Starbucks' Current and Past Relationship with Yerba Mate
While many people associate Starbucks with a wide variety of teas and specialty beverages, the answer to the question "Does Starbucks have yerba mate?" is a clear and definitive no in the present day. The popular coffee chain does not feature any yerba mate options on its standard menu across its North American locations. However, this wasn't always the case. For a time, yerba mate was included in their offerings through the Teavana brand, which Starbucks acquired and later dissolved. The Teavana line, which was a fixture in Starbucks stores for a period, did feature various brewed teas, and yerba mate was part of this lineup until it was discontinued.
The phasing out of the Teavana retail concept and the refocus on core coffee and tea products led to the eventual disappearance of specialty items like yerba mate from the menu. As the trend for yerba mate continues to grow in popularity, especially with new brands and product launches like Mateina gaining traction, there is a possibility that Starbucks may reconsider bringing a yerba mate option back in the future. However, for now, customers must look elsewhere to get their fix of the South American herbal infusion.
Why Starbucks Doesn't Offer Yerba Mate Now
Several factors contribute to Starbucks' current menu, which excludes yerba mate. The company's strategic decision-making around product offerings is highly complex, considering everything from supply chain management to customer demand and market trends. Here are some of the key reasons:
- Menu Simplification: Following the closure of Teavana, Starbucks has focused on a more streamlined and easily executable menu, prioritizing its well-known espresso-based drinks, core teas, and refreshers. Yerba mate, while popular, may not have met the threshold for universal demand to justify its inclusion on the primary menu.
- Ingredient Sourcing and Preparation: Traditional yerba mate preparation, involving a gourd and bombilla, is a specialized process. While Starbucks could offer a simplified, tea-bag version, sourcing the leaves and ensuring consistent preparation across thousands of locations adds complexity that they may want to avoid. The high-volume, quick-service model favors standardized ingredients and recipes.
- Competing Products: Starbucks' existing Refreshers and tea lineup already offer caffeine and flavor profiles that compete with yerba mate's appeal. Drinks like the Strawberry Açaí Refresher or the Iced Matcha Tea Latte provide the energizing and antioxidant-rich beverage experience many customers are looking for.
Finding Yerba Mate Alternatives at Starbucks
For those who were hoping to find a yerba mate at Starbucks, there are several alternatives that can offer a similar experience in terms of flavor profile, caffeine content, or health benefits. Here is a list of potential substitutes:
- Matcha Green Tea Latte: This vibrant green beverage offers a moderate dose of caffeine and is rich in antioxidants, much like yerba mate. It has an earthy, grassy flavor that some yerba mate fans might appreciate, especially if unsweetened.
- Iced Green Tea: A simple and refreshing choice, Starbucks' iced green tea provides a clean, mild flavor and a moderate caffeine boost. It's a lower-calorie and less-processed alternative.
- Iced Shaken Espresso: For those seeking a strong and immediate caffeine kick, an iced shaken espresso offers a potent dose of caffeine from rich espresso shots. While the flavor is very different, the energizing effect is comparable to or stronger than yerba mate.
- Custom Tea Blend: A creative option is to combine different brewed teas for a unique flavor. For example, blending a green tea with a herbal blend can approximate a more complex, earthy taste, though it won't replicate yerba mate exactly.
Comparison: Yerba Mate vs. Starbucks Alternatives
To better understand what you're getting, here's a quick comparison of yerba mate with some popular Starbucks alternatives:
| Feature | Yerba Mate (Traditional) | Matcha Green Tea Latte (Starbucks) | Iced Shaken Espresso (Starbucks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | Moderate to High (80-85mg per 8 oz) | Moderate (75-105mg for grande) | High (150-230mg depending on size) |
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, grassy, slightly bitter | Grassy, sweet, sometimes creamy | Strong, roasted espresso flavor |
| Energy Boost | Sustained, balanced energy due to theobromine and theophylline | Gentle, with less of a 'crash' than coffee | Quick, intense energy kick |
| Antioxidants | Very High | High | Moderate to High |
| Preparation | Specialized (gourd, bombilla), can be complex | Made with pre-sweetened matcha powder, simple | Espresso shots, shaken with ice and milk, simple |
How to Get Your Yerba Mate Fix Elsewhere
If the Starbucks alternatives aren't quite what you're looking for, don't despair. Yerba mate is widely available and growing in popularity. You can find it in several formats at various locations:
- Specialty Tea and Health Food Stores: Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other natural grocers often carry a wide selection of yerba mate, including loose-leaf, tea bags, and ready-to-drink canned versions from brands like Guayakí.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Matecaps, and Amigo Foods offer an extensive range of yerba mate products from various countries of origin, along with traditional gourds and bombillas for an authentic experience.
