Organic Yerba Mate

Organic Yerba Mate is a traditional South American beverage made from the dried leaves and twigs of the *Ilex paraguariensis* tree. The leaves are typically roasted and then steeped in hot water to create a stimulating drink, often described as earthy and slightly bitter. It is naturally caffeinated.

Manufacturers add organic yerba mate for its natural caffeine content and unique flavor profile, often used as a stimulant or a base for beverages. It is commonly found in teas, kombuchas, energy drinks, and other ready-to-drink beverages.

Yerba mate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It contains caffeine, which can cause jitteriness or sleep disturbances in sensitive individuals. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated yerba mate, but no specific numeric limits are typically set for its use as a food ingredient. Some studies suggest potential antioxidant benefits, while others have raised questions about potential carcinogenicity in very high, long-term consumption of very hot beverages, a topic that requires more research and is not specific to typical food ingredient use.