If you’re reading this, you’re in search of the best yerba mate brands. And with four different types of yerba mate out there, and hundreds of different brands to try, you don’t know where to start.

Well after trying over 80+ brands over the years (you can read all our reviews here), let me give you 5 yerba mate brands I think everyone must try.

But before we get into it, you need to know this…

“Best” is extremely subjective.

What I like, you might not like. What I don’t like, you might love. Which is why this list isn’t just my top favorite brands. I created an entirely separate post for this exact reason.

Instead, what you’ll find below is a list meant to guide you into finding what you like. All of which I’ve had in the past, so I’m not just pulling this out of thin air.

Sound good? Great!

Let’s start with number one…

Best Yerba Mate Brands

#1: Cruz De Malta (Best Yerba Mate For Beginners)

Cruz De Malta is one of the most well-known brands in the US.

With very little research about yerba mate, you’re bound to still hear about it.

And it’s no coincidence.

Cruz De Malta is your safe yerba mate brand. The crowd-pleaser. There’s no going wrong with it. And for years, I’ve said this but I’ll say it again, Cruz is the best yerba mate for beginners.

Why?

Because most people who take their first sip of mate complain about the bitter and harsh taste. But with its light, buttery, woody, and semi-sweet flavor, you get a warm, inviting welcome into the world of yerba mate, instead of one that’s off-putting and smacks you in the face.

Another problem beginners have is preparing the mate. But since Cruz De Malta is an Argentinian mate containing broad leaves, large stems, and little to no dust, you shouldn’t have any issue making it. The particles are simply too big to pass thru the bombilla.

And for all these reasons, that’s why we’ve decided to include it in our Stainless Steel Yerba Mate Kit!

But if instead, you’d like to just get the bag itself, check out the links below:

Click Here To Get Cruz De Malta On Amazon Now!
Or Click Here To Get It On PampaDirect (Worldwide)

#2: Canarias (Uruguay’s Most Popular Brand)

Canarias is a fan-favorite. Not just among Uruguayan’s, but nearly all mate drinkers.

But be warned…

This packs a much stronger punch than Argentine yerbas. It has an abundant amount of flavor with a rich body, which is why I don’t suggest starting with it. But some do find it better as it has a smoother taste. While others find it to be too much.

In my opinion, Canarias is stronger. And by stronger, the flavor is a lot more intense. However, it’s not necessarily more bitter. But it is something I enjoy a lot.

There are very few brands I can say that are up to par with this one because it contains a flavor profile you can’t find elsewhere. Ranging from a strong soil taste to hints of dark chocolate and nuts, Canarias is more for the intermediate to advanced drinker.

But for the brave beginners, you can give this a try first.

Click Here To Get Canarias On Amazon Now!
Or Click Here To Get It On PampaDirect (Worldwide)

#3: CBSe (Best Flavored Yerba Mate)

CBSe is well known for their flavored yerbas.

Flavored yerba mate isn’t traditional. And usually most people would tell you to stay away from it because of that. But I think otherwise.

Flavored yerbas can taste great, but eventually, you grow out of it as your palate gets more accustomed to bitterness.

But for beginners, this is a nice brand to start with as the honey flavoring adds a nice sweetness, while still having the earthiness of yerba mate present.

Flavored yerba mate is definitely not something you’ll drink everyday. But when you’ve been drinking regular mate for a while, it’s one you can appreciate from time to time.

Click Here To Get CBSe Honey On Amazon Now!
Or Click Here To Get It On PampaDirect (Worldwide)

#4: La Rubia (For Brewing Cold – Terere)

La Rubia is a Paraguayan brand.

Similar in composition to Argentina’s yerba, but with a different taste from all the ones previously mentioned.

With an earthy sweetness, slight bitterness, and unbelievable smoothness to it, La Rubia is sure to dazzle your tastebuds. And with its creamy texture and light-to-medium body, it’s the perfect mate for any occasion. But it also has this signature smokiness that is found in Paraguayan yerbas that may take some getting used to.

However, in Paraguay, their yerbas are meant to be brewed cold as terere. Although it can also be brewed hot, terere will open up another dimension of yerba mate. And this is one of my favorites for it.

Robust flavors, smooth and creamy, and long-lasting, there’s nothing bad I can say about La Rubia. However, it can be hard to find since it’s produced my a small operation.

Click Here To Get La Rubia On Amazon Now!

#5 Ximango (Best Chimarrao On Amazon)

And last but not least on this list, we have Ximango.

Ximango isn’t your typical yerba. We’re now stepping into Brazilian territory where they call it erva mate or chimarrao.

With a different way to prepare it, different appearance and composition, and a very different taste, chimarrao is a must-try for everyone.

Ximango is composed of a very fine neon green dust and large stems, usually making it difficult to prepare for the inexperienced. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll get to experience a buttery smooth flavor profile only found in chimarrao.

Unlike the earthy, soil-like taste of the other regions, Ximango offers a crisp, fresh grassy and herbaceous taste. If you’ve ever had matcha, you’ll get a similar flavor but a lot more intense. But it’s not as bitter as the others. This is creamy, rich goodness!

I remember my first time trying this and thinking, Why didn’t anyone tell me to drink this first? It’s amazing!

And after having it, I know why… It’s hard to prepare!

But if you’re down to learn and get the hang of it, you’ll never look back

Click Here To Get Ximango On Amazon Now!

Final Words

If you’re looking for your first, second, third, or even tenth yerba mate brand, you can’t go wrong with the above.

Now again, this list isn’t definite.

This isn’t the all-time best-of-the-best yerba mate brands in the entire world. Far from it. But it will set you in the right path to finding the right yerba mate brand for you.

You’ll have tried every type of yerba mate from each region – Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.

All of which, have a different flavor and texture to offer. So after trying them, I hope you’ll know where to head towards next. 

P.S. If you found this post helpful, then you might want to check out our store for gourds, bombillas, and more!