Yerba mate (pronounced "yer-bah mah-tay") is a traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It's been consumed for centuries in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil, and is known for its smooth, earthy flavor and natural caffeine content.

An 8 oz cup of yerba mate contains roughly 70–80 mg of caffeine — about the same as a cup of coffee but less than a typical energy drink. Many drinkers say mate gives a smoother, more sustained energy without the jitters or crash.

Fill a gourd (or cup) about two-thirds with loose yerba mate leaves. Tilt the leaves to one side, insert a bombilla (metal straw), and pour cool water over the low side first. After the leaves absorb the cool water, add hot — not boiling — water (around 150–170°F / 65–75°C). Sip, refill, and repeat.

Absolutely. If you don't have a gourd and bombilla, you can brew yerba mate in a French press, tea infuser, or even a regular tea bag. Use about 1 tablespoon of leaves per 8 oz of hot (not boiling) water and steep for 3–5 minutes.

Yerba mate has an earthy, slightly bitter, grassy flavor — sometimes compared to green tea but richer and more robust. Smoked varieties (common in Brazil) have a toasty, campfire-like note, while Argentine-style mate is typically smoother and more herbaceous.

Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and nutrients including vitamins B and C, magnesium, and potassium. Many drinkers enjoy it for its natural energy boost and focus. That said, we're a retailer — not a medical provider — and we recommend talking to your doctor if you have specific health concerns.

We source our yerba mate directly from family-owned producers in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Every product we carry is selected for quality, freshness, and authenticity — and we prioritize farms that use sustainable, traditional growing practices.

Yes! We ship anywhere in the continental United States. California orders typically arrive within 2–3 business days, and we offer free shipping on orders over $45. Need it faster? Expedited options are available at checkout.

Keep your yerba mate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight container is ideal to preserve freshness and flavor. Properly stored, yerba mate can maintain peak quality for up to a year.

Con palo means "with stems" — the blend includes small twig pieces, which mellow the flavor and reduce bitterness. Sin palo means "without stems" — a pure leaf blend that's stronger and more intense. If you're new to mate, we recommend starting with a con palo variety.

Yes — iced yerba mate (called tereré in Paraguay) is refreshing and perfect for hot California days. Simply brew mate and chill, or prepare it cold-brew style by steeping leaves in cold water for several hours. Add citrus, mint, or fruit juice for extra flavor.

Yes, we partner with cafés, health stores, and specialty retailers across California and beyond. Reach out to us directly for wholesale pricing, bulk options, and co-branded packaging inquiries.

We stand behind every product we sell. If you're not satisfied, contact us within 30 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. Unopened products can be returned; opened products are evaluated case by case.