Yerba mate has surged in popularity globally, with many aficionados seeking the best brands that capture its rich and invigorating flavors. This traditional South American drink, renowned for its robust taste and energizing qualities, offers a variety of options from classic blends to innovative new flavors. Understanding the distinct characteristics of each brand can enhance the drinking experience, whether you prefer a strong, earthy note or a milder, smoother sip. Ready to explore the top-rated yerba mate brands that have won the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide? Find out more in the detailed list below.
Illustration of yerba mate
Best brands of yerba mate in 2025
Guayakí
Guayakí, founded in 1996, is a leading yerba mate brand with an impressive 85% market share in the ready-to-drink category, offering organic beverages made from shade-grown leaves, and is committed to restoring 200,000 acres of rainforest; they sell various forms of yerba mate, including loose leaf, cans, and energy shots, with 45 SKUs across the US and Canada, and they are recognized for their Market Driven Regeneration™ business model, emphasizing sustainability and fair trade practices.
Rosamonte
Rosamonte, established in 1936 in Argentina, is a family-run business and one of the key yerba mate producers, using a unique "barbacua" drying method that gives its yerba a distinct smoky flavor; the brand holds a significant market share of 10.2% within the Argentinian yerba mate sector, offering a range of products, including traditional, mild, and premium varieties, appreciated by consumers worldwide. With the global yerba mate market projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2032, Rosamonte continues to be a beloved choice among yerba mate enthusiasts.
Canarias
Canarias, a leading yerba mate brand in Uruguay, is produced in Brazil using leaves from native forests in Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Rio Grande Do Sul, resulting in a 100% natural product with a characteristically bitter and intense flavor. Its creamy texture from finely ground leaves contains a maximum of 1.5% of sticks, making it a popular choice for traditional mate enthusiasts.
Taragüi
Taragüi, a leading yerba mate brand in Argentina, has been cultivated and produced by Establecimiento Las Marías since 1924, utilizing over 30,000 hectares in the Corrientes province; they produce more than 56,000 tons of yerba mate annually, ensuring a high-quality product through strict controls from cultivation to packaging. Taragüi is known for its distinctive flavor and aroma, with some blends containing up to 30% more natural xanthines for an energizing effect; it is also the first Argentinian yerba mate verified to be free of carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). The brand is a classic among the top yerba mates in Argentina, exporting to over 40 countries and is considered the number one producer of mate tea in Argentina, and is certified by the "Alimentos Argentinos, una elección natural" for their high quality controls. You can find their products at their website.
Cruz de Malta
Cruz de Malta, established in 1874, is a highly experienced Argentinian yerba mate producer, known for its authentic flavor achieved through a meticulous process of harvesting, selecting, and aging leaves, which results in a yerba with larger leaves for a longer-lasting flavor and less dust for a superior mate experience, holding a significant market share in the yerba mate industry as a traditional and popular choice. You can find more information about their products at Cruz de Malta's website.
Playadito
Playadito, established in 1926 by German immigrants in Argentina, is a renowned yerba mate brand known for its smooth, subtly sweet flavor, produced by the Colonia Liebig cooperative, which processes 36 million kilograms of yerba annually; Playadito holds approximately 12% market share in the yerba mate sector, with its traditional blend containing stems and leaves, appealing to both beginners and experienced drinkers, and is available in various forms including loose-leaf and tea bags; this yerba mate is a popular choice in Argentina and is exported to Asia, Europe, and Oceania. For more information on their traditional blend, visit their webpage.
Amanda
Amanda, a prominent yerba mate producer with Polish roots established in 1900 in Misiones, Argentina, is known for its traditional yerba mate with stems, offering a smooth and balanced flavor. This brand is a popular choice among Argentinians, with a 12.7% market share in 2016, and is recognized for its consistent taste, making it a good option for beginners. The company cultivates its yerba mate using time-honored methods, and their yerba mate is gluten-free. Amanda also provides a wide selection of products, such as Amanda Limón, featuring a balanced cut of leaves, stems, and powder.
La Merced
La Merced, a high-end yerba mate brand from Argentinian producer Las Marias since 1924, offers a variety of blends, including "Original de Campo" from Corrientes and "De Monte" from lush forests, using select yerba, and is known for its strict quality control, resulting in a smooth and balanced flavor with long-lasting infusions, with some varieties aged for 12 months, all packed in foil bags to ensure freshness; you can find their products at La Merced Yerba Mate.
Kraus
Kraus, a family business since 1894, is a top Argentinian producer of organic yerba mate, utilizing a unique smoke-free drying system with hot air, resulting in a mild flavor; their dedication to sustainable farming practices, fair trade principles, and avoiding agrochemicals ensures a high-quality, environmentally-friendly product. Kraus yerba mate is certified organic and fair trade, promoting biodiversity and natural processes. Additionally, their commitment extends to fair wages and worker profit sharing, with production located in the mineral-rich region of Misiones. You can explore their offerings on their website.
Piporé
Piporé, established in 1930 by Swiss immigrants in Misiones, Argentina, is a cooperative that initially supplied yerba mate to other companies before launching its own brand in the early 1960s, and now ranks among the top 10 yerba mate producers in Argentina and is the second-largest exporter worldwide. They offer a range of products, including traditional, suave, and flavored varieties, with a 12-18 month storage process for optimal flavor, and a unique origin story rooted in Guarani legend, where “Pi” means foot, “Po” means hand, and “Re” means footprints. For more details about their offerings, visit their official website.
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