If you’re reading this, you’re in search of the best yerba mate brands. And with four different types of yerba mate out there, and hundreds of different brands to try, you don’t know where to start.
Well after trying over 80+ brands over the years (you can read all our reviews here), let me give you 5 yerba mate brands I think everyone must try.
But before we get into it, you need to know this…
“Best” is extremely subjective.
What I like, you might not like. What I don’t like, you might love. Which is why this list isn’t just my top favorite brands. I created an entirely separate post for this exact reason.
Instead, what you’ll find below is a list meant to guide you into finding what you like. All of which I’ve had in the past, so I’m not just pulling this out of thin air.
Sound good? Great!
Let’s start with number one…
Best Yerba Mate Brands
#1: Cruz De Malta (Best Yerba Mate For Beginners)
Cruz De Malta is one of the most well-known brands in the US.
With very little research about yerba mate, you’re bound to still hear about it.
And it’s no coincidence.
Cruz De Malta is your safe yerba mate brand. The crowd-pleaser. There’s no going wrong with it. And for years, I’ve said this but I’ll say it again, Cruz is the best yerba mate for beginners.
Why?
Because most people who take their first sip of mate complain about the bitter and harsh taste. But with its light, buttery, woody, and semi-sweet flavor, you get a warm, inviting welcome into the world of yerba mate, instead of one that’s off-putting and smacks you in the face.
Another problem beginners have is preparing the mate. But since Cruz De Malta is an Argentinian mate containing broad leaves, large stems, and little to no dust, you shouldn’t have any issue making it. The particles are simply too big to pass thru the bombilla.
And for all these reasons, that’s why we’ve decided to include it in our Stainless Steel Yerba Mate Kit!
But if instead, you’d like to just get the bag itself, check out the links below:
Click Here To Get Cruz De Malta On Amazon Now!
Or Click Here To Get It On PampaDirect (Worldwide)
#2: Canarias (Uruguay’s Most Popular Brand)
Canarias is a fan-favorite. Not just among Uruguayan’s, but nearly all mate drinkers.
But be warned…
This packs a much stronger punch than Argentine yerbas. It has an abundant amount of flavor with a rich body, which is why I don’t suggest starting with it. But some do find it better as it has a smoother taste. While others find it to be too much.
In my opinion, Canarias is stronger. And by stronger, the flavor is a lot more intense. However, it’s not necessarily more bitter. But it is something I enjoy a lot.
There are very few brands I can say that are up to par with this one because it contains a flavor profile you can’t find elsewhere. Ranging from a strong soil taste to hints of dark chocolate and nuts, Canarias is more for the intermediate to advanced drinker.
But for the brave beginners, you can give this a try first.
Click Here To Get Canarias On Amazon Now!
Or Click Here To Get It On PampaDirect (Worldwide)
#3: CBSe (Best Flavored Yerba Mate)
CBSe is well known for their flavored yerbas.
Flavored yerba mate isn’t traditional. And usually most people would tell you to stay away from it because of that. But I think otherwise.
Flavored yerbas can taste great, but eventually, you grow out of it as your palate gets more accustomed to bitterness.
But for beginners, this is a nice brand to start with as the honey flavoring adds a nice sweetness, while still having the earthiness of yerba mate present.
Flavored yerba mate is definitely not something you’ll drink everyday. But when you’ve been drinking regular mate for a while, it’s one you can appreciate from time to time.
Click Here To Get CBSe Honey On Amazon Now!
Or Click Here To Get It On PampaDirect (Worldwide)
#4: La Rubia (For Brewing Cold – Terere)
La Rubia is a Paraguayan brand.
Similar in composition to Argentina’s yerba, but with a different taste from all the ones previously mentioned.
With an earthy sweetness, slight bitterness, and unbelievable smoothness to it, La Rubia is sure to dazzle your tastebuds. And with its creamy texture and light-to-medium body, it’s the perfect mate for any occasion. But it also has this signature smokiness that is found in Paraguayan yerbas that may take some getting used to.
However, in Paraguay, their yerbas are meant to be brewed cold as terere. Although it can also be brewed hot, terere will open up another dimension of yerba mate. And this is one of my favorites for it.
