Yerba mate is a naturally caffeinated infusion made from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis. It is a daily ritual across South America—especially Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay—valued for smooth, sustained energy and clarity.

1. Fill a cured gourd about one-half to two-thirds with loose-leaf yerba mate.
2. Cover the top with your hand, invert and gently shake to bring larger stems to the top—this helps prevent the bombilla from clogging.
3. Tilt the gourd so the mate rests at an angle, forming a small hollow.
4. Moisten the lower side with warm water (not boiling) and let it absorb.
5. Insert the bombilla into the hollow.
6. Pour hot water (about 70–80 °C, not boiling) near the bombilla and sip. Refill many times.

Tip: let boiled water sit five to seven minutes before pouring.

Prepare the gourd as usual, but use ice-cold water. Add ice and optionally a splash of fruit juice such as citrus. It is very refreshing in warm weather.

Shaking with your hand over the top brings stems upward and finer particles down. This creates a natural filter bed so the bombilla is less likely to clog.

Use 70–80 °C. Boiling water can taste bitter and flatten aroma. If you do not have a thermometer, let freshly boiled water cool for a few minutes.

Traditional mate is robust. Start with the gourd half to two-thirds full of leaf and adjust. If the flavour is too strong, dilute with a little hot water between pours or sweeten lightly.

Yes—many beginners add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to soften the flavour. Some add a splash of milk or plant milk. Traditionalists drink it unsweetened; choose what you prefer.

We source from a traditional family-run farm in the south of Brazil. Our loose leaf is selected for clean flavour, consistency and a naturally smooth lift—ideal for daily ritual and focused work.

Students, athletes, creatives and families across South America and beyond. It is social and practical—shared at home, at work and on the go.

Yerba mate naturally contains caffeine. Intake depends on leaf quantity, water temperature and number of refills. Many people experience a smoother, steadier lift than from a single strong coffee.

A single packed gourd is refilled many times. People typically sip for 30 to 60 minutes (often 10 to 15 small pours). Replace the leaf when the flavour tastes light—this is called the mate being washed.

• Shake the gourd before pouring to bring stems to the top.
• Insert the bombilla before the first pour.
• Pour gently near the bombilla rather than agitating the entire surface.
• Keep water below boiling.

No—our loose-leaf yerba mate contains no sugars. Sweeten to taste if you prefer.

Keep the bag sealed in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odours. Best-before dates are printed on the back of each bag. For the brightest aroma, enjoy within a few months of opening.

Fill with damp tea leaves or warm water and leave about 24 hours, then gently scrape the softened inner membrane. Rinse and air-dry fully; repeat if needed. Stainless or ceramic gourds do not need curing.

Rinse straight after use, then occasionally soak in warm water with a little baking soda. Use a thin brush if your bombilla opens. Dry fully before storing.

Yes—our loose-leaf mate is plant-based and naturally free from gluten and dairy ingredients. Check the label if you have specific allergies.

Many people do. For healthy adults, moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, seek personalised advice.

Herbal, green, gently toasted and slightly earthy—refreshing rather than sweet. The flavour evolves: early pours are fuller; later pours become gentler and aromatic.

One person (the cebador) prepares and pours; the gourd travels clockwise; finish your pour, then pass it back. Adapt to your group’s hygiene preferences as needed.

From a family-run farm in southern Brazil with a long tradition of careful cultivation, drying and ageing. We prioritise flavour integrity, freshness and responsible practice.

Loose leaf offers more control over strength and better flavour complexity. Tea bags are convenient but lighter and offer fewer refills from the same dose.

For a standard gourd, half to two-thirds full is traditional. Prefer milder? Start at half and build up. The joy of mate is many small refills from one packing.

Depends on your routine and how generously you pack. Daily drinkers find a 500 g bag goes a long way thanks to the multiple refills per session.

A gourd, a bombilla and a kettle with temperature control (or let water cool). A thermos helps keep 70–80 °C for consistent pours.

Yes—mint, lemon or orange peel, lemongrass and ginger are classic. Add a pinch to the gourd or infuse your water for subtle aromatics.

Many people value mate for calm focus and a steady energy runway. Start with your normal serving and see how your body responds.

Mate is water-based and refreshing; balance with regular water. Yerba mate naturally contains polyphenols—enjoy as part of a balanced lifestyle.

• Use 70–80 °C water.
• Do not stir the bombilla once placed.
• Pour on the same side first to keep a dry side.
• Sweeten lightly if you prefer a softer profile.

Once wet, yerba mate is best enjoyed in a single sitting. Re-using the next day loses aroma. Use fresh leaf for the best experience.

Yes—used mate is biodegradable. Compost it, then rinse and dry your gourd and bombilla.

We supply partners across the UK. Email joe@yesmate.org.uk for pricing and support.

Bundles with gourd, bombilla and loose leaf make it simple to begin. If you cannot find what you need, email joe@yesmate.org.uk.

We ship UK-wide. Delivery options and timelines are shown at checkout, with tracking after dispatch.

If something is not right, email joe@yesmate.org.uk with your order number. Unopened products may be eligible for return according to our policy.

Email joe@yesmate.org.uk for preparation tips, gifts, wholesale and anything else.

Regional cuts vary. Traditional Argentine and Brazilian styles balance leaves, stems and powder for flavour and flow. Chimarrao is extra-fine and creamy; it needs a suitable bombilla. Our cut is chosen for easy sipping and versatility.

Some mate is smoke-dried for a bold, toasty profile; others use hot air for a cleaner, greener taste. We select a profile that balances aroma with smooth drinkability.