Earth Month is a reminder that small choices—like what we eat and drink—can have a meaningful impact on the planet. One simple upgrade? Adding sustainably sourced yerba mate to your daily routine. I’m on CBS Washington, D.C. sharing more.
A Tradition Rooted in Culture
Yerba mate has been enjoyed for centuries across Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Traditionally shared from a gourd with a bombilla, it’s a ritual that brings people together. Today, it’s having a modern resurgence as more people move away from conventional coffee and energy drinks in favor of cleaner, plant-based, functional options.
It’s also deeply embedded in soccer culture—you’ll often see players like Lionel Messi sipping mate. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to North America, this global tradition is only gaining more attention.
The Science Behind the Sip
What makes yerba mate unique is its natural composition. It contains caffeine, along with theobromine—also found in chocolate—and polyphenols similar to green tea. The result is a more steady, focused boost without the typical spike and crash, plus added antioxidant support.
Why Yerba Madre Stands Out
What I love about Yerba Madre is how it brings this traditional ritual into modern routines with products that are widely available in the U.S.
This traditional South American drink comes from a holly tree that grows in the Atlantic Forest—a region where more than 80% of the original canopy has been lost. Choosing Yerba Madre helps support the restoration of this vital ecosystem.
In fact, they are the world’s first yerba mate brand to earn Regenerative Organic Certified® Gold—the highest standard in food and agriculture. This goes beyond organic to support soil health, biodiversity, and farmer fairness, while actively restoring the land and communities behind it.
Emerging research even suggests that regeneratively farmed crops may contain higher levels of key nutrients like zinc and magnesium, thanks to healthier soil.
A Simple, Sustainable Swap
This is one of those easy, impactful swaps that supports your energy, your nutrition, and the planet. Look for the Regenerative Organic Certified® seal and try swapping loose-leaf yerba mate for your morning coffee or tea. You can also reach for ready-to-drink cans as a clean afternoon pick-me-up.
Refreshing Ways to Enjoy Yerba Mate
Beyond sipping it on its own, yerba mate works beautifully in recipes. Here are a few refreshing ideas:
Passionfruit Electrolyte Mate Cooler
A tropical, hydrating blend made with chilled brewed yerba mate, unsweetened coconut water, pureed passion fruit, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Berry Lemonade Sparkling Mate Refresher
A bright, bubbly option featuring strawberries, lemon juice, and berry lemonade yerba mate for a lightly sweet, refreshing sip.
Cucumber Aloe Hydration Mate
Crisp and cooling, this blend combines cucumber, lime, fresh mint, aloe vera, and enlightened mint yerba mate for ultimate hydration.
Sip with Purpose This Earth Month
Head to your local Giant this month and pick up Yerba Madre. Every purchase helps plant a tree—they’re working toward 50,000 trees across the U.S. this Earth Month. You can even track your tree and learn more at yerbamadre.com.