Robust flavors, smooth and creamy, and long-lasting, there’s nothing bad I can say about La Rubia. However, it can be hard to find since it’s produced my a small operation.
Click Here To Get La Rubia On Amazon Now!
#5 Ximango (Best Chimarrao On Amazon)
And last but not least on this list, we have Ximango.
Ximango isn’t your typical yerba. We’re now stepping into Brazilian territory where they call it erva mate or chimarrao.
With a different way to prepare it, different appearance and composition, and a very different taste, chimarrao is a must-try for everyone.
Ximango is composed of a very fine neon green dust and large stems, usually making it difficult to prepare for the inexperienced. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll get to experience a buttery smooth flavor profile only found in chimarrao.
Unlike the earthy, soil-like taste of the other regions, Ximango offers a crisp, fresh grassy and herbaceous taste. If you’ve ever had matcha, you’ll get a similar flavor but a lot more intense. But it’s not as bitter as the others. This is creamy, rich goodness!
I remember my first time trying this and thinking, Why didn’t anyone tell me to drink this first? It’s amazing!
And after having it, I know why… It’s hard to prepare!
But if you’re down to learn and get the hang of it, you’ll never look back
Click Here To Get Ximango On Amazon Now!
Final Words
If you’re looking for your first, second, third, or even tenth yerba mate brand, you can’t go wrong with the above.
Now again, this list isn’t definite.
This isn’t the all-time best-of-the-best yerba mate brands in the entire world. Far from it. But it will set you in the right path to finding the right yerba mate brand for you.
You’ll have tried every type of yerba mate from each region – Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
All of which, have a different flavor and texture to offer. So after trying them, I hope you’ll know where to head towards next.
P.S. If you found this post helpful, then you might want to check out our store for gourds, bombillas, and more!
any word on the organic yerba mate?
I tried the usual Guayakí aka guya yuki brand, nothing to write home about. Like the Cruz de Malta.
I am now sipping on Eco Teas Organic UNSMOKED yerba mate, all powder and very grassy herby.
LMK.
been drinking yerba since 1997ish
Hi Joanna,
I got your comment on Instagram but thought I’d reply to you here anyway.
I don’t really mind whether a mate is organic or not. I appreciate them all.
As for Guayaki (Review), I agree. It lacks power, strength, and complexity that the traditional brands have. However, I do like Cruz despite its simplicity. Its strength (although not super strong) makes up for it.
How do you like Eco Teas? I have a 2oz sample but have yet to try it.
Cheers,
Darren
Hi,
I was reading your article: https://yerbamatelab.com/best-yerba-mate-brand/
I liked it very much but I was curious why you didn’t mention “Mate Factor”.
Please read this article: https://teaperspective.com/best-yerba-mate-tea-brands/
Also: http://yerbamatesociety.com/the-best-yerba-mate-and-where-to-buy-it-from/
Did you try Mate Factor? If so what do you think about it?
Thanks for any info on the Mate Factor brand.
Regards
Hi Mario,
Thanks for your comment!
Coincidentally, I was actually just researching the brand a few minutes ago as I just heard about it, and now you’re mentioning it to me again. Maybe that’s a sign I should review it? 🙂
But anyways, I haven’t tried Mate Factor yet which is why I didn’t mention it. If you want to know why, I explain in this article. I don’t have anything against it as I never even had it before, but I typically stay away from these newer brands and stick to traditional ones. I’ll definitely review it some time in the future however.
But in regard to the two sites you’ve linked to, I wouldn’t trust them as reliable sources.
There’s a reason both articles (and other articles on their sites) don’t include any original pictures in their post and instead use stock pictures (or none at all), and that’s because they most likely haven’t tried the product themselves. They may be doing their research, but I doubt most of what they’re saying is from first-hand experience. So that may be why they mention Mate Factor, solely for the fact that it’s popular on Amazon. Not because they actually tried it and liked it.
I’ve heard many people who drink mate traditionally recommend brands they like, and I’ve never seen annyone mention Mate Factor as one of them. The only time it’s really mentioned is when looking for an unsmoked mate.
