Does Brewing Yerba Mate Longer Increase Caffeine?
Yerba mate, a traditional South American beverage, has gained global popularity over the past decade. Known for its earthy flavor and energizing effects, yerba mate offers a unique alternative to coffee and tea for those seeking a natural energy boost. But if you’re among the increasing number of people brewing mate at home, you’ve likely wondered—does steeping your yerba mate for a longer time increase its caffeine content?
This question is more than just a curiosity. Understanding how brewing time affects caffeine levels can make or break the experience for caffeine-sensitive individuals or those looking for a specific energy boost. As you brew your yerba mate, you’re not just a spectator, but an active participant in the process. Let’s explore this fascinating topic and discover the truth about brewing yerba mate long enough to extract its best (or most caffeinated) self.
Understanding Yerba Mate’s Caffeine Magic
Yerba mate is renowned for its unique combination of caffeine, theobromine (the “feel-good” compound in chocolate), and theophylline. Together, these compounds provide that signature balanced energy. But caffeine remains the show’s star, especially for those choosing yerba mate as their go-to pick-me-up.
Before we answer the brewing duration question, let’s briefly explore how caffeine is extracted. When steeped, the caffeine in yerba mate dissolves into water. This process depends on several factors, such as water temperature, brewing time, and the grind or cut of the yerba mate leaves.
This means the amount of caffeine in your final cup (or gourd) doesn’t just depend on how long you steep it and the brewing environment.
Does Brewing Yerba Mate Longer Increase Caffeine?
The short answer is “yes, but only up to a certain point.” Brewing yerba mate longer can extract more caffeine, but it isn’t an infinite process. If you’ve steeped your mate for 10 minutes thinking you’re getting twice the caffeine compared to a 5-minute brew, that may not be accurate. Here’s why:
- Caffeine Extraction Peaks Over Time
Multiple studies on tea and coffee—which also involve caffeine extraction—reveal that most caffeine is pulled into the water during the first few minutes of brewing. After that, the rate of extraction slows significantly.
A 2013 study in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis found that more than 70% of the caffeine in tea leaves is absorbed within the first five minutes. Though the exact timing varies, similar principles apply to yerba mate.
- Brewing Yerba Mate Longer Only Adds Marginal Caffeine
Extending the brewing time beyond the initial steeping window may still release small amounts of caffeine, but the difference becomes marginal. Around the 8- to 10-minute mark, you’ve likely already extracted most of the caffeine your yerba mate leaves have to offer.
The Science Behind Yerba Mate Caffeine Levels
While direct yerba mate studies are not as abundant as tests on coffee or tea, we can apply some related findings here. A research paper published in Food Research International (2019) analyzed yerba mate infusions at varying temperatures and brewing durations. Researchers discovered that:
- Hot Brewing (175°F-190°F) extracted higher caffeine in shorter timeframes than cold brewing.
- Longer Brewing Extracts More Substances, including caffeine, polyphenols, and antioxidants, but there is a point of diminishing returns around the 5–7-minute mark. This means that while longer brewing does extract more caffeine, the extraction rate decreases over time. After a certain point, the increase in caffeine is not significant enough to justify the longer brewing time.
These results confirm that while brewing longer does increase caffeine, it happens incrementally after reaching a near-maximum level early in the steeping process.
What Other Factors Affect Yerba Mate Caffeine?
Brewing time isn’t the only factor determining how much caffeine is in your cup. Here are other important variables to keep in mind:
- Water Temperature
Hotter water extracts caffeine faster. However, boiling water (212°F) can scorch yerba mate, ruining its flavour and potentially altering the mix of beneficial compounds. The ideal range is 175°F–185°F for maximum benefit without bitterness.
- Leaf Cut and Quality
Coarser leaves release caffeine more slowly, while finer cuts (like those used in “mate cocido” tea bags) extract caffeine more quickly. Additionally, fresh, high-quality yerba mate typically contains higher caffeine levels than older or lower-grade varieties.
