How much caffeine is in a yerba mate 15.5 oz?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a 15.5 oz can of Guayakí Yerba Mate contains 150mg of caffeine. The exact amount of caffeine can vary by brand and specific product, but this figure provides a clear benchmark for how much caffeine is in a yerba mate 15.5 oz serving.

Quick Summary

A 15.5 oz can of popular yerba mate, such as Guayakí, contains 150mg of caffeine. The content can vary depending on the brand and preparation method, often providing a smoother, more sustained energy boost than coffee.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: A 15.5 oz can of leading yerba mate brands typically contains 150mg of caffeine, similar to a strong cup of coffee.
Smoother Energy: Yerba mate provides a sustained energy boost with fewer jitters and crashes compared to coffee, due to additional compounds like theobromine and theophylline.
Not All Cans Are Equal: Caffeine content can vary significantly between brands, especially between different products like sparkling versus classic varieties. Always check the label.
Rich in Nutrients: Beyond caffeine, yerba mate is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that offer additional health benefits.
Mindful Consumption: As with any caffeinated beverage, it's important to monitor your intake and be aware of personal sensitivities to avoid side effects like anxiety or insomnia.

Understanding the Caffeine Content

For many consumers, the 15.5 oz can is the most common way to enjoy a modern yerba mate beverage. Prominent brands like Guayakí package their flagship flavors, including Lemon Elation and Enlighten Mint, in this specific size. The consistent caffeine content across these 15.5 oz varieties is approximately 150 milligrams. This places it in the upper-moderate range for caffeinated beverages and is comparable to a strong cup of coffee. However, unlike coffee, the boost from yerba mate is often described as a more balanced and sustained lift, attributed to its unique combination of stimulating compounds.

Yerba Mate’s Unique Stimulant Profile

Unlike coffee, which primarily contains caffeine, yerba mate includes two additional xanthine compounds: theobromine and theophylline.

Theobromine: Also found in chocolate, this compound has a milder, longer-lasting stimulating effect and can improve cognitive function and mood.
Theophylline: Known for its bronchodilating properties, this compound is often associated with the smoother, less jittery feeling many experience when drinking yerba mate. This combination of stimulants is thought to moderate caffeine's effects, resulting in sustained energy without the sharp peaks and subsequent crashes commonly associated with high-caffeine beverages.

Comparison of Caffeinated Beverages

Understanding how a 15.5 oz yerba mate compares to other popular drinks can help you make an informed choice based on your energy needs and caffeine sensitivity. The table below provides a clear comparison of typical caffeine levels and effects.


Beverage (Serving Size)	Approximate Caffeine (mg)	Typical Energy Experience
Yerba Mate (15.5 oz can)	150 mg	Smooth, sustained energy with no jitters
Drip Coffee (8 oz)	95 mg	Quick, strong jolt; potential for crash
Espresso (1 oz shot)	63 mg	Intense, concentrated boost
Energy Drink (16 oz)	160 mg	Often high sugar, intense spike and crash
Black Tea (8 oz)	40-70 mg	Moderate lift, less potent than yerba mate

Factors Affecting Caffeine in Yerba Mate

Even within the category of yerba mate, caffeine content can vary based on several factors:

Brand Variations: Different companies use proprietary recipes and brewing processes. Some brands may add other ingredients or use different ratios of yerba mate leaves, leading to varied caffeine levels.
Serving Size: While the 15.5 oz can is standard for many ready-to-drink options, smaller or larger cans will have different total caffeine amounts. Always check the label for accuracy.
Brewing Method (for loose leaf): The way traditional yerba mate is prepared can also significantly impact caffeine extraction. A loose-leaf gourd preparation, refilled multiple times, can yield a very high caffeine intake over an extended period.

Benefits and Considerations for Yerba Mate

Beyond its energy-boosting properties, yerba mate is celebrated for several health benefits, though consumption should be mindful of potential side effects.

Potential Health Benefits

High in Antioxidants: Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative damage.
Supports Heart Health: Studies suggest regular consumption may help improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Aids Mental Focus: The unique combination of stimulants and vitamins can enhance mental clarity and concentration.
May Aid Weight Management: Some research indicates it can increase energy expenditure and reduce fat accumulation.
Boosts Physical Performance: The caffeine content can enhance physical performance, making it a popular pre-workout drink.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Despite its benefits, consuming yerba mate, like any caffeinated product, requires awareness of your personal sensitivity. Possible side effects from overconsumption include insomnia, anxiety, and jitters. Additionally, traditional consumption of very hot yerba mate has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, so many brands now use pasteurization to reduce these risks. Always listen to your body and adjust your intake as needed. For a detailed look at safety risks and benefits, you can consult sources like Verywell Health(https://www.verywellhealth.com/yerba-mate-tea-uses-safety-7496097).

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

When considering how much caffeine is in a yerba mate 15.5 oz, the answer for a popular canned variety is a clear 150mg. This amount is a significant but manageable dose, offering a clean, sustained energy boost distinct from the quick jolt of coffee or energy drinks. The specific stimulant combination, rich nutrient profile, and variety of flavors make it an attractive alternative for those seeking enhanced focus and a different energy experience. By paying attention to the specific brand and format, you can easily control your caffeine intake and enjoy yerba mate as a beneficial part of your routine. Choosing yerba mate means opting for a balanced, flavorful energy source with potential health advantages, but always remember to consume it responsibly and be aware of your body's unique response to caffeine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While a 15.5 oz can of Guayakí yerba mate has 150 mg of caffeine, some energy drinks can contain even higher levels. It is best to check the label for each product.

Yerba mate contains theobromine and theophylline, compounds that modulate caffeine's effects. This results in a slower, more sustained energy release, preventing the rapid spike and crash that can lead to jitters.

A 15.5 oz can contains a pre-determined 150 mg of caffeine. However, a traditional loose-leaf preparation in a gourd, refilled multiple times, can result in an even higher total caffeine intake over time.

With popular brands like Guayakí, many standard 15.5 oz non-sparkling flavors have a consistent 150 mg of caffeine. However, sparkling varieties, or those from different brands, may have lower amounts.

For an average adult, 150 mg is considered a moderate to high dose, comparable to a strong cup of coffee. The Food and Drug Administration suggests a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, can boost metabolism, enhance mental focus, improve physical performance, and may contribute to heart health.

For most healthy adults, moderate daily consumption of yerba mate is safe. However, due to its caffeine content, it should be avoided by children, pregnant women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine.