Yerba mate tea is a tasty and natural herbal drink that gives you more energy and has many health benefits.
In this guide, I’m going to introduce and review products from the 5 best yerba mate tea brands.
Whether it’s your first time to taste yerba mate, or you want to try a new brand, this article will help you with choosing the best product for your liking.
UPDATE: After receiving many questions about flavored yerba mate options, I have now added my favorite flavored yerba mate product to this guide.
My recommendations for Best Yerba Mate Tea:
- Rosamonte – Smooth, traditional yerba mate that is great for beginners
- Taragui – High-quality Argentinian mate with medium/strong taste
- Mate Factor – Mild-tasting organic mate recommended especially for beginners
- Cruz de Malta – Strong and bold authentic Argentinian yerba mate
- Canarias – Strong, creamy and smoky product for seasoned materos
BONUS – Best Flavored Yerba Mate:
- Pajarito Mint & Lemon Yerba Mate – Refreshing blend of yerba mate and other herbs
5 Best Yerba Mate Tea Brands Reviewed
Ten years ago it was quite difficult to find yerba mate. Nowadays you can find it in many health food and tea stores. Even some groceries and supermarkets might have it.
Amazon is one of the best places to buy mate online because they have a large selection of loose leaf mate teas for a reasonable price.
Next, let’s take a closer look at 5 different yerba mate products that include some of my all-time favorites. Continue reading to find the best yerba mate brand for your preference.
1. Rosamonte – You Can’t Go Wrong With This One!
Rosamonte Special Selection yerba mate was the first traditional blend that I tried, and I must say that it is a very nice one. Even today it’s still one of my favorites due to its smooth and relatively mild taste, which still has pleasant complexity.
I recommend this yerba mate to everyone, especially beginners!
- Amount: 2.2 lbs / 1 Kilo
- Type: Traditional mate with leaves and sticks
- Taste: Medium / Light, Grassy, Earthy
- Origin: Argentina
- Recommended for: Beginners, Everyone
Rosamonte is a family business, and they have been planting, harvesting, and drying yerba mate in Argentina since 1936. This brand is popular, especially in Argentina and Paraguay.
If you are a beginner with yerba mate, this smooth, traditional blend is a good starting point.
The leaves are finely cut, with a balanced amount of powder (palo), providing a consistent mate infusion. The taste of Rosamonte yerba mate is not too strong and it features a grassy, earthy, and hay-like flavor. The taste is well suited for beginners as well as more experienced materos.
Pros
- Consistent infusion due to the fine cut of leaves
- Nice and smooth flavor
- Affordable
- Quality assured by Rosamonte’s long-standing tradition
Cons
- The amount of powder might lead to a clogged straw for some users
2. Taragui – An Excellent All-Around Mate
I always have some Taragui yerba mate in stock. It’s a good traditional yerba mate that gives you a lot of energy.
A very popular and reasonably priced choice that I can recommend!
- Amount: 2.2 lbs / 1 Kilo
- Type: Traditional mate with leaves and sticks
- Taste: Medium / Strong, Grassy, Earthy, Tangy
- Origin: Corrientes, Argentina
- Recommended for: Almost everyone, also beginners and especially traditionalists who love Argentinian mate
The word Taragui is Guaraní language and it means Corrientes, the home province of this yerba mate tae. Taragui is a traditional brand that has been harvested and produced since 1924.
It’s the leading yerba mate brand in Argentina (as much as 60% of the population drink it) and a great choice for its delicious traditional flavor profile.
The quality of this product is excellent. Taragui has even been awarded an Argentine natural food choice award.
This blend is crafted with a balanced cut of leaves, delivering a consistent and invigorating mate experience. Taragui yerba mate has a medium to strong taste with grassy, earthy, and tangy aromas. It’s a good all-around product for mate lovers.
Taragui yerba mate is also a good starting point for new materos. However, some might find the taste too strong.
Pros
- Signature Argentine flavor, suitable for everyday consumption
- Balanced leaf cut ensures a consistent infusion
- Great value for money
Cons
- Some might find it too mainstream, lacking the nuances of specialty blends
3. Mate Factor Organic Yerba Mate – Mild and Fresh
Mate Factor yerba mate is a bit more expensive compared to other products in this review. However, it’s organic and the company has very high-quality standards.
