Top 11 Best Yerba Mate Brands: A Comprehensive Tea Guide
Whether you are new to mate or an avid drinker of this green energy booster, you are surely wondering: what is the best yerba mate out there? If you ask a hundred consumers, you will probably get just as many answers, which will make your decision-making process even more difficult.
We want to ease your worries, so we put together a comprehensive list of the best yerba mate teas you can find on the market, where to get yerba mate and the finest ways to enjoy it.
Taragui Yerba Mate
Taragui is one of the oldest yerba mate teas on the market. With more than a century of experience, this Argentinian company ensures mate of the highest-quality in every sip you take. The taste of Taragui mate infusion is bitter, smoky and comes with a scent of rugged leather and a mildly acidic aftertaste.
When preparing a gourd of Taragui you will notice that this tea has rough-cut leaves and pieces of stems (palo). This rustic look is a trademark of the Corrientes-based producer that aims to preserve the organic nature of the tea by adding small pieces of flavor-enhancing bark in every bag of yerba mate.
Rosamonte Yerba Mate
Another popular tea among yerba mate drinkers comes from Rosamonte, another Argentinian brand that enjoys worldwide customer trust. This infusion has a rich aroma that resembles dark chocolate and tobacco, which is why so many people consider it to be the tastiest yerba mate out there.
A gourd of Rosamonte yerba mate tea with as many as four refills can last you a full day. The powerful boost of energy that this drink provides will keep you alert and productive, and most importantly, without any cravings for coffee or sugary energy beverages.
Guayaki Yerba Mate
Guayaki is the yerba mate tea that will help you relate to most of the other mate enthusiasts out there. Almost everyone who has ever tried a mate drink knows about this award-winning brand and its smooth, bitter taste. Its notoriety comes from the product versatility, which includes infusion-ready leaves, canned teas, and energy shots.
Guayaki stands for high-quality tea that pays homage to the traditional drink regardless of the product version that you choose to drink. For many consumers, the energy shot bottles equal the energy boost of a genuine espresso coffee. Others prefer sipping on bombillas from their half-full gourds of rough-cut leaves infusion. Versatility and flexibility are essential to enjoying one of the best yerba mate brands on the market.
Amanda Yerba Mate
Amanda mate may not enjoy the same worldwide recognition as other names on this list, but in South America, it stands for a top-quality mate. If you want to enjoy a gourd of traditional, genuine mate infusion, you cannot go wrong with this Argentinian brand.
Amanda yerba mate has a robust, earthy aroma. You can feel its direct, bold taste from the first sip you take, and the citrus-like aftertaste long after your gourd is empty. The best way to savor this mate drink is from a traditional gourd with a stainless steel bombilla.
Mate Factor Yerba Mate
Coming all the way from the deep, dark forests of Brazil, the Mate Factor tea will fill you up with energy and improve your mood instantly. This healthy alternative to coffee has as many as 10 varieties that range from fresh green leaves to dark roast stems. You can have your pick from a wide variety of flavor and power to find the best yerba mate infusion for your taste.
One of the production aspects that differentiate Mate Factor yerba mate from other brands is that the manufacturer does not age the leaves. As soon as they are harvested, the leaves find a new home in beautifully-designed packs that come in six different sizes. Also, none of the varieties contain any added flavorings, which ensure that your infusion will have a bitter, earthy aroma and a delicious, full-bodied flavor.
Cruz de Malta Yerba Mate
Contrary to what its name may suggest, Cruz de Malta yerba mate does not come from the small Mediterranean island of Malta. This delicious tea originates from Argentina, where it enjoys popular recognition and an established brand since 1874.
Cruz de Malta Yerba Mate comes in different varieties that range from small teabags to large packs of fresh, rough-cut mate leaves. Regardless of the way you prefer to drink it, this yerba mate tea will fill you up with a rich, leathery taste and a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. It comes in standard flavor but also orange flavor or lemon.
Canarias Yerba Mate
People in Uruguay consume Canarias more than any other brand. However, only the company has its business based in the small South American country. The yerba mate leaves that you find in their gorgeous yellow packs come from Brazil.
We don’t know if Canarias tried to grow their own yerba mate in Uruguay, but apparently, they found a better climate for the trees in the Brazilian states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Here, the dense forests enjoy the perfect weather conditions to produce impressive harvests of caffeine-packed mate leaves.
You should try Canarias Yerba Mate if you appreciate eco-friendly processing that delivers a 100% natural product. These 1 Kg packs contain a perfectly balanced mixture of mate leaves and sticks, and no artificial additives or chemicals. A gourd of this infusion is as close to the traditional, organic beverage as you can get.
In terms of taste, we will not lie to you. Canarias Yerba Mate might be one of the most bitter mate drinks you will ever try. The infusion has a rich, intense aroma that resembles smoked chestnuts and old leather. If you like dark beer or extra toasted bread, you will fall in love with the smooth, and robust character of this beverage.
La Merced
La Merced is a well-known brand of Yerba Mate tea. It’s a traditional South American beverage that is very popular in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Brazil. It’s produced by the Establecimiento Las Marías, a prominent Argentine company with a long history. They’ve been making Yerba Mate for several generations, and tradition is a serious part of their curriculum.
La Merced offers various Yerba Mate blends, each with its own unique characteristics. These can include traditional blends, flavored options, and variations with different cuts of the mate leaves. Establecimiento Las Marías is known for its commitment to making high-quality Yerba Mate. They pay close attention to cultivating, harvesting, and properly processing the mate leaves to ensure a consistent and flavorful product.
Due to the ever-rising interest in yerba mate healthy drinks, the brand has now expanded from the South American continent to worldwide distribution, and you can now savor their blend of tea almost anywhere in the world. For a person passionate about authenticity, you can’t go wrong with La Merced Mate teas.