- Amount of Yerba Mate Used
More leaves equal more caffeine, regardless of brewing time. A ‘potent brew’ refers to a stronger, more concentrated yerba mate, achieved using a higher ratio of leaves to water. This will naturally deliver a more caffeinated experience. To make a potent brew, use more yerba mate leaves per cup of water, adjusting the brewing time to your preference.
- Multiple Steeps
Did you know you can steep yerba mate leaves multiple times? This method, known as ‘multiple steeps’, involves reusing the same leaves for several brews. While each steep contains a progressively smaller caffeine dose, this method can provide a gentler, sustained energy experience. To do this, simply refill your gourd with hot water after each steep, adjusting the brewing time to your preference.
A Practical Experiment on Brews and Caffeine
If you’re sceptical, don’t worry—I tried this myself! I brewed the same yerba mate (using 2 grams of leaves and 200 ml of water per brew) for three different durations to observe caffeine intensity and flavour.
| Brew Time | Taste Observations | Caffeine Level (Estimate) |
| 3 Minutes | Light flavor, mild energizing | Low–Moderate |
| 5 Minutes | Balanced, rich, perfect taste | Moderate–High |
| 10 Minutes | Overly strong, somewhat bitter | High (but not drastically more) |
The results? Five minutes offered the perfect balance of intense caffeine extraction without sacrificing flavor. The 10-minute version, while slightly higher in caffeine, had a far too fierce taste.
Expert Opinions on Brewing Yerba Mate for Caffeine
Yerba mate experts and aficionados agree with the findings above. I spoke to Maria Gonzalez, a yerba mate connoisseur based in Argentina, who shared:
“Yerba mate culture emphasises enjoying small sips over time. While longer brewing can increase caffeine slightly, it’s more about finding a balance between flavour and enjoyment. Go too long, and you’ll lose out on the subtle notes in the yerba.”
Luis Romero, a yerba mate shop owner, added:
Steeping technique matters more than steeping time. Using hot water (but not boiling) brings out bold flavours and caffeine without overdoing it.”
Here are practical ways to manage the caffeine Content In your yerba mate. By adjusting the brewing time, opting for cold brew, or diluting your yerba mate, you can take control of your yerba mate experience and tailor it to your caffeine preferences.
Here are practical ways to manage the caffeine content in your yerba mate:
- Adjust Brew Time: Stick to 3–5 minutes if caffeine-sensitive, or go up to 7–8 minutes if you want an extra kick.
- Opt for Cold Brew: Cold brewing yerba mate can lower caffeine levels while maintaining its refreshing taste. Steep leaves in cold water for 8–24 hours in your fridge.
- Dilute Your Mate by refilling the gourd with hot water multiple times for a longer-lasting, milder caffeine dose.
Is More Caffeine Always Better? Balancing Yerba Mate Benefits
While caffeine can enhance focus and alertness, too much comes with potential downsides, like jitteriness, insomnia, or nervousness, especially for people sensitive to stimulants.
Yerba mate’s benefits extend beyond caffeine. It contains polyphenols, antioxidants, and micronutrients that contribute to its health benefits, such as improved digestion and reduced inflammation. By moderating your brew time and enjoying your mate mindfully, you can reap its energizing and holistic rewards.
The Sweet Spot for Brewing Yerba Mate Caffeine
Brewing yerba mate is as much about personal preference as it is about science. Yes, longer brewing time can increase caffeine slightly, but the difference after 5–7 minutes is negligible for most drinkers. Instead of chasing caffeine, aim for a brewing time that delivers the flavor intensity and energy boost you enjoy most.
Five minutes strikes the perfect balance between boldness and smoothness while keeping caffeine levels just right. Try experimenting at home to see which brewing time works best for you!
Do you have more brewing tips or experiments to share? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how you enjoy your mate!
