1/ Maté and matcha: two similar words
Maté and matcha are two teas with fascinating histories and numerous health benefits. Maté, native to South America, is an infusion with a unique flavour, prized for its caffeine and antioxidant content. This drink, often enjoyed in a convivial setting, is an integral part of the culture and tradition of South American peoples.
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While the words matcha and maté sound similar and share their first three letters, it is purely a linguistic coincidence. "Matcha" means "ground tea" in Japanese, whereas "yerba maté" comes from "mati" in Quechua (an indigenous people of Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia), referring to the gourd used to prepare maté. Over time, the word came to designate the drink itself.
Whether you are looking for a drink to support weight loss or to boost your energy, both teas are excellent choices. Matcha is known to provide gentle, long-lasting energy, whilst maté delivers a more immediate lift.
2/ Maté and matcha: two distinct plants
While we often tend to hear "tea" in the word maté, this beverage is not one. The leaves used to produce it come from a different plant: yerba mate. Today cultivated across several Latin American countries, it used to grow in the wild when the Guarani Amerindians began consuming it several thousand years ago. In contrast, matcha green tea is a powdered green tea originating from an ancient Japanese ