Yerba Maté Tea South Africa – Loose Leaf
Pharmatropia Yerba Maté is unflavoured loose-leaf Ilex paraguariensis with a full-bodied, earthy and vegetal character. Choose 100g to explore the flavour, 200g for regular use or 500g for better volume value.
Earthy, vegetal, pleasantly bitter
Adjustable from gentle to bold
Beginners, everyday brewers and traditional drinkers
Pack sizes and approximate servings
| Size | Approximate modern cup brews* | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| 100g | 10–20 | Trying Yerba Maté |
| 200g | 20–40 | Regular home use |
| 500g | 50–100 | Frequent drinkers |
*Based on approximately 5–10g per modern cup. Traditional gourds often use more leaf but are refilled repeatedly.
How to prepare it
Hot cup or teapot
Use 5–10g per cup, add water at approximately 70–80°C, steep for 3–5 minutes and strain.
French press
Add the leaf, pour in 70–80°C water, steep for 3–5 minutes and press slowly.
Iced Yerba Maté
Brew slightly stronger, cool and serve over ice. Add lemon, orange or mint if desired.
Traditional gourd
Fill the gourd according to taste, moisten with cool water, insert the bombilla and refill with hot—not boiling—water while the flavour lasts.
Yerba Maté compared with coffee
Both contain caffeine. Yerba Maté is an herbal infusion with an earthy taste and can be refilled several times when brewed traditionally. Coffee is made from roasted beans and usually has a roasted flavour. Neither is automatically “better”; prepared strength, serving size and personal caffeine tolerance matter.
Caffeine and important safety information
Yerba Maté naturally contains caffeine. Prepared strength varies with the amount used, water temperature, steeping time and repeated infusions. Start conservatively if you are caffeine-sensitive and avoid it close to bedtime.
Ask an appropriate healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an anxiety disorder, heart-rhythm condition or uncontrolled blood pressure, or use stimulant medicines, MAO inhibitors, some decongestants or other products containing caffeine. Count coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate and pre-workouts toward your total daily caffeine.
Choose and compare before buying
Start here: Yerba Maté South Africa buying guide · preparation guide · Yerba Maté vs coffee · Yerba Maté vs green tea · Yerba Maté vs matcha · gourd and bombilla care.
Related buying options: Taragüi tea bags · Taragüi 1kg · 200g and bombilla starter combination · bombilla straw.
Frequently asked questions
Does Yerba Maté contain caffeine?
Yes. The amount varies with leaf quantity and brewing method.
Can I make it without a gourd?
Yes. Use an infuser, teapot or French press.
Can I drink it cold?
Yes. Brew, cool and serve over ice.
What does it taste like?
It is earthy, vegetal and pleasantly bitter.
Evidence and review
Direct answer: this product is 100% Ilex paraguariensis loose leaf. Prepared caffeine varies with leaf quantity, water temperature, steep time and repeated infusions; general Yerba Maté research does not prove a product-specific treatment effect.
Authoritative caffeine guidance: U.S. FDA consumer guidance. Compare formats, preparation and cautions in the Yerba Maté South Africa buying guide.
Last reviewed: 28 September 2026 by Dr Lize Buhrmann, Doctor of Natural Medicine and postgraduate-trained in Phytomedicine. Editorial & Evidence Policy.
What a customer says
“Good natural energy tea, good for post strength training or reading sessions…any situation you’ll find yourself in need of energy and focus.”
— Frank M., customer review
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Frank Motau –
Good natural energy tea, good for post strength training or reading sessions…any situation you’ll find yourself in need of energy and focus.