Guayaki Yerba Mate Caffeine (How Much In This Canned Drink?)

How Much Caffeine Is In Guayakí Yerba Mate? (Flavors Compared)

Guayakí Yerba Mate comes in different variants, all with different caffeine levels.

Although Yerba Mate is technically a tea, Guayaki Yerba Mate is marketed as a healthier alternative to energy drinks.

The caffeine content of Yerba Mate tea, especially this brand, is high and can compete with many energy drinks.

So, if you have caffeine sensitivity like me, it’s probably not a good idea to gulp huge amounts of this drink.

The million-dollar question is, how much caffeine does this drink contain? Well, here’s how much caffeine each variant contains.

High Energy Cans

Flavors: Revel Berry, Lemon Elation, Tropical Uprising, Bluephoria, Enlighten Mint, Orange Exuberance, Peach Revival

Also known as Guayaki Yerba Mate energy drink, this variant of yerba mate--as you may have guessed--contains high amounts of caffeine.

In fact, a 15.5 oz can have about 150 mg of caffeine per serving. Its caffeine amount is comparable to the caffeine in about two 8 oz cups of coffee.[1]

So, a single serving is enough for people with caffeine sensitivity. If you dare consume more than that and you’re highly sensitive to caffeine, I have nothing else to say but good luck.

Sparkling Cans

Flavors: Classic Gold, Cranberry Pomegranate, Grapefruit Ginger

If you’re more of a fizzy fan, this Guayaki Yerba Mate tea blend is for you. Unlike the energy drink alternative version, this variant has less caffeine.

A 12 oz can contain about 80 to 120 mg of caffeine. While it’s still a bit high compared to highly caffeinated teas like black tea, it’s more suitable for people with caffeine sensitivity.

On top of that, it contains organic fruit juices, which makes these drinks irresistible.

Low Sugar And Unsweetened Sparkling Cans

Flavors: Blackberry Mint, Lima Limon

For those who are also watching their sugar intake, these flavors are for you. Not only does it have less sugar (one gram!), but it also contains less caffeine and calories.

A 12 oz can have only 80 mg of caffeine. That's just half of the caffeine amount of the Guayakí Yerba Mate energy drink.

So, if you're craving a sparkling Yerba Mate Tea but don't want to risk consuming high amounts of caffeine, this is a good choice.

Terere Bottles

Flavors: Unsweetened Traditional, Traditional, Passion, Raspberry, Mint

The Terere bottles are a non-carbonated blend of Yerba Mate energy drink. It is made with brewed Yerba Mate and contains almost the same amount of caffeine as the ones in cans.

It has 140 mg of caffeine per 16 oz bottle. Since it's highly caffeinated, it's not recommended for those who can't consume too much caffeine.

Loose Leaf And Tea Bags

Just want a good old brewed Yerba Mate tea? Well, these Guayaki variants are for you.

Unlike the other varieties that contain other ingredients like organic fruit juices and nourishing herbs, this is simply Yerba Mate tea.

Each serving (1 tea bag or 1 cup) contains about 40 mg of caffeine. Although the caffeine content is not as high as its other variants, it can still give an energy boost.

Guayakí Explained For Yerba Mate Aficionados

Haven't heard of Guayakí Yerba Mate or Yerba Mate tea at all? Well, think of this drink as the espresso of South America.

Thanks to its organic caffeine, it can keep anyone awake, just like your favorite cup of joe. No wonder it has been used as a healthier version of an energy drink.

The brand Guayaki, on the other hand, started in 1996 on the Cal Poly University campus when an Argentinian, Alex Pryor, introduced Yerba Mate to his Californian friend, David Karr.

The pair then realized the need for an organic and healthy energy drink and introduced Yerba Mate to the world.

Thanks to this pair, Yerba Mate can be enjoyed by many without taking a trip to South America.

Ingredients

With all the variants of Guayaki Yerba Mate, it’s going to take some time to list all of their ingredients.

So instead of listing them all, I’m just going to discuss the main ingredients of this drink so you know what you’re getting in every can or bottle.

Taste

If you’ve never tasted Yerba Mate, you’re in for a ride. This tea, even the brand Guayaki, has a very distinct flavor that isn’t for everyone.

In fact, it’s an acquired taste, and not everyone can get past its earthy and herbal flavor.

I think of its taste as a cross between coffee and green tea. The flavor profile is quite complex, with a hint of grassy notes and a little bit of sweetness.

Guayaki made its taste a little exciting by incorporating fruits and herbs. Still, you can taste its punch underneath all of those flavors.

Health Benefits

If you find yourself drinking Yerba Mate every day, you'll be pleased to know that this drink offers numerous health benefits.

Thanks to its high caffeine content, this beverage can boost energy and mental focus.[2] It can also enhance physical performance; that’s why it’s typically used as an alternative to energy drinks.[3]

On top of that, it can also address several health problems like high blood pressure and help reduce cholesterol levels.[4]

However, even with all of the benefits it offers, you should still drink it in moderation.

Since it’s high in caffeine, overconsumption can lead to headaches, nausea, jitters, dehydration, and insomnia.

So, it’s best to only consume the average recommended amount of caffeine per day (400 mg), or even lower than that, if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

Guayakí Yerba Mate Caffeine Levels Vs Other Drinks

Of course, our guide wouldn’t be complete without comparing the caffeine content of Yerba Mate with other caffeinated beverages. Let’s see their differences.

Guayaki Yerba Mate Vs Coffee

Coffee’s caffeine levels vary depending on many factors, but in general, its caffeine levels sit between 80 to 150 mg per 8 fl oz.

Guayaki Yerba Mate’s caffeine content is similar, so there’s not much of a difference between the two.

Guayaki Yerba Mate Vs Energy Drinks

Caffeine is the main component of energy drinks, meaning that this natural stimulant is responsible for that boost of energy whenever you have an energy drink.

The same goes for Guayaki Yerba Mate. It’s also highly caffeinated and can compete with the caffeine levels of many energy drinks.

It’s marketed as a healthier alternative to energy drinks, with way fewer ingredients and organic juice flavors.

Here is the caffeine content of three of the top-selling energy drinks:

Related Guayaki Yerba Mate Caffeine Questions

Is Guayaki Canned Yerba Mate kosher?

Yes, Guayaki Canned Yerba Mate is certified kosher.

Is Guayaki Canned Yerba Mate safe for pregnant women?

Yes, studies suggest that drinking yerba mate is safe for pregnant women, but be sure to drink it moderately. Pregnant women should consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.[5]

Can I brew Guayaki Canned Yerba Mate like traditional Yerba Mate?

No, Guayaki Canned Yerba Mate is already brewed, so there is no need to brew it again.

Is Guayaki Canned Yerba Mate vegan-friendly?

Yes, Guayaki Canned Yerba Mate is vegan and does not use animal products.

Conclusion

If you need an energy boost, Guayaki Yerba Mate is an excellent choice. Like coffee, it's packed with caffeine to help you power through the day.

Just be warned, since it's highly caffeinated, if you consume too much, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine, you'll suffer the side effects of caffeine.

References:

1. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2345935/nutrients
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/
3. https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-11-42
4. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/2/371
5. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/moderate-daily-caffeine-intake-during-pregnancy-may-lead-smaller-birth-size