Cheers,
Darren
Thank you very much for taking time to answer me.
I feel like I am important 😉
Yes, please try Mate Factor – by the way they are not so “new” but I think they are not known.
Maybe because they are smaller?
Hi Mario,
No problem! I appreciate your comments.
And I will definitely try it some day and post a review of it here. And you’re right, Mate Factor isn’t exactly “new” (founded in 1998). But when compared to some traditional brands that started as early as the 1920’s, it is.
Cheers,
Darren
Hi,
i’m looking for the most relaxing yerba mate.
Any recommendations?
Thank you
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your comment!
Almost all yerba mate creates a relaxing effect for me, but brands like Playadito, Liebig, La Merced De Campo, and La Hoja I found to be perfect for relaxation. For me, these brands didn’t make me too energetic.
They also have a delicious sweet note to them which makes me want to do nothing else but sit back and enjoy the flavors I’m experiencing.
Hope this helped! You can click any one of the brands I listed to read my full review on them.
Cheers!
Darren
I would say yerba maté is not for relaxing. It is an stimulant… what you could try is “capim limão” or “melissa” or “maracujá”.
Hi Mario,
Yerba mate is definitely a stimulant, and a majority of brands produce energizing effects. But remember, mate also contains the compound theobromine which produces relaxing effects. Which is why some brands (at least for me) aren’t as stimulating and instead, are relaxing/calming.
Cheers,
Darren
Hi, I am from Syria, so it’s quite surprising but yerba mate is also very popular in my country! My favorite brand is definitly Canarias but quite hard to find it as the most popular is still Amanda.
I always start my day with a cup of mate and I like it for its energizing and stimulating effects before working out. This also one of the favorite beverage of footballers before training or playing ?
https://ideas-growth.com/yerba-mate-favorite-drink-of-footballers/
So far Amanda red seems the most enjoyable and I tried lots.
Your review of selecta makes me curious. I did try their premium once, that had lots of interesting wood tastes.
Cruz de Malta made me nauseous. Really bad taste. Never again.
Hey Ruben,
Amanda is a good one. And if you liked Selecta’s Premium, I’m sure you’ll like the original as well. As for Cruz, I’m surprised! It has nice woody notes too. But to each his own!
Cheers,
Darren
What do you think about Rosamonte?
Hey,
Rosamonte is good mate. Nothing extraordinary in my eyes, but to many, it’s one of the best. You can read my full review here!.
Cheers,
Darren
Hi Darren, great site i just got back into Yerba Mate, i not getting things done properly in my life with regular coffee, i tried matcha not good enough also, but back to Yerba, only tried 1 brand so far. Can you recommend a Brand that is as close as the Movie Limitless 2011 with Bradley Cooper?
That provides Energy throughout whole day, with Super focus, and Motivation?
I not tried La Rubia, but that sounds solid. aswell as Fede Rico La Mejor Yerba, only one i tried right now is KRAUS yerba. But which one will make me the Closest in Productivity and Focus like Limitless Movie? La Rubia or Fede Rico La Mejor Yerba?
Hey,
Is Pipore Yerba Mate a good brand ?
Hey Mo,
I’ve tried Pipore in the past and reviewed it here. It’s a great mate.
Cheers,
Darren
Have you ever tried Union Mate? If you have do you happen to know if its airdried or smoked?
While Rosamonte may not be anything great, Rosamonte Especial is the best Yerba Mate I have ever tasted. It costs a couple of dollars more, but the extra cost is worth it.
Hi Darren, What’s your take on el Taragui Yerba Mate con Palo? Curious what you think of this brand. Thanks
Hi,
Which Yerba mate would you say gives the biggest boost of energy and greatest focus. I’m looking to find one from a sporting perspective.
Thanks
Jonathan
good morning, I am a green tea drinker and I’m looking to try Yerba mate, I am interested in which one would be best, i noted that the first one in your review you mentioned was best for beginners but as i drink green tea would that still be the recommendation. Also is there a specific way to make and drink Yerba mate, i have seen some very different looking drinking vessels and what looks like straws being used. any advise would be greatly appreciated