Yes, Does Canned Yerba Mate Have Caffeine? Unpacking the Energy and Nutrition

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Many popular canned yerba mate brands contain a significant dose of caffeine, with some products ranging between 80 and 160 milligrams per can. This means the answer to 'Does canned yerba mate have caffeine?' is a definitive 'yes,' positioning it as a potent alternative to coffee or traditional energy drinks for a sustained lift.

Quick Summary

Canned yerba mate is a caffeinated beverage that provides a sustained energy boost, often without the jitters associated with coffee. The caffeine content varies by brand, with many products containing 80-160mg per can. Yerba mate also offers nutritional benefits, including antioxidants, but some canned versions contain high levels of added sugar.

Key Points

Significant Caffeine: Yes, canned yerba mate is caffeinated, with many brands containing 80-160mg per can, comparable to or more than a cup of coffee.
Unique Energy Blend: The energy from yerba mate is often described as smoother than coffee, thanks to a combination of caffeine with theobromine and theophylline, providing sustained focus without jitters.
Rich in Antioxidants: In addition to stimulants, yerba mate is a notable source of antioxidants, polyphenols, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Check for Added Sugar: While the mate plant is low in calories, many canned products contain significant amounts of added sugar for flavor, impacting their overall nutritional profile.
Brand Variations: Caffeine content is not uniform across all canned yerba mate; levels differ based on the brand, serving size, and whether the product is sparkling or still.
Consider Your Sensitivity: Individuals sensitive to caffeine should monitor their intake, as high doses can lead to side effects like insomnia or increased heart rate.

Canned Yerba Mate and Its Caffeine Content

Unlike traditional herbal teas, yerba mate is naturally caffeinated, and this includes its ready-to-drink canned varieties. The caffeine level in a canned yerba mate can fluctuate depending on the brand, serving size, and preparation method used for the base extract. This differs from a home-brewed loose-leaf version, where caffeine can be influenced by steeping time and temperature. For convenience, manufacturers standardize the caffeine dose in their canned products, making it predictable for consumers.

For example, specific products from well-known brands like Guayakí contain up to 150 mg of caffeine in a 15.5 fl oz can, while their sparkling variants may have less, often in the 80–120 mg range. Other brands, such as Mateina, offer different strengths, with some non-sparkling cans having around 130 mg and sparkling options closer to 80 mg per can. The consistency of caffeine levels in canned mate makes it easy to monitor and manage your intake compared to home-brewed infusions.

The Unique Energy from Yerba Mate

Many consumers report that the energy boost from yerba mate feels different from the intense, and sometimes jarring, jolt of coffee. This is often attributed to the combination of caffeine with other stimulating compounds, primarily theobromine and theophylline, which are also found in chocolate and tea. This trio of natural stimulants works synergistically to deliver a more balanced and sustained lift.

The absorption of these compounds is more gradual than with coffee, which helps prevent the rapid spike and subsequent crash. For those sensitive to caffeine, yerba mate can offer improved alertness and focus without the shaky, anxious feelings often associated with other high-caffeine beverages. This sustained mental clarity makes it a favored choice for tasks requiring long periods of concentration.

Yerba Mate's Nutritional Profile

Beyond its stimulating effects, yerba mate also brings nutritional benefits to the table. The plant is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against cell damage from free radicals. Key antioxidant compounds include caffeoyl derivatives, polyphenols, and saponins.

Additionally, yerba mate contains a small amount of essential micronutrients, including vitamin C, several B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. However, the nutritional content can be significantly impacted by the formulation of canned products. While plain yerba mate is naturally low in calories and sugar, many canned versions include added sugars for flavor. It's crucial to check the nutrition label to understand the total sugar and calorie count, as this can vary widely between brands and flavors.

Potential Health Implications

For most healthy adults, moderate consumption of yerba mate is considered safe. The health benefits, including enhanced energy, mental focus, and a rich source of antioxidants, are well-documented. Some preliminary studies also suggest potential benefits for heart health, blood sugar regulation, and weight management.

However, due to the caffeine content, excessive consumption can lead to side effects like insomnia, upset stomach, or increased heart rate, especially for those who are caffeine-sensitive. Long-term, high-volume consumption of yerba mate brewed at very hot temperatures has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly of the mouth, throat, and lungs. This risk is not associated with the mate itself but with the heat of the beverage. Canned, and therefore cooled, yerba mate does not carry this specific risk, though a high overall intake of caffeine should still be managed.

Comparison of Caffeinated Beverages

Here is a comparison of canned yerba mate with other common caffeinated drinks:


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Content (per can/cup)	Energy Boost Profile	Other Key Ingredients	Calorie/Sugar Content	Common Side Effects
Canned Yerba Mate	80–160 mg (12-15.5 oz)	Sustained, smooth energy without the crash	Theobromine, Theophylline, Antioxidants	Varies significantly due to added sugars	Jitters, insomnia (less common than coffee)
Drip Coffee	~95 mg (8 oz)	Quick jolt, followed by a potential crash	Antioxidants	Low, unless milk and sugar are added	Jitters, stomach irritation, anxiety
Energy Drink (e.g., 16oz can)	Often 160+ mg	Rapid, intense spike, often followed by a crash	High-fructose corn syrup, taurine, B vitamins	High, typically 150+ calories from sugar	Heart palpitations, anxiety, significant crash
Black Tea	30–50 mg (6 oz)	Milder, less intense boost	L-theanine, antioxidants	Very low, unless sweeteners are added	Stomach issues with high intake

Conclusion

Yes, canned yerba mate absolutely contains caffeine, and the amount can be quite significant, often rivaling or exceeding that of a standard cup of coffee. For those seeking an alternative to coffee, its unique blend of stimulants offers a smoother, more sustained energy boost, minimizing the risk of jitters and crashes. Furthermore, its rich antioxidant profile provides additional nutritional benefits. However, consumers should be mindful of the added sugar in many commercially canned versions, which can affect its overall nutritional value. As with any caffeinated product, moderation is key, and checking the label for both caffeine content and added ingredients is essential for making an informed choice that aligns with your dietary and health goals.

For more information on yerba mate, you can explore detailed nutritional data and health facts from reputable sources such as WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine content in a can of yerba mate can vary, but it commonly ranges from 80 to 160 mg per can, depending on the brand and product line.

Many people find that canned yerba mate provides a smoother energy boost with fewer jitters than coffee. This is due to its unique combination of caffeine with theobromine and theophylline, which creates a more balanced effect.

Canned yerba mate is often a more natural alternative to traditional energy drinks. While it contains caffeine, it avoids the excessive sugar, artificial ingredients, and intense crashes often associated with energy drinks.

Yes, canned yerba mate often contains added ingredients like organic cane sugar, honey, fruit juice concentrates, and natural flavors. It is important to read the ingredients label to check for added sugars and other components.

If you are caffeine-sensitive, you should approach canned yerba mate with caution. Though its energy boost is smoother, the caffeine level is still significant and could cause side effects like nervousness or insomnia.

The active stimulant is the same molecule—caffeine. However, yerba mate also contains other compounds like theobromine and theophylline, which can alter the overall effect, leading to a more gradual release of energy.

Canned yerba mate offers a convenient, pre-brewed product with a standardized caffeine level. In contrast, the caffeine in loose-leaf yerba mate can vary wildly depending on your brewing method, water temperature, and steeping time.