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What is the composition of yerba mate? Caffeine, antioxidants, and vitamins

October 29, 2025

Time to read 2 min

Yerba mate is often presented as a natural energy drink. But beyond its stimulating effect, what does yerba mate really contain ?

Beneath its dried and finely cut leaves lies a rich composition: caffeine, theobromine, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Let's discover together what makes this traditional South American infusion much more than just a simple invigorating drink.

Summary

A natural source of caffeine, milder than coffee. A high content of antioxidants, true natural protectors. A concentrate of vitamins and minerals. A composition that varies depending on the origin and preparation. Why the composition of YVY maté is unique.

A natural stimulant, more balanced than coffee

Our laboratory analyses show that our yerba mate contains on average 1.3g of caffeine per 100g.

On average, that 's the same as a coffee , but three to four times more than a green tea.

What's even more surprising is that the caffeine in mate acts differently !

Thanks to the natural presence of tannins , it is absorbed more slowly by the body, offering a tonic effect that is both stable and long-lasting , without the sudden spikes that can be felt with coffee.

No sudden peak or abrupt drop in energy: the effect is diffuse, balanced.

In addition, there is theobromine , another alkaloid present in cocoa, which promotes circulation and mental clarity.

Beverage	Average caffeine content (g/100g)	Main effect
Coffee	1.3g	Rapid, short-duration stimulation
Mate	1.3g	Soft and stable energy
Green tea	0.4g	Light relaxation, low stimulation

For comparison, 10g of coffee is used for a 200ml cup. We recommend 20g to 30g of maté for a gourd (approximately 1L brewed) and 10g of maté in an infuser (approximately 420ml).

A traditional 200ml mate

A high content of antioxidants, true natural protectors

Mate is particularly rich in antioxidants , mainly polyphenols , also found in green tea, grapes or cocoa.

These natural compounds help neutralize free radicals , unstable molecules produced by stress, pollution or an unbalanced diet.
In excess, these free radicals accelerate cellular aging and promote certain chronic inflammations.

Studies have shown that yerba mate contains more antioxidants than green tea.

It also contains saponins , natural molecules with anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties, which contribute to the regeneration of the digestive system.

In short, beyond its stimulating effect, mate acts as a natural background protection, a drink that supports both body and mind, day after day.

Tropical yerba mate in a calabash

A concentrate of vitamins and minerals

Mate leaves contain a wide variety of natural micronutrients :

B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5) for energy and metabolism,
Magnesium and potassium for nerve and muscle balance,
iron for oxygen transport,
Zinc and manganese for the immune system.

All without added sugar, without additives: simply what nature offers the plant.

A composition that varies depending on the origin and preparation

The richness of yerba mate varies according to its terroir and processing methods .

The Brazilian mate teas we select at YVY are unsmoked , which helps to preserve the antioxidants and natural flavor of the leaves to the maximum .

Argentine mates, often smoked, develop a smoky and woody aroma ; they also retain many polyphenols, but the sensory and nutritional profile may be slightly different.

Even the water temperature influences the composition: above 80°C , some sensitive molecules degrade. The ideal temperature is around 70°C to 80°C . For more information, see our article on how to properly prepare yerba mate .

Mate plantation in Brazil

Why the composition of YVY mate is unique

At YVY, we collaborate with the best producers in southern Brazil, renowned for their terroir and their agroforestry cultivation, certified Organic and Demeter .
Trees protect crops from the sun, which promotes slower growth and diverse biodiversity, allowing leaves to naturally develop a richer aromatic palette .

Our mate is dried indirectly, without contact with smoke and without the addition of flavorings, in order to preserve all its purity and unique flavor .