When finals roll around and your coffee supply starts feeling more like a crutch than a choice, it might be time to try something new. Yerba mate, a traditional South American brew, is showing up on more student radars – and for good reason.
What makes Yerba
mate different
A cup of mate delivers around 80 mg of caffeine – enough for focus, but many who tried it say it feels smoother than coffee (Petre, 2025). On top of that, it’s packed with antioxidants that support mental clarity, enhance alertness, and aid digestion (Škoda, 2025). Think of it as the focus of coffee without the shaky hands and early crash.
Growing demand means better access
The global yerba mate market is projected to grow from USD 1.64 billion in 2024 to USD 2.40 billion by 2032 (Gusain, 2025). In Europe, demand is rising as students explore healthier and more cultural alternatives to energy drinks. Yerba mate offers exactly that, enjoy a new exciting experience preparing mate the traditional way, or grab a go-to option in a can; it’s not just a niche anymore – more and more people are trying mate, and shelves are filling up with new brands and ready-to-drink options.
Energy without
the crash
We’ve all been there… that 3 a.m. crash before an exam – maté can help you make those nights a bit smoother. Mate combines caffeine with compounds like theobromine and L-theanine. That combination makes the energy boost more balanced and sustained, with fewer peaks and crashes (Schuster & Mitchell, 2019).
Study fuel with health appeal
Yerba mate may support metabolism and is told to support healthy cholesterol, while offering antioxidants and other protective compounds (Nahvi, 2024). For stressed-out students like you (or any other busy individuals), the combo of smoother energy and health perks is pretty appealing, isn’t it? It’s nice when your study fuel actually feels like it’s doing your body a favour, instead of working against you.
So – is yerba mate on your radar yet?
If you want the traditional experience, you’ll need a mate cup (gourd) and a bombilla (metal straw). It’s part of the fun and makes the whole thing feel more authentic.
👉 Curious about the gear? Check out our student guide to mate tools – we break down the cup, the straw, and some budget-friendly starter options.
👉 Or, if you just want to test the waters, grab a box of mate tea bags and brew a simple cup. Who knows – it might just become your new study ritual.
👉 And if hot drinks aren’t your “cup of tea” (see what we did there? 😜), check out the ready-to-drink options in cans, you can even find some interesting blends!
And don’t forget, everything in moderation. Stay ma-te-vated! ✨