This yerba mate has a mild taste that is suitable for beginners.
- Price: click here to check price on Amazon
- Amount: 12 oz / 0.34 Kilo
- Type: Organic loose leaf
- Taste: Mild, Fresh, Grassy
- Origin: Brazil
- Recommended for: Beginners
Mate Factor is a US-based company founded in 1998. The company specializes in yerba mate and produces it in Brazil. Mate Factor also has two cafes, one in Manitou Springs, CO, and the other in Savannah, GA.
This company has a high emphasis on sustainability and its headquarters operate with solar power. Mate Factor is also operating according to fair trade principles.
Mate Factor yerba mate has a mild taste with low acidity and less bitterness compared to most of the more traditional brands. Its aroma is smooth and earthy with tones of grass.
The dedication to organic sourcing ensures a clean, pesticide-free experience, allowing drinkers to truly connect with the spirit of yerba mate.
Pros
- Organic sourcing ensures a clean, natural taste
- The mild taste is great for beginners
- Fresh flavor that is not too bitter
Cons
- Quite pricey
4. Cruz de Malta – Bold and Traditional Yerba Mate
I personally like Cruz de Malta yerba mate very much. It is robust and strong and I recommend it for all materos who love the traditional bold taste!
Also, this is a very affordable product, considering it’s high-quality yerba mate.
- Amount: 2.2 lbs / 1 Kilo
- Type: Traditional mate with leaves and sticks
- Taste: Medium / Strong, Bold, Smoky
- Origin: Argentina
- Recommended for: Frequent mate drinkers who love traditional, strong, and bold taste
Cruz de Malta is a brand owned and produced by Molinos Rio Del Plata S.A. It is popular in Argentina due to its bold taste.
This is the gold standard product for authentic yerba mate lovers. It has a well-balanced cut and a nice green color.
As one of Argentina’s historic mate brands, this blend reflects the brand’s expertise in crafting a brew that’s gentle on the palate while sustaining its flavor over prolonged sipping sessions.
This is a strong and bold mate. It has a very nice earthy and smoky aroma. Its taste can be a little overwhelming for new mate drinkers.
Pros
- Long-lasting flavor provides many brews
- Excellent traditional Argentine mate
- Reliable quality for every batch
Cons
- Contains lots of stems
5. Canarias Yerba Mate – For the Enthusiasts
I love this unique yerba mate. It gives me energy but at the same time, it brings a nice and calm feeling.
Canarias yerba mate offers great value for money and I recommend it for all experienced materos!
- Amount: 2.2 lbs / 1 Kilo
- Type: Gaucho mate (fine cut)
- Taste: Medium / Strong, Creamy, Malty, Smoky
- Origin: Brazil
- Recommended for: Seasoned mate enthusiasts
Canarias brand is a very popular mate in Uruguay. The leaves are grown in Southern Brazil and the blend includes a lot of small leaves with plenty of powder.
Canarias yerba mate is completely natural and free of any chemicals. It’s aged for 4 – 6 months.
The blend predominantly consists of finely cut leaves, resulting in a thick and rich mate that’s often described as “creamy” in its texture.
This gaucho mate has an interesting and strong taste. It’s bursting with creamy, smoky, malty, and bitter aromas. It holds its flavor for a long time which allows you to refill the gourd several times.
Pros
- Strong, full-bodied flavor
- Finely cut leaves for creamy and dense infusion
- Lacks stems (sin palo), focusing on the pure leaf for an unadulterated flavor
- Highly regarded and popular in Uruguay
- Consistent quality and flavor profile
Cons
- The intense flavor might be overwhelming for beginners
- The fine texture requires careful preparation to prevent clogging the bombilla (straw)
Best Flavored Yerba Mate Brand
I think that yerba mate tea tastes great as it is, but sometimes it’s nice to experiment with mixing other herbal ingredients with it. I often use fresh mint leaves, ginger root, or lemongrass to make my own blend of herbal tea.
There are also several ready-made flavored yerba mate products available. Here is my favorite one:
Pajarito Mint & Lemon Yerba Mate
I can recommend this blend to everyone who wants to try yerba mate mixed with other herbs. In addition to brewing hot yerba mate tea, this product is excellent for making iced yerba mate.
