Yerba maté naturally contains caffeine, which is one reason people drink it for a gentle lift during the day. If you want to understand the drink itself first, our guide on what yerba maté is explains where it comes from and how it is traditionally prepared.

Key Takeaways

• Yerba maté naturally contains caffeine

• The amount varies depending on how it is brewed or prepared

• Traditional brewed maté can contain similar caffeine levels to tea or coffee

• Sparkling yerba maté drinks offer a chilled, ready to drink format

• Caffeine affects people differently depending on tolerance and habits

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao, and yerba maté. It is commonly consumed in drinks that help people stay alert during work, study, or long days.

Because yerba maté is brewed from a caffeinated plant, the drink naturally contains caffeine without needing to add it artificially.

How Much Caffeine Is in Traditional Yerba Maté?

The caffeine level in yerba maté can vary depending on how it is brewed. Traditional preparations often involve steeping the leaves repeatedly in hot water using a gourd and metal straw.

In many cases, brewed yerba maté falls within a similar caffeine range to tea and coffee. The exact amount depends on factors such as the quantity of leaves, brewing time, and water temperature.

This variation is common with most natural caffeinated drinks.

Yerba Maté Compared With Coffee and Tea

People often compare yerba maté with other drinks that contain caffeine.

Coffee is typically known for a strong caffeine hit, while tea tends to sit lower on the caffeine scale. Yerba maté is often discussed somewhere between the two depending on how it is prepared.

The drink itself has been part of South American tea culture for centuries and is traditionally shared socially among friends and family.

Sparkling Yerba Maté Drinks

Sparkling yerba maté sodas offer another way to enjoy the drink. Instead of brewing it at home, the maté tea is prepared and then combined with carbonation and flavour.

If you're new to yerba mate, our yerba maté soda collection is the perfect first step to experiencing it in a functional social soda.

Many people enjoy sparkling versions cold, especially during social events, afternoons, or weekends.

Caffeine Tolerance Is Personal

Caffeine can affect people differently. Some people are comfortable drinking several caffeinated beverages in a day, while others prefer smaller amounts.

Factors such as sleep habits, diet, hydration, and personal sensitivity all influence how caffeine feels.

For some drinkers, yerba maté simply becomes another option alongside coffee or tea.

If you're interested in seeing how yerba maté fits into broader drink habits, our article on why Australians are choosing non-alcoholic drinks explores the shift toward alcohol-free social drinks.

Curious About Supermaté?

If you want to read more about us, visit our About Us page or get in touch via the Contact Us page to ask questions about our non-alc sodas and our sourcing.