6 Science-Backed Benefits of Yerba Mate Tea “Mate,” as the tea is commonly called outside the US, “is the national drink of Paraguay,” says Allison Birks, CDN, an herbalist and nutritionist.

It's considered an alternative to coffee, but yerba mate still offers some caffeine. "With about 80 mg (of caffeine) per cup, it has less caffeine than a cup of coffee and a different nutrition ...