← Go back

Matcha vs. Mate: Which Drink is Better for Your Health

October 13, 2020

Time to read 2 min

Yerba mate and matcha are two stars of the wellness drink world. But which one should you choose? It all depends on what you're looking for! There are several ways in which one can have an advantage over the other—and vice versa.

The key takeaway is that these two plants are true allies for our health , our body , and our mind . But they don't have exactly the same benefits.

Ultimately, what are the real differences between yerba mate and matcha? What do they taste like? And what health benefits can be expected from yerba mate?

Summary

The origins of infusions beneficial for body and mind; The strengths of yerba mate; The strengths of matcha; The difference: the taste of yerba mate and matcha

The origins of infusions beneficial for the body and mind

Matcha's origins date back to medieval China. For practical reasons, the tea was packaged in the form of dry bricks .

To prepare it, a piece of this brick was broken off, and the powder that fell out was mixed with hot water using a small bamboo whisk until completely dissolved.
Over time — and under the growing influence of Buddhism — this way of consuming tea spread, gradually becoming a sacred ritual .

Matcha comes from the tea plant ( Camellia sinensis ). Its leaves, carefully picked, are then ground into an ultra-fine powder.

Its preparation remains true to tradition today:

Add a little hot water to the matcha powder.
Whisk everything vigorously with a small bamboo brush, drawing an "M" to obtain a smooth and slightly foamy texture.

Matcha preparation

Mate, on the other hand, comes from a completely different world. It comes from a tree in the holly family , called Ilex paraguariensis. Consumed for millennia by the Guarani people, mate was considered a sacred infusion, both energizing and invigorating .

As with any good tea, we highly recommend opting for organic mate (and organic matcha too, for that matter!).

Why? Because organic yerba mate protects you from pesticide residues and other chemicals unfortunately found in some conventional crops. Furthermore, if you're looking for good organic yerba mate, you can find it directly in our online store .

The drink was popularized by Spanish settlers, who preserved the traditional method of preparation: it is enjoyed in a calabash (the famous mate gourd), using a bombilla , a metal straw that also acts as a filter.

Despite their very different geographical origins, matcha and mate have some things in common: their own unique preparation , an interesting caffeine content, a good richness in antioxidants , and above all, a stimulating effect for both body and mind.

But beyond these similarities, these two infusions also have quite a few differences, both in terms of taste and health benefits. We'll tell you more about them right after this!

The strengths of yerba mate

A gourd for maté

Yerba mate is a wonderful plant. It contains theobromine and theophylline. These two amino acids, combined, have the unique ability to induce a feeling of calm and joy, unlike caffeine, which tends to cause feelings of nervousness and aggression.

Compared to matcha, one of yerba mate's benefits is its higher energy content. Yerba mate leaves are very low in calories, provide a feeling of fullness, and aid digestion. Therefore, we highly recommend yerba mate for those who want to avoid snacking between meals !