- Local Coffee Shops or Cafes: With the increasing popularity of yerba mate, many independent or local coffee shops and cafes have started adding it to their menus. It's always worth checking out smaller establishments in your area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Starbucks previously offered yerba mate through its Teavana brand, the beverage is not currently on its menu. Customers looking for this unique herbal infusion will need to seek out alternative options. Fortunately, Starbucks offers several substitutes, including the Matcha Green Tea Latte and Iced Shaken Espresso, which can provide a similar energy boost and flavor profile, though they are not exact replicas. For the authentic yerba mate experience, consumers are best served by visiting health food stores, specialty tea shops, or ordering from online retailers, which offer a wide variety of brands and brewing accessories. As the beverage continues to grow in popularity, it remains to be seen if Starbucks will reintroduce yerba mate to its menu in the future, but for now, the quest for a gourd and bombilla must take you elsewhere.
How-to Guide: Brewing Yerba Mate at Home
For those who want the real thing, brewing yerba mate at home is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need loose-leaf yerba mate, a gourd (or mug), a bombilla (filter straw), and a thermos or kettle for water.
- Prepare the Gourd: Fill your gourd about one-third to half full with the yerba mate leaves.
- Shake and Tilt: Cover the opening with your hand, turn it upside down, and shake gently. This brings the finer dust particles to the top. Return the gourd to a tilted position so the leaves are piled on one side.
- Add Cool Water: Pour a small amount of cool or room-temperature water into the vacant space. This protects the leaves from burning and helps them swell.
- Steep with Hot Water: Add hot, but not boiling, water (ideally around 160-180°F or 70-82°C) to the wet side of the leaves. Avoid pouring directly onto the leaves.
- Insert the Bombilla: Place the bombilla into the gourd, pushing it gently into the wet mate at the bottom.
- Sip and Repeat: Sip and enjoy. As you drink, keep refilling the gourd with more hot water, adding it to the same wet area each time. The flavor will last for many refills.
Guayakí Yerba Mate is a good resource for exploring different yerba mate products and finding stores near you that carry the brand.
Key Learnings
- No Current Starbucks Offering: Starbucks does not currently offer yerba mate beverages on its menu.
- Teavana History: The company briefly offered yerba mate via its Teavana line, which was phased out.
- Alternative Options Exist: Starbucks offers other caffeinated teas and Refreshers, such as the Matcha Green Tea Latte, which can serve as alternatives.
- External Sources: For authentic yerba mate, consumers can purchase from specialty stores or online retailers.
- Benefits & Comparison: Yerba mate offers a balanced energy boost and unique health benefits compared to coffee.
- Home Brewing: Brewing yerba mate at home requires specific steps using a gourd and bombilla for the traditional experience.
- Potential Reintroduction: With growing popularity, it's possible Starbucks may consider reintroducing yerba mate in the future.
FAQs
Question: Why did Starbucks stop selling yerba mate? Answer: Starbucks stopped selling yerba mate after it discontinued its Teavana retail brand, which carried the beverage. The company simplified its menu to focus on core offerings, and yerba mate was removed.
Question: Are any Starbucks Refreshers made with yerba mate? Answer: No, Starbucks Refreshers are not made with yerba mate. They get their caffeine from green coffee extract, and their flavors from fruit juice concentrates and other ingredients.
Question: Does the matcha at Starbucks contain yerba mate? Answer: No, the matcha at Starbucks is a distinct product derived from finely ground green tea leaves and does not contain any yerba mate.
Question: Can I bring my own yerba mate and have Starbucks prepare it for me? Answer: Starbucks stores generally do not prepare customer-provided ingredients due to health and safety policies. You will need to prepare your own yerba mate at home.
Question: Where can I buy canned yerba mate from brands like Guayakí? Answer: You can find canned yerba mate from brands like Guayakí at many health food stores, larger grocery chains, and online retailers.
Question: Is yerba mate healthier than coffee? Answer: It is not definitively proven that one is healthier than the other; both offer benefits like antioxidants. Yerba mate provides a smoother energy boost, while coffee has higher acidity. The healthier choice depends on individual needs and sensitivity to caffeine and acidity.
Question: What's a good Starbucks drink that has a similar energy boost to yerba mate? Answer: For a comparable energy boost, you could try an Iced Matcha Tea Latte for a tea-based option or a standard Cold Brew for a more coffee-forward choice.
Citations
[ { "title": "Popular influencer bets big on coffee alternative ... - TheStreet", "url": "https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/popular-influencer-bets-big-on-coffee-alternative-that-starbucks-doesnt-have" }, { "title": "Popular Influencer Bets Big On Coffee Alternative (That Starbucks ...", "url": "https://coffeetalk.com/daily-dose/for-roasters-retailers/02-2024/101798/" }, { "title": "Starbucks, Refreshers with Coconut Water, Strawberry ...", "url": "https://www.amazon.com/Starbucks-Refreshers-Strawberry-Lemonade-Packaging/dp/B07173RZV2" }, { "title": "7 Health Benefits of Yerba Mate (Backed by Science)", "url": "https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-yerba-mate" }, { "title": "Unpacking the Benefits of Yerba Mate vs Coffee: Which Brew ...", "url": "https://matecaps.com/blogs/yerba-country/unpacking-the-benefits-of-yerba-mate-vs-coffee-which-brew-reigns-supreme" }, { "title": "Yerba Mate vs. Coffee – A Complete Breakdown", "url": "https://www.yerbamontana.com/blogs/blog/yerba-mate-vs-coffee-a-complete-breakdown" } ] }
