Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional South American beverage made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis tree. The plant is native to the subtropical regions of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. The leaves are typically roasted and then steeped in hot water to create a tea-like infusion.

Yerba mate is primarily used as a flavoring agent in beverages, including teas, energy drinks, and sodas. It provides a distinct, earthy flavor and is also valued for its natural caffeine content, offering an alternative to coffee or traditional tea. It can also be found in some snack bars and supplements.

Yerba mate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It contains caffeine, which can cause jitteriness, insomnia, and increased heart rate in sensitive individuals. Some studies have explored its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, but more research is needed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified mate as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) when consumed as a very hot beverage, due to the high temperatures, not the ingredient itself. JECFA has evaluated yerba mate.