Guayaki Energy Drink Flavors, Ingredients, Benefits & Potential Side Effects ‣ Energy-Drinks.co

In a Nutshell:

Guayaki Yerba Mate is a high-energy drink that contains yerba mate, an herbal tea that provides natural caffeine and antioxidants.
Founded in 1996 with the mission of sustainably sourcing yerba mate to support farmers and rainforest communities.
The drinks come in various flavors like citrus, berry, and tropical.
Each 15.5oz can contains 150mg of caffeine, and each 16 oz. can contains 13 grams of sugar and 60 calories.
Offers a smooth, sustained energy boost without jitters or crashes.
Guayaki is organic, non-GMO, fair trade, vegan, and supports rainforest conservation.
Potential side effects from too much caffeine include jitteriness, upset stomach, and insomnia.
Can be purchased online and at major grocery stores, convenience stores, and health food markets.

Table of Contents

What is Guayaki Yerba Mate?

Guayaki energy drink is a brand of yerba mate beverages produced by Guayakí Sustainable Rainforest Products, Inc., a company based in California. Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from the naturally caffeinated and nutrient-rich leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant native to South America.

The Guayaki company was founded in 1996 with the mission of stewarding and restoring 200,000 acres of South American Atlantic Rainforest and improving the livelihoods of thousands of indigenous farmers and communities through sustainable yerba mate production.

The yerba mate used in Guayaki energy drinks is shade grown under the rainforest canopy, harvested by hand, and carefully processed to produce a smooth, balanced, and uplifting yerba mate tea.

Why Drink Guayaki Yerba Mate?

There are many advantages to drinking Guayaki yerba mate energy drinks:

Natural Source of Energy and Focus

The yerba mate plant contains caffeine, theobromine, and other xanthine alkaloids that provide a natural source of energy and focus. The caffeine content in yerba mate is similar to coffee, ranging from 65-130mg per 8oz serving depending on the brewing method.

The energy boost from yerba mate is often described as smooth and sustained. Many people report increased energy, alertness, and concentration from drinking yerba mate without the jittery side effects sometimes associated with coffee.

Nutrient Profile

In addition to caffeine for energy, yerba mate is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Guayaki yerba mate contains polyphenols and saponins which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, niacin, and minerals like calcium, manganese, and zinc.

The combination of caffeine and nutrients in yerba mate makes it a nutritious source of energy.

Supports Metabolism

Research suggests yerba mate can help increase fat oxidation and boost metabolism. The caffeine and polyphenols in yerba mate may increase thermogenesis and fat burning when consumed before exercise. This can contribute to weight management when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Gentle Stimulant

The caffeine in yerba mate provides a gentler stimulation compared to coffee or energy drinks. It does not cause caffeine jitters or energy crashes associated with other caffeinated beverages. This makes yerba mate suitable for people who are sensitive to caffeine.

Unique Flavor Profile

Yerba mate has a distinctive earthy, grassy flavor profile. Guayaki yerba mate drinks blend organic yerba mate with fruit juices and herbs to create refreshing flavored energy drinks. The flavors include citrus, berry, and tropical blends.

Ethical and Sustainable

When you choose Guayaki, you support sustainable rainforest grown yerba mate. Guayaki is a certified B Corporation committed to ethical and regenerative business practices that protect ecosystems and improve farmer livelihoods in South America.

Who is Guayaki Yerba Mate For?

Guayaki yerba mate energy drinks appeal to a wide demographic looking for natural energy and health benefits from yerba mate. Some of the main target consumers include:

Students: Students appreciate the sustained energy and mental clarity from yerba mate to help them study and focus during long classes or late nights. Guayaki is popular on college campuses as an alternative to sugary energy drinks.

Athletes: Athletes can benefit from the natural energy, antioxidants, and metabolism-boosting effects of yerba mate. It provides hydration and nutrients without excessive sugar. Guayaki yerba mate is a clean energy source before, during, or after exercise.

Professionals: Working professionals drink Guayaki for the caffeine boost to stay productive and focused during busy work days. It provides a healthier alternative to coffee to fuel long hours in the office.

