How much caffeine is in 2 tablespoons of yerba mate?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Reddit users weighing out loose leaf, a single tablespoon of yerba mate can contain anywhere from 27 to 60mg of caffeine, depending on the brand and leaf density. This variability means determining exactly how much caffeine is in 2 tablespoons of yerba mate depends on several factors, including the brewing method and specific leaf type.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content of 2 tablespoons of yerba mate can vary significantly based on the preparation method, water temperature, and brand. Factors like steep time and the type of yerba mate (e.g., loose leaf vs. stems) heavily influence the final amount of caffeine in your cup.

Key Points

Caffeine Range: Two tablespoons of yerba mate generally contain 100–120 mg of caffeine when brewed, but this is a broad estimate.
Preparation Method is Key: Brewing in a traditional gourd can yield a higher caffeine content over several infusions compared to a single-steep French press.
Water Temperature Affects Extraction: Use hot, but not boiling, water (170-180°F) to maximize caffeine and flavor extraction without burning the leaves.
Theobromine Effect: Yerba mate’s unique energy comes from a combination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, resulting in a smoother, crash-free lift.
Customize Your Brew: Adjusting the amount of loose leaf, steeping time, and water temperature allows for complete control over the final caffeine level.

Understanding the Caffeine Range

While it's difficult to give a single definitive number, brewing 2 tablespoons of yerba mate typically yields a caffeine range. According to some expert estimates, one tablespoon brewed in a French press or mug can produce 50–60 mg of caffeine. This suggests that a serving using 2 tablespoons could contain between 100 and 120 mg of caffeine. However, this is an estimate, and the real amount can be influenced by several variables that are important to understand for any yerba mate enthusiast.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels

Several key factors determine the final caffeine content in your yerba mate brew:

Brewing Method: The method used for preparation, whether a traditional gourd and bombilla, a French press, or a tea bag, dramatically affects the caffeine extraction. The traditional method, which involves constant refilling and steeping, can pull more caffeine out over time compared to a single-steep infusion.
Steeping Time: The longer the yerba mate leaves are in contact with hot water, the more caffeine is released. A quick 3-5 minute steep will produce a lighter brew with less caffeine, while steeping for 8-10 minutes or more will yield a more potent, higher-caffeine beverage.
Water Temperature: Boiling water is generally avoided when brewing yerba mate as it can scorch the leaves, leading to a bitter taste. However, hotter water extracts more caffeine than cooler water. The ideal temperature range is typically between 158°F and 176°F (70-80°C) for optimal flavor and caffeine extraction.
Leaf-to-Water Ratio: The amount of yerba mate used is directly proportional to the caffeine content. Two tablespoons will naturally yield more caffeine than one, but the total liquid volume will also determine the concentration of caffeine per serving.
Yerba Mate Type: The specific blend also matters. Yerba mate with stems (con palo) tends to have a lower caffeine concentration than blends that are mostly leaf (despalada). Different brands and growing conditions also play a role in the natural caffeine content of the leaves.

How Yerba Mate's Caffeine Differs

What makes yerba mate unique is not just its caffeine content, but the combination of caffeine with other stimulating compounds, namely theobromine and theophylline. These work synergistically to provide a smoother, more balanced energy boost compared to the intense spike and crash often associated with coffee. This is why many people find yerba mate to be a more gentle stimulant despite comparable or even higher caffeine levels in some preparations.

Yerba Mate vs. Other Popular Caffeinated Drinks

Here's a comparison to help put the caffeine content of yerba mate into perspective:


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Content (per 8 oz serving)	Notes on Effects
Yerba Mate	30–85 mg (variable, depending on brew method)	Smoother, more sustained energy thanks to theobromine.
Drip Coffee	95–200 mg	Stronger, more immediate energy jolt; can lead to jitters or a crash.
Black Tea	40–70 mg	A moderate caffeine source, less intense than coffee.
Green Tea	20–45 mg	The lowest caffeine option of the popular teas.

Brewing Your Own Yerba Mate

For a home brew using 2 tablespoons of loose leaf yerba mate, here's a standard method that can be adapted:

Preparation: Add 2 tablespoons of loose leaf yerba mate to a French press or infuser mug. For a traditional gourd and bombilla, fill it about two-thirds full.
Moisten the Leaves: Pour a small amount of cool water over the leaves and let it absorb for a minute. This helps protect the leaves and promotes better extraction.
Add Hot Water: Pour hot, but not boiling, water (around 170-180°F or 77-82°C) over the leaves.
Steep: Allow the mate to steep. For a lighter brew, 3-5 minutes is sufficient. For a stronger, higher-caffeine brew, steep for 5-10 minutes.
Enjoy: If using a French press, depress the plunger and pour. If using a gourd, insert the bombilla and begin sipping. The caffeine content will gradually decrease with each refill.

Conclusion

While a precise figure for the caffeine in 2 tablespoons of yerba mate is elusive due to numerous variables, an approximation can be made based on brewing method. Using a standard preparation with hot, non-boiling water, one can expect to get between 100 and 120 mg of caffeine. The real story, however, is not just the quantity but the quality of the energy provided by yerba mate, which offers a unique, smoother experience compared to other caffeinated beverages. Understanding the different factors that affect extraction allows you to customize your brew to achieve your desired level of energy and flavor. Ultimately, yerba mate remains a potent and healthy alternative for those seeking a stimulating beverage.

Outbound link

For further information on the chemical composition of yerba mate, consult this academic review on the topic: Yerba Mate—A Long but Current History - MDPI

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yerba mate has slightly less caffeine per 8-ounce cup than standard drip coffee. An average cup of mate has about 85 mg, while coffee is around 95 mg. However, traditional mate drinkers often consume more over a longer period.

The ideal water temperature is between 158°F and 176°F (70-80°C). Boiling water should be avoided as it can burn the leaves, causing a bitter taste.

Steeping time is a primary factor. A longer steep will extract more caffeine from the leaves, resulting in a stronger brew. A short steep (3-5 minutes) provides less caffeine, while a longer one (8-10 minutes) increases the dose.

Yerba mate contains a blend of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which work together to produce a balanced, sustained energy lift without the jittery side effects commonly associated with coffee.

Yes, especially when using the traditional gourd and bombilla method. The leaves can be re-infused multiple times throughout the day until they lose their flavor. With each refill, the caffeine content will gradually decrease.

Yes, loose leaf typically contains more caffeine per serving than tea bags. A single tea bag may only have around 20-25 mg of caffeine, whereas loose leaf brews are significantly more potent.

For a higher caffeine kick, opt for a loose leaf blend with fewer stems (despalada), as the caffeine is primarily in the leaves.