How Much Caffeine Is In Yerba Mate Soda? A Brand-by-Brand Guide

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Many consumers reach for yerba mate soda as a natural energy alternative, with canned versions typically containing between 80 mg and 160 mg of caffeine per can. This provides a noticeable boost that often feels smoother than coffee due to additional compounds present in the yerba mate plant.

Quick Summary

The caffeine level in yerba mate soda ranges significantly by brand and formulation, with many popular options offering between 80mg and 160mg of natural, plant-based caffeine per can.

Key Points

Brand-Specific Variation: Caffeine content in yerba mate soda varies significantly by brand, with common levels ranging from 80mg to 160mg per can.
Smooth Energy: Yerba mate soda provides a balanced energy boost with less jitters or crash, thanks to a combination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline.
Check the Label: To know the exact caffeine amount, always check the nutrition facts on the individual can, as different products from the same brand can differ.
Comparative Level: The caffeine in yerba mate soda typically falls somewhere between a cup of coffee and a standard energy drink, offering a compelling middle ground.
Examples Exist: Specific brands like Guayakí and CLEAN Cause offer clear caffeine information, with standard cans having 80-160mg and sparkling versions having less.

Understanding the Caffeine Content

Unlike traditionally brewed yerba mate, where the caffeine level can vary based on steeping time and leaf quality, the caffeine content in canned or bottled yerba mate sodas is standardized by the manufacturer. This means you can get a consistent energy boost with each can by checking the nutrition label. While the base ingredient is a natural source of caffeine, brands manipulate the extract and other ingredients to achieve a desired potency. For instance, some companies create high-energy versions, while others focus on a milder lift.

Yerba Mate Soda vs. Other Caffeinated Beverages

Yerba mate soda offers a different kind of boost compared to other popular energy drinks and coffee. Its energy-providing components include not just caffeine but also theobromine and theophylline, which are also found in chocolate and tea. This combination is thought to contribute to a more balanced and sustained feeling of energy and focus, often described as a 'cleaner' lift without the intense jitters or sharp crash associated with high-sugar energy drinks or a strong cup of coffee.

Here is a comparison of typical caffeine contents:


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Content (per 8-12 oz serving)
Yerba Mate Soda	80-160 mg
Coffee (brewed)	95-200 mg
Energy Drink (e.g., Red Bull)	~111 mg
Black Tea	40-70 mg
Green Tea	25-50 mg

How Brands Influence Caffeine Levels

The final caffeine content of a yerba mate soda is determined by several factors controlled by the manufacturer, including the concentration of the yerba mate extract and whether additional caffeine is added. This is why you see a wide range, even among different products from the same brand. For example, Guayakí's standard 15.5 oz cans often contain 150mg of caffeine, while some of its 12 oz sparkling versions have less, around 80mg. This allows consumers to choose based on their desired level of stimulation and taste preferences.

Popular Yerba Mate Soda Brands and Their Caffeine Content

Guayakí Yerba Mate: As one of the most well-known brands, Guayakí offers various products with different caffeine profiles. Their 15.5 oz classic energy drinks, like Enlighten Mint and Revel Berry, contain 150mg of caffeine. However, their 12 oz sparkling versions, such as Classic Gold or Cherry Jubilation, are formulated to be lighter with around 80mg of caffeine per can.
CLEAN Cause Yerba Mate: CLEAN Cause is another popular brand known for its clear mission and high-caffeine products. Many of their 16 oz sparkling varieties, including Peach, Watermelon Mint, and Blackberry, contain a powerful 160mg of natural caffeine per can. They also offer non-carbonated versions, like Mint and Honey, with the same caffeine level.
Club-Mate: Originating in Germany, Club-Mate has achieved a cult following, particularly in the tech and hacker communities. This lightly carbonated drink contains 20mg of caffeine per 100ml. A standard 500ml bottle therefore contains 100mg of caffeine.
Matéina Yerba Mate: This brand produces a non-carbonated yerba mate with 120mg of natural caffeine per 12 oz can, fitting squarely in the middle of the caffeine spectrum.

A Unique Energy Experience

The stimulating effects of yerba mate are not just from caffeine. The presence of theobromine and theophylline creates a unique synergy that many users prefer to the single-source jolt of coffee. This combination results in:

A sustained and balanced energy boost.
Improved mental clarity and focus.
Reduced likelihood of jitters or anxiety.
A smoother, less abrupt comedown than energy drinks.

Conclusion

When asking how much caffeine is in yerba mate soda, the answer varies significantly across different brands and product lines. Most popular brands offer between 80mg and 160mg of caffeine per can. Brands like Guayakí provide a range of options, from lower-caffeine sparkling drinks to higher-octane standard beverages, while others like CLEAN Cause focus on a potent 160mg per can. This variability allows consumers to select a product that best suits their desired energy level. Yerba mate's unique combination of natural compounds provides a smoother, more balanced energy and focus, offering a compelling alternative to traditional coffee and energy drinks.

For more information on caffeine content in various beverages, you can consult resources from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the caffeine content varies considerably by brand and product type. For example, Guayakí's standard 15.5 oz cans contain 150mg of caffeine, while their sparkling varieties have around 80-120mg.

Yerba mate soda generally has slightly less caffeine than a brewed cup of coffee (which averages 95-200mg), but more than most teas. However, the energy boost from yerba mate is often described as smoother due to other compounds it contains.

Yes, the caffeine in yerba mate soda is naturally sourced from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This is one of its key differentiators from many mainstream energy drinks.

Yes, yerba mate soda is a popular alternative. It provides a natural energy boost without the high sugar content and synthetic ingredients often found in traditional energy drinks, and users report fewer jitters and crashes.

The unique feeling comes from the presence of theobromine and theophylline in addition to caffeine. These compounds work together to provide a more balanced, sustained lift without the sharp spike and drop-off often associated with coffee.

Yes, many brands offer a variety of flavors. For instance, Guayakí has options like Classic Gold and Revel Berry, while CLEAN Cause offers flavors such as Peach and Blackberry.

Yes, aside from the obvious carbonation difference, the caffeine content can also vary within a brand's product line. For example, some sparkling Guayakí products contain 80mg, while a non-sparkling can might have 150mg.