Health-Conscious Consumers: People looking for natural, organic, or non-GMO beverages are drawn to Guayaki for its purity and nutrition. The organic and fair trade certification appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Yerba Mate Enthusiasts: Those already familiar with yerba mate tradition embrace Guayaki for providing delicious and convenient yerba mate drinks. Guayaki’s canned energy drinks make yerba mate portable and accessible.

List of Guayaki Yerba Mate Flavors

Guayaki offers a diverse range of delicious yerba mate drinks in various formats including ready-to-drink canned yerba mate, carbonated yerba mate, loose leaf yerba mate tea, and yerba mate tea bags.

Here is a detailed list of all the Guayaki yerba mate flavors:

Canned Yerba Mate Drinks

High Energy Infusions

Lemon Elation – Yerba mate with lemon, ginger, and elderflower. Provides a bright lemon flavor with hints of ginger.
Orange Exuberance – Yerba mate with orange, passionfruit, and acerola. Has a sweet and tangy orange citrus flavor.
Tropical Uprising – Yerba mate with pineapple, mango, and hibiscus. Features a juicy tropical blend of mango and pineapple.
Peach Revival – Peach flavored yerba mate. Has a sweet peach taste.
Enlighten Mint – Mint flavored yerba mate. Provides a refreshing mint flavor.
Bluephoria – Blueberry and elderberry yerba mate. Offers a slightly tart blueberry taste.
Revel Berry – Raspberry and blackberry yerba mate. Delivers a sweet mixed berry flavor.

Sparkling Yerba Mate Drinks

Grapefruit Ginger – Grapefruit and ginger flavored carbonated yerba mate. Has a sparkling grapefruit taste with a hint of ginger.
Cranberry Pomegranate – Cranberry and pomegranate carbonated yerba mate. Features a fizzy cranberry and pomegranate blend.
Classic Gold – Carbonated yerba mate with honey. Provides a crisp sparkling yerba mate flavor with honey notes.

Light Yerba Mate Drinks

Lima Limón – Lime and lemon yerba mate. Offers a light citrusy lime and lemon taste.
Blackberry Mint – Blackberry and mint yerba mate. Has a subtle blackberry flavor with mint.

Loose Leaf Yerba Mate

Traditional Yerba Mate – Unflavored loose leaf yerba mate. Provides pure earthy yerba mate flavor.
Mint Yerba Mate – Mint flavored loose leaf yerba mate. Adds refreshing mint to the yerba mate.

Yerba Mate Tea Bags

Traditional Yerba Mate – Unflavored yerba mate tea bags. Delivers pure yerba mate flavor in tea bag form.
Mint Yerba Mate – Mint flavored yerba mate tea bags. Provides minty yerba mate flavor in tea bags.

List of Ingredients

The main ingredients in Guayaki yerba mate energy drinks include:

Purified or carbonated water
Organic yerba mate – This is made from the naturally caffeinated and nutrient-rich leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis holly plant native to South America. Yerba mate provides caffeine as well as antioxidants like polyphenols.
Organic cane sugar or honey – This provides a touch of natural sweetness to balance the earthy flavor of yerba mate.
Organic fruit juices – Fruit juices like lemon, ginger, orange, passionfruit, pineapple, acerola, and elderberry add flavor and nutrients.
Organic herbs – Herbs like peppermint, hibiscus, and elderflower complement the yerba mate.
Organic caffeine – Additional organic caffeine is sometimes added on top of the caffeine naturally present in yerba mate.
Citric acid – This adds some tartness and helps preserve the drinks.
Natural flavors – Small amounts of natural flavors enhance the fruit and herb flavors.

Guayaki uses high quality organic and fair trade certified ingredients to create their yerba mate beverages. They avoid artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners.

Nutritional Information

Guayaki yerba mate drinks are low in calories and sugar. A typical 15.5oz can contains:

Calories: 60-150 calories
Total fat: 0g
Sodium: 15-40mg
Total carbs: 14-30g
Sugar: 12-26g
Protein: 0g

The caffeine content ranges from 80-150mg per can depending on the product. This is similar to a cup of coffee.

Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols like chlorogenic acids, caffeic acid, and quinic acid. It also provides vitamin C, vitamin B complex, minerals like manganese and zinc, and amino acids.