- Amount: 500 grams
- Type: Blend of Yerba Mate and Herbs
- Taste: Refreshing, Minty, Citrusy
- Origin: Asunción, Paraguay
- Recommended for: Everyone
Lauro Raatz S.A. is a Paraguayan family company founded in the 1950s and known for their high-quality yerba mate products under the Pajarito brand.
Pajarito Mint & Lemon Yerba Mate is a refreshing blend of yerba mate, natural peppermint oil, lemon verbena, and burro’s tail.
This yerba mate offers a rejuvenating sip, making it a delightful choice for those looking for a variation from the traditional mate flavor.
Read my full review of Pajarito Mint & Lemon Yerba Mate here.
Pros
- A balanced blend with minty and citrusy flavors
- Great for those new to yerba mate
- Perfect for warm climates or summertime sipping
- Maintains Pajarito’s reputation for quality and authenticity
Cons
- Traditionalists might not appreciate this mix
- The flavoring masks some of the subtleties of yerba mate leaf
Yerba Mate Brands FAQ
What country produces best yerba mate?
Argentina is often regarded as the premier producer of yerba mate, especially from regions like Misiones and Corrientes, known for their optimal growing conditions.
However, Brazil’s “erva mate” from Paraná offers a greener, less aged flavor, while Paraguay’s bold yerba mate is popular for “tereré,” a cold preparation. Uruguay, though not a top producer, deeply cherishes the drink and its traditions.
While Argentina is lauded for its quality, Brazil and Paraguay also present distinctive and cherished varieties, making the “best” largely a matter of personal taste.
When comparing Taragui vs Rosamonte, which one is better for beginners?
My top recommendation for beginners is Rosamonte Special Selection Yerba Mate.
While both Taragui and Rosamonte are good choices for beginners, the main difference is that Taragui has a stronger taste that might be too much for beginners. Rosamonte is very light and smooth, which makes it easier to drink.
What is the most popular yerba mate brand in Argentina?
Taragui is the most popular and widely consumed brand in Argentina. Other best-selling brands include Rosamonte and Cruz de Malta.
Don’t be afraid to try different brands and types of yerba mate!
Each product reviewed in this guide has its own unique qualities, which makes trying them out an interesting journey.
You can find many other yerba mate product reviews on this site, so go ahead and check them out as well!
You can also try different types of yerba mate gourds and bombillas, and various brewing methods to make your experience even more interesting.
Are you new to yerba mate?
Then I recommend that you also read my article that explains how to brew yerba mate tea.
If you want to make things really easy and convenient, instead of buying loose leaf yerba mate you can try yerba mate tea bags.
I hope you found my yerba mate tea reviews useful and interesting.
Post a comment below and tell me which one is your favorite yerba mate tea brand and why!
Hi Joonas, I thank you for helping me to understand the differences between the different Yerba mates. I have to be honest and say I have never tried Yerba Mate at all but now after reading this post, I think I would love it. I like all kinds of herbal tea and make my own blends. I would like to try the Mate Factor, it seems the mildest and until I am used to it I think I should go mild and build up. I am sure I will like it, twigs and stems and leaves don’t bother me as I am used to that with the herbal tea. Again thanks for helping figure out which one is best for me.
Blessings
Lynda
Hi Lynda!
Good to hear that you found my review article useful. Yes, Mate Factor Yerba Mate is an excellent choice for the first mate! You can also check my review of Guayuaki Yerba Mate and Yerba Mate tea bags, which are also good for beginners.
-Joonas
I constantly suffer food sensitivities and allergies, so was keen to find out about a helpful solution. I’ve not tried Rooibos tea, but many years ago had a pack of Organic Yerba Mate Tea, and have forgotten about its benefits.
Thank you for your vital, personal, timely reminder. I’ll order some Organic Yerba Tea, now.
Hi RJ,
Nice to hear that my article reminded you about the health benefits of yerba mate. Organic yerba mate tea is really one of the healthiest drinks there is!
-Joonas
Hi,
Thank you for a great and informative website about Yerba Mate!
Do you have any recommendations on what type of yerba mate brand contains the lowest amount of caffeine?
Thanks in advance!
Br, Örvar
Hi Örvar,
Great to hear that you like my site!
You could try a product that says “suave”, which means it has stems included in the blend and is not that strong (for example Union Yerba Mate Con Palo – Suave)
-Joonas