Playadito
Playadito Yerba Mate is a remarkable choice for those who love the flavorful and energizing effects of yerba mate. When you open the package the aroma is positively invigorating. The taste strikes a perfect balance between robustness and smoothness, with earthy notes and a touch of sweetness. The quality is top-notch. You can see that the carefully chosen leaves are finely processed. This gives a deep green color and perfect texture to the tea blend.
The packing size is generous. Housed in sturdy, resealable packaging, the tea keeps the freshness intact for long periods of time. For any dedicated mate drinker, Playadito will surely be a top pick due to its exceptional taste, its quality, and the care and love that the manufacturer has put into the process of making the blend. It’s a must-try for all yerba mate enthusiasts, promising an authentic and blissful mate experience in every sip.
Nobleza Gaucha
If you love unique flavors, you won’t go wrong with Nobleza Gaucha Yerba Mate. This brand encapsulates the essence of a centuries-old tradition. Every sip you take emanates South American culture. The aroma is invigorating and comforting. The taste experience is equally remarkable. You can feel a blend of robust and mellow notes in the drink, and a flavor profile that simply captivates us.
What truly sets this brand apart is its dedication to preserving the way they prepare yerba mate. Meticulously selected leaves undergo a rigorous process. The blends that result boast a vibrant green hue and a deep and tasty herbal mix.
The commitment to quality and heritage shines through in every aspect of Nobleza Gaucha, from the packaging to the taste itself. Try it, and you will get to savor a satisfying and flavorful experience that’s simply unparalleled.
Pipore Yerba Mate
Pipore yerba mate stands out for its exceptional quality and smoothness. Unlike some brands, its flavor isn’t overpowering. This makes it a great choice for a relaxing break. The flavor is just right, with a light, sun-aged taste that doesn’t overwhelm your palate. The traditional Argentine blend of leaves combines finely milled and broadly cut leaves. The resulting mix is a pale yellow-green hue of leaves and stems together.
The body is light, and the texture is slightly pasty. The resulting taste seems like a harmonious blend of bready, herbal, and grassy notes. There’s a delicate balance between softer nutty/bready tones and sharper herbal nuances. You can faintly feel natural hints of sweetness (like caramel and brown sugar). This adds to the taste experience.
Pipore’s stability and dependable taste are a pleasant experience for any yerba mate enjoyer. There is little to no bitterness or strong astringency, which makes this blend of Mate tea a reliable choice for any occasion. It might not be the flashiest option, but it’s like a dependable brand that you can count on. In the world of yerba mate, Pipore can be likened, in a sense, to the Cuban Cigar of the Misiones region. It’s a reliable brand with well-balanced characteristics.
The Best Way To Enjoy Yerba Mate
In recent years, numerous yerba mate producers have released a wide variety of products containing these power-boosting leaves that range from tea bags to energy shots to canned teas. Nevertheless, any yerba mate lover will tell you that the best way to enjoy this beverage is from a gourd and with the help of a stainless steel bombilla.
This genuine Argentinian set for drinking yerba mate tea includes a large-size handmade gourd that has had its outside layer cured with fire (check out all the different types of gourds that you can use to drink this awesome infusion). It also comes with a specially designed spoon that you can use to fill the gourd, and a spooned bombilla straw made from stainless steel. With these accessories, you can enjoy a refreshing mate drink in the same traditional way that millions of South Americans do it every day. If you want to find out more, you can also check out our selection of the top gourds and bombillas for yerba mate here.
Summing Up And Closing Thoughts About The Finest Yerba Mate Tea Brands
Yerba mate is rapidly becoming a very popular drink all over the word. And so, the numerous yerba mate tea brands offers a wide array of choices that cater to a multitude of tastes and preferences. Those brands bring to the table a vibrant array of flavors, aromas, and traditions, and hopefully, this guide helped you discover all the various options you have when looking for an authentic yerba mate experience. From the deep earthiness of traditional Argentine mate teas, to the distinguished notes of Brazilian teas, these brands have a yerba mate blend that suits you perfectly. All you have to do is give them a try.
When you make a choice, think of a few other things too when you pick a favorite. Where does the yerba mate come from? Different regions have a different dominant taste and strength characteristics. Also, how much caffeine do you want? Do you want a mellow experience? Or a boost of energy? Although all mate infusions have similar constituents, some mate teas are stronger than others. Remember to be on the lookout for that. Some brands are more eco friendly, so that might also be a thing to consider. Because sometimes it’s good to consider the stories and values behind the brands too.
But most of all, at the end of the day, the best way to find your favorite mate is to give it a try. So, go ahead and embark on this flavorful adventure, and may your cup of yerba mate always bring you warmth, energy, and joy! Cheers to many delightful mate moments ahead!
Where To Buy The Best Yerba Mate
You’ve got a few good options when it comes to buying yerba mate. Look at local specialty stores, online shops, and health food stores. Also, check ethnic markets or go straight to the brands’ websites. Don’t forget that depending on where you live you can check local markets too. No matter where you choose to get your tea from, read reviews and think about what you like. See whether it’s organic, fair trade, eco-friendly, or what special blends they sell.
If you want to try some guaranteed quality yerba mate, you can also check out Amazon. You will find a broad range of mate brands that you might find harder to find in your local retail stores. You can opt to try various mate teas and products that contain yerba mate at affordable prices and for reasonable delivery costs. Customer reviews will provide you with the guarantee that what you buy meets your expectations and standards.
Purchasing your yerba mate teas and accessories online can present you with unique opportunities for discount offers, promotional prices and low costs for bulk buys. Only this way you will be able to experience the many assortments of this energy-boosting drink and find the best yerba mate for your taste. So, anyway, happy sipping to all you mate lovers out there!