What Are Yerba Mate Energy Drinks?

Kids who grew up in the 80s and 90s in North America learned about three drinks with caffeine – coffee, tea, and soda. Even green tea was considered exotic. Fast forward to the present, and there seem to be new coffees, teas, sodas, and energy drinks popping up everywhere!

Yerba Mate energy drinks may sound completely new to Americans and Europeans but Yerba Mate has been a popular beverage in South America for centuries! Let’s take a look at how this surprising ingredient wound up in energy drinks, and why it is different from other energy drinks on the market.

What is Yerba Mate?

Yerba Mate is a plant that is native to the rainforests of South America. It is related to the holly plant and naturally contains a mix of organic chemicals, including high caffeine levels. This leads to a complex, earthy flavor.

Yerba Mate is prepared by roasting the leaves and stems of the plant. They are then steeped in hot water. Traditionally, the leaves are allowed to float freely in the water, and are not placed in a bag or a strainer. This tea is known as mate, and is drank using a metal straw with a screen. You can also perform a cold brew, creating a beverage known as tereré.

History of Yerba Mate

For many years, Yerba Mate was only used by the Gauraní, an aboriginal tribe based in modern day Paraguay. During colonization, the Spanish encountered the drink, and enjoyed it. They worked to spread Yerba Mate throughout other areas of South America, allowing its use and popularity to spread.

The cultivation of Yerba Mate went through ups-and-downs during the colonial and post-colonial periods. Commercial farming became established in the early 1900s. It has continued to be popular throughout South America up to the present day. Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay are the largest producers.

Why Make a Yerba Mate Energy Drink?

So, what exactly are the differences between Yerba Mate energy drinks and other energy drinks? There are a couple of points to highlight.

Conventional energy drinks are essentially super-caffeinated soda. This includes lots of artificial flavors, colors, and additives. There is also a ton of sugar, often more sugar than colas. Sugar-free energy drinks usually substitute with artificial sweeteners.
Yerba Mate energy drinks have the same caffeine burst as other energy drinks, but also offer a complex taste. This includes a mix of herbal, earthy, and fruity flavors. These energy drinks are also packed with antioxidants and adaptogens to boost your health and your energy. Yerba Mate energy drinks are sugar-free and sweetener-free, so you can enjoy your Yerba Mate without worrying about calories or chemicals.

A Grown-up Energy Drink

A Yerba Mate energy drink is perfect for anyone who wants the kick of an energy drink, but with a mature flavor, and without the sugar. Learn more about adaptogens, Yerba Mate and how it can benefit you. Find out how switching from your current energy drink to a Yerba Mate drink can be a healthy, easy way to change your routine.