WHY

YERBA MATE

MEET THE MIGHTY

MATE LEAF

Legend has it that a magical tree grows in the South American rainforest with the powers to unite and energize. We believe thousands of years of legend can't be wrong.

THE MAGICAL
YERBA MATE TREE

We love it, we drink it, but what, exactly, is it?

Yerba mate comes from the naturally caffeinated leaves of a native species of holly tree, Ilex paraguariensis, found deep in the South American Atlantic rainforest.

Yerba mate leaves are hand harvested by yerbateros (cultivators) from small farms and indigenous communities in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. After the leaves are dried and ground, a gourd is filled with mate leaves and hot water. Then the yerba mate is ready to be savored — preferably with friends.

Better with friends: Guayakí Yerba Mate brings us together

BETTER WITH FRIENDS

Decreed the symbol of friendship by Yari, mythical goddess of mate, the culture of yerba mate is just as rich as its flavor.

Traditionally, yerba mate is infused with hot water in a hollowed-out gourd. The liquid is filtered through a metal straw called a bombilla and is usually shared among friends who take a sip and pass it along.

This tradition has been passed down for generations: yerba mate awakens the mind, brings people together and creates a community that stretches around the world.