Guayaki offers some excellent yerba mate products from loose leaf and tea bags to canned energy drinks. Both newcomers and yerba mate aficionados will find something they like!
In this Guayaki yerba mate review article, I’ll tell you all about their original product — the organic loose leaf yerba mate tea. Later I’ll also review their other products.
Guayaki Traditional Organic Yerba Mate (Loose Leaf)
- Amount: 1 lbs / 0.45 Kilo
- Type: Organic loose leaf yerba mate
- Taste: Mild, Smooth, Earthy
- Origin: Brazil
- Recommended for: North Americans, Beginners
Guayaki Traditional Organic Yerba Mate brings the traditional South American experience right to your cup with a flavor that’s both invigorating and soothing.
Whether you’re new to the world of yerba mate or a seasoned enthusiast, this product deserves a spot in your pantry.
Pros
- Authentic & smooth flavor profile
- Organic and sustainably sourced
- Versatile in preparation – can be enjoyed hot or cold
Cons
- More expensive than the traditional South American brands
Guayaki – The Company
I love the story behind Guayaki Yerba Mate. It’s the story of two friends who met on the campus of California Polytechnic State University in 1996.
Alex Pryor from Argentina became friends with Californian David Karr. Alex introduced yerba mate to David and together with three other guys they started traveling around the United States. Their mission was to spread the culture of yerba mate and holistic nature-loving way of life.
This laid the foundation for what would become the company we now know as Guayaki, which is now the largest North American yerba mate brand.
Sustainability & Certificates
Guayaki has Fair Trade and Kosher certificates. The company is based in Sebastopol, California, but their yerba mate is produced in Brazil. Regenerating ecosystems and creating vibrant communities is an important part of the company’s vision.
The business model of Guayaki is environmentally sustainable and they are aiming to create 1000 living wage jobs and conserve 200,000 acres of the rain forest.
Guayaki yerba mate is grown organically by small farmers and it’s harvested in small batches.
The method of growth makes it a high-quality product and also increases its price. It is most popular among North American consumers.
Here is a cool and informative video about Guayaki yerba mate:
Guayaki Traditional Loose Leaf Yerba Mate Review
This product really gives me good vibes. I feel like the company has the right values that are reflected in the essence of their products.
Some people might be worried about possible carcinogenic compounds that can be found in smoke-dried yerba mate products. Guayaki has put a special effort into minimizing the amount of carcinogens, as this yerba mate is mostly air-dried.
Furthermore, since it’s organic there are no pesticides or herbicides in the product. This makes Guayaki yerba mate even healthier compared to most other yerba mate products in the market
Cut and Stems (Palo)
Guayaki Traditional Organic Yerba Mate is a “con palo” style, meaning it includes both dried leaves and stems. The presence of stems offers a balanced, milder flavor than pure leaf cuts.
Taste and Aroma
Guayaki yerba mate tea has a mild and soft taste, with smooth and earthy aromas.
The taste also has some rich chalky mineral notes with a hint of citrus. It has a milder taste and lower acidity compared to most of the more traditional brands.
If you are looking for a traditional, strong-tasting yerba mate, this is not the ideal choice. This yerba mate has been designed to suit North American consumers.
I find the taste very pleasant, especially if I’m looking for something with a bit milder flavor or when making tereré (iced mate tea). If you want to get a bit more taste and energy out of it, you can use water as hot as 180ºF / 82ºC.
Caffeine Content & Effect
I find the effect of Guayaki yerba mate very pleasant. When it comes to the energy boost you get from this yerba mate, it’s not the strongest I have tried.
But when you drink enough of it you get into a very focused and active mood good for working, exercising, or just hanging out with friends and chatting.
This yerba mate certainly doesn’t make you feel anxious or jittery. The effect also lasts for a long time and fades away smoothly so there is no sudden crash and feeling of tiredness.
I can recommend this loose leaf yerba mate especially to beginners and North American mater drinkers!
Guayaki Yerba Mate Tea Bags Review
In addition to loose leaf yerba mate tea, Guayaki also offers yerba mate in tea bags.
- Amount: 7.9 Ounces (75 Tea Bags)
- Type: Organic yerba mate tea bags
- Caffeine: about 40mg per serving
Guayaki Yerba Mate Tea Bags are a wonderful introduction for newcomers and for anyone who prefers a quick, fuss-free preparation. They balance authenticity with ease of use, making the traditional South American drink accessible to all.
Pros
- Consistent flavor and quality
- Convenient for quick preparation
- Suitable for those unfamiliar with the traditional brewing process
Cons
- Lacks the depth of flavor compared to loose leaf preparations
- Less customizable in terms of strength and blend
Guayaki Yerba Mate Canned Energy Drink Review
Guayaki also has a very popular product line consisting of ready-made carbonated and non-carbonated yerba mate energy drinks.
- Amount: 15.5oz / can (Pack of 12)
- Type: Carbonated yerba mate energy drink
- Caffeine: 150mg per serving
Guayaki’s canned energy drinks offer a modern twist on the traditional yerba mate experience. The flavors are vibrant, refreshing, and well-balanced.
Flavors include:
- Classic (unsweetened)
- Lemon Elation
- Bluephoria (Blueberry & Elderberry)
- Revel Berry
- Mint Tereré
Pros
- Ready-to-drink convenience.
- Wide variety of flavors
- Offers the benefits of yerba mate in a modern format
Cons
- Most flavors contain sugar
Guayaki Yerba Mate FAQ
What does Guayaki yerba mate taste like?
Guayaki Yerba Mate has an earthy and grassy flavor with a fresh undertone. It possesses a mild natural bitterness, somewhat reminiscent of certain green teas, combined with a unique depth that makes yerba mate distinct.
Is Guayaki yerba mate healthy?
Yes, Guayaki Yerba Mate is considered healthy. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, like all caffeinated beverages, it should be consumed in moderation.
How much caffeine is in Guayaki yerba mate energy drink?
One 15.5 oz can of Guayaki Yerba Mate Energy Drink typically contains about 150 mg of caffeine. However, it’s always a good idea to check the label for specific content, as it can vary by flavor or formulation.
Guayaki yerba mate is a bit more expensive compared to many other brands. However, it’s organic, sustainably produced, and has very high quality standards. I think these qualities make it worth its price.
But if you are looking for a stronger and smoky-tasting yerba mate that will knock your socks off, get something like Cruz de Malta.
You can find Cruz de Malta and more awesome yerba mate products, in this review article: 5 Best Yerba Mate Tea Brands Reviewed.
I hope you found my Guayaki yerba mate tea review useful. Post a comment below and tell us what you think about this smooth and organic mate tea!
Good post here. This is a very new thing for me. May I know more about the advantages of yerba mate tea? Can I burn some fat after drinking it? Is it good to drink when I am thirsty in the summer?
Thanks for your comment Chan!
Yerba mate has many health benefits and I wrote an article about it. Yerba mate is also excllent for losing weight and burning fat, you can read more about it in this article.
I think one of the best drinks during a hot summer day is ice-cold yerba mate. Read this article and find out how to make it!
-Joonas