Potential Side Effects

The caffeine in Guayaki yerba mate drinks can cause side effects if consumed in excess. Potential side effects can include:

Jitteriness, nervousness, and insomnia – Due to the stimulant effects of caffeine
Upset stomach or nausea – For some sensitive individuals, the caffeine or acids in yerba mate may cause stomach irritation
Increased heart rate and blood pressure – Caffeine is a stimulant that can impact cardiovascular function
Headache – Caffeine withdrawal or drinking too much yerba mate can trigger headaches

To avoid side effects, limit intake to 1-2 cans per day and avoid drinking yerba mate close to bedtime. Some people may need to restrict intake to less than this based on individual caffeine sensitivity.

Is Guayaki Yerba Mate Vegan?

Yes, Guayaki yerba mate energy drinks are vegan friendly. The ingredients and production process do not use any animal products or byproducts.

Guayaki is also dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher certified. Their products are suitable for vegan diets.

Does Guayaki Yerba Mate Contain Alcohol?

No, Guayaki yerba mate energy drinks do not contain any alcohol. They are non-alcoholic beverages.

Some people may confuse yerba mate with a traditional South American yerba mate tea preparation that occasionally incorporates alcohol. However, Guayaki energy drinks are a modern ready-to-drink format that is alcohol-free.

Where to Buy Yerba Mate

Guayaki yerba mate energy drinks can be purchased at many major grocery stores, health food markets, convenience stores, and online:

Whole Foods Market
Sprouts Farmers Market
Kroger
Safeway
Amazon.com
Vitamin Shoppe
Walmart
7-Eleven
Guayaki’s online store

The products are sold individually or in multi-packs of 6, 12, or 24 cans. Loose leaf yerba mate tea bags are also available.

Where to Get Guayaki Yerba Mate Internationally

Guayaki exports their yerba mate products worldwide to over 20 countries. International availability includes:

North America – Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama

South America – Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador

Europe – United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria

Asia Pacific – Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong

The best places to find Guayaki internationally are health food stores, organic markets, and online retailers that carry natural beverages. Availability varies by country. Check Guayaki’s store locator to find local sellers.

The company has an active presence on several social media platforms where you can follow them for the latest news, promotions, recipes, and more. Here are the official Guayaki social media links:

Instagram: @guayaki – They frequently post photos and videos related to their products, company culture, environmental mission, and yerba mate recipes.

Facebook: Guayaki Yerba Mate – Guayaki posts daily updates including founder interviews, promotional content, mission updates, and fan engagement.

Twitter: @guayaki – Guayaki’s tweets focus on ethical business, environmental activism, and product promotions.

YouTube: Guayaki Yerba Mate – Guayaki’s YouTube channel features informational videos about yerba mate, company mission videos, and more.

TikTok: @guayaki – Their TikTok features fun yerba mate recipes, product promotions, and user-generated content.

Pinterest: Guayaki Yerba Mate – Find drink recipes, wellness tips, and lifestyle content on their Pinterest account.

LinkedIn: Guayakí Yerba Mate – Follow their company LinkedIn page for career opportunities and company news updates.

The Story Behind Guayaki

Guayaki was founded in 1996 by two college students, Alex Pryor and David Karr, who shared a passion for the amazing properties of yerba mate. They were inspired by the rainforest-grown yerba mate tea they discovered while traveling in South America.

Alex and David started importing organic yerba mate from small farmer cooperatives in South America and selling it locally in California. They aimed to provide ethical and sustainable yerba mate to North American consumers while supporting rainforest communities.

In 2000, Guayaki pioneered the first organic and fair trade certified bottled yerba mate in the world. Over the years, they continued innovating with yerba mate by creating convenient canned energy drinks, carbonated yerba mates, and loose leaf yerba mate tea bags.

Guayaki is dedicated to what they call “Market Driven Restoration” based on direct trade relationships with over 3,000 indigenous yerba mate farmers and forest-keepers. They ensure sustainable farming practices and fair wages while supporting reforestation and community development. Over 2 million acres of rainforest habitat have been restored through Guayaki’s partnerships.

Today, Guayaki offers the largest yerba mate product line in North America and remains committed to their mission of regenerating ecosystems and communities. Their ready-to-drink yerba mate beverages make it easy to enjoy the “drink of the gods” and its many benefits.