Time to Read: 6 minutes
Quick Overview
Yerba mate has become a global favorite alternative to coffee and tea, for its steady energy and, above all, its social side. Here is why people make the switch, with an honest look at the common myths.
Yerba mate is catching on around the world. Long a staple in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, it is now a favorite pick-me-up for fans everywhere. It even got its own emoji in 2019.
Famous fans span the globe. Pope Francis is often spotted with a mate. Viggo Mortensen picked up the habit growing up in Argentina, and Metallica's James Hetfield got it from his Argentine wife. Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen drinks chimarrão, athletes from footballer Antoine Griezmann to ultrarunner Scott Jurek use it for steady energy, and even Barack Obama has given it a try.
Of course, yerba mate is much more than a trend. For many it is a core part of their culture, and for others a welcome alternative to coffee and tea. Here are the reasons people make the switch.
It gives you a slow-releasing energy boost
With less caffeine than coffee but more than tea, yerba mate sits in a comfortable middle ground, around 78 mg per cup versus roughly 85 mg for coffee. Many drinkers find the energy feels smoother and more sustained, without the jitters or crash they get from coffee. That is often credited to the mix of other compounds in mate, though how caffeine affects you always depends on your own sensitivity.
It may support your workouts
Athletes around the world, footballers especially, are often seen with a mate before a match. The research here is limited, but one small study found that taking yerba mate before exercise modestly increased fat burning during the workout. Many athletes simply use it for a steady energy lift and to ease everyday fatigue.
It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients
Yerba mate is sometimes called a “liquid vegetable” because it contains a broad mix of plant compounds, including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Studies have measured its antioxidant content as higher than green tea. It is not a replacement for a balanced diet, but it is a flavorful, nutrient-rich drink.
It is a social break from our hyper-connected world
This might be the best reason of all. Because you share a mate with a coworker or a round of friends, it becomes a natural excuse to socialize. Often the drinking is the activity: families and friends will spend an hour or more (just heat up more water) simply chatting and passing the gourd. In the summer, parks, sidewalks, and benches fill with people drinking mate together. Where coffee culture can be social, mate is even more so. Put the phone away and invite a few people to share a mate.
What about the other health claims?
Beyond energy, yerba mate has been studied for possible effects on heart health, cholesterol, digestion, and more. The research is still developing and results vary, so it is best to think of mate as a pleasant daily habit rather than a treatment for anything. For a fuller, sourced look at what the studies actually say, see our guide to the health benefits of yerba mate.
Good to Know
Yerba mate is a drink to enjoy, not a medicine. Research is ongoing and individual results vary. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have specific health questions, check with a healthcare professional.
Common myths about yerba mate
Myth: yerba mate causes cancer
The evidence points to temperature, not the drink itself. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies very hot beverages of any kind, including coffee and tea, as a possible risk for esophageal cancer, and notes that mate consumed warm or cold is not associated with that risk. Many older studies linking mate to cancer were also complicated by heavy tobacco and alcohol use. The practical takeaway: drink it hot but never scalding. When you heat your water to the right temperature, it should never be too hot to sip comfortably, which also keeps you from burning the yerba.
Myth: the leaves are full of carcinogens
Another concern is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can form when yerba is dried over smoke. Like coffee and grilled foods, mate can contain small amounts. Modern processing has improved a great deal, with many brands air-drying and many countries testing for PAHs, and organic options minimize them further. In practice, the risk is comparable to a cup of coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does yerba mate have less caffeine than coffee?
Slightly. A cup has around 78 mg versus roughly 85 mg for coffee, and many people find the energy steadier and easier on the system.
Is yerba mate healthier than coffee or tea?
It has a broad nutrient and antioxidant profile, but “healthier” depends on you. Many people switch for the smoother energy and the social ritual as much as anything else.
Does yerba mate cause cancer?
Current evidence points to very hot drinks of any kind, not mate specifically. Enjoyed hot but not scalding, mate is not considered a cancer risk.
Can yerba mate replace my morning coffee?
For many people, yes. It offers a comparable lift with less of a crash. Ease into it and see how it feels for you.
Is yerba mate good for workouts?
Some athletes use it for steady energy, and one small study suggested a modest increase in fat burning, though the research is still limited.
Final Thoughts
Yerba mate gives you an energy boost without the coffee crash, brings a good dose of antioxidants, and, best of all, gives you a reason to slow down and connect with people. And it happens to be delicious. If you have been curious, it might be time to trade your usual cup for a mate. Explore our yerba mate, gourds, and starter kits to get started.
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The Health Benefits of Yerba Mate