Yerba Mate (Traditional South American Ilex)

Coffee Roasts & Botanical Teas · 7 specs

Direct Answer

Yerba Mate is an infusion of dried leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis. Traditionally prepared in a calabash gourd with a metal bombilla at 70–80°C, it provides ~78mg caffeine per cup, theobromine, theophylline, and chlorogenic acid antioxidants.

Source: Instituto Nacional de la Yerba Mate (INYM) / USDA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

Product Class	South American Botanical Infusion (Aquifoliaceae)
Standard Brew Ratio (Leaf : Water)	30–50g dry leaf in 200ml gourd (Gourd filled 2/3 full)
Brewing Water Temperature	70 – 80°C (158 – 176°F / Boiling water destroys flavor)
Steeping Duration	Continuous sip-and-refill via metal bombilla straw
Caffeine Content (per 100ml)	~35 – 50 mg (Typical 500ml thermos session = ~150–250mg caffeine) mg
Active Methylxanthines	Caffeine (Stimulant), Theobromine (Vasodilator), Theophylline (Bronchodilator)
Total Polyphenol Content	~90 – 110 mg GAE / g (Higher antioxidant power than green tea)

The Triple-Methylxanthine Stimulation Profile

Yerba mate uniquely combines caffeine (central nervous system stimulant), theobromine (smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator), and theophylline, delivering sustained focus and alertness without abrupt caffeine crashes or peripheral vasoconstriction.