Yerba maté naturally contains caffeine, so it can still affect people who are sensitive to it. The difference is that many people drink yerba maté as a lighter alternative to coffee, especially when they want a natural buzz without feeling too wired. If you’re new to the drink, our guide on what yerba maté is explains where it comes from and how it is traditionally prepared.

Key Takeaways

• Yerba maté contains natural caffeine from the plant itself

• Some people may still feel jittery if they are sensitive to caffeine

• Coffee and yerba maté can feel different depending on timing, amount, and tolerance

• Sparkling yerba maté gives people another option when they want a cold caffeinated drink

• The best choice depends on your body, habits, and how much caffeine you already drink

Why Coffee Can Make Some People Feel Jittery

Coffee is one of the most common caffeine drinks, but not everyone loves how it feels.

For some people, coffee can bring:

• shaky hands

• a racing feeling

• stomach discomfort

• a sharp rise and drop in energy

That does not mean coffee is bad. It just means caffeine can feel different from person to person, especially if you drink it quickly or on an empty stomach.

Does Yerba Maté Have Caffeine?

Yes, yerba maté naturally contains caffeine.

The caffeine comes from the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which is traditionally brewed as a tea across parts of South America.

If you want to understand the numbers, our article on how much caffeine is in yerba maté tea breaks it down in more detail.

Can Yerba Maté Cause Jitters?

It can, depending on the person.

If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, any caffeinated drink can potentially make you feel jittery. That includes coffee, tea, yerba maté, and other caffeine drinks.

The difference is usually how much you drink, how quickly you drink it, and what else is happening in your day.

Sleep, food, hydration, stress, and caffeine tolerance all matter.

Why Some People Prefer Yerba Maté Over Coffee

Some people find yerba maté easier to drink than coffee because it has a different taste, format, and drinking experience.

Sparkling yerba maté is usually served cold, lightly sweetened, and carbonated. That can make it feel more refreshing and less heavy than another coffee, especially later in the day.

It is not about saying one is better for everyone. It is about having options.

If you’re interested in comparing the two more broadly, our article on yerba maté vs coffee looks at how they differ.

How to Drink Yerba Maté Without Overdoing It

If you are caffeine-sensitive, start small.

You should look at:

• how much caffeine you already drink

• whether you are having it with food

• how late in the day it is

• how your body usually responds

Like coffee, yerba maté is still a caffeinated drink. More is not always better.

Where Sparkling Yerba Maté Fits

Sparkling yerba maté gives you a different way to enjoy natural caffeine.

It works well when you want:

• something cold

• something low sugar

• something non-alc

• something with a natural buzz

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.

Learn More About Supermaté

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