warm temperatures, heavy rainfall, and rich, acidic soil. Sometimes these plants start in nursery gardens for the first 9-12 months, then get transferred to soil; other times it's vice versa.
Harvesting: The tree takes about 4 years before its first harvest. The specific month and season vary depending on the location. The leaves are harvested “manually, with handsaws, machetes, scissors, or electric scissors" and collected into tarps (Yerba Crew, 2023). The smaller ones are kept and sent to the drying stage, while the larger ones are typically discarded.
Sapecado (flash heating): Sapecado, exposing the leaves to high temperatures, usually via fire, takes place within 24 hours of the harvest. This is done in attempts to slow oxidation, as well as preserve the leaves’ color, aroma, and flavor.
Fogueado (drying): The second drying stage. Leaves are exposed to hot air for 2-12 hours while on conveyor belts or racks.
Canchado: Canchado is the process of grinding down the dried leaves to make them coarse, leafy, stemmy, fine… whatever the desired texture is.
Aging & Maturing: Bags of yerba mate are stored in controlled, humid chambers with regulated light and airflow. Similar to the aging process of wine, this resting period allows the plant’s aromas and flavors to mature over time. This stage can last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years.
Grinding & Packaging: Yerba is ground a second time into even smaller pieces. The leaves are then sorted by their properties and mixed with stems and herbs depending on the blend. Yerba has a variety of classifications that depend on a number of factors, such as the presence or absence of stems, the cut and grind of the leaves, the aging period, and the overall leaf-to-stem ratio. Again, similar to wine!
Testing: Internal company testing to make sure the blend is safe for commercial sale.
The overall production process of yerba mate takes around 5 years (or more). Insane!
The Benefits:
Okay, so the real question is, "What does this plant do for me?” I’m glad you asked! Yerba mate is "said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the joy of chocolate" (Petre, 2025). Yerba mate is rich in various antioxidants and nutrients such as xanthines (“stimulants”), caffeoyl derivatives (health-promoting), saponins (anti-inflammatory), polyphenols (risk-reducing), and vitamins C and B6. It also contains antimicrobial properties, which help protect the body against infections. And, if you’re a caffeine addict like me, you’re in luck. Yerba mate contains about 80 mg per cup, similar to coffee. Caffeine can boost your energy and improve your mental focus—something a lot of us teens and college students need nowadays. Overall, this drink is good for providing a more natural form of caffeine while supplying your body with additional antioxidants, nutrients, and disease-fighting properties.
Where to Find It:
So… “How do I get this magical drink?" you ask. Yerba mate can be found at most grocery stores, health food shops, Latin American markets, tea retailers, and other online sources. It’s usually in the aisle with the energy drinks or teas.
Conclusion
Yerba mate is more than a drink on the shelf. It’s a symbol of the plant’s journey from cultivation all the way to blending that ultimately reflects centuries of tradition and culture. Packed with natural energy, antioxidants, and nutrients, yerba mate offers a unique combination of health benefits along with social rituals. Whether you’re enjoying it for its health benefits, rich flavor, or cultural significance, this beverage continues to bring people, flavors, and traditions together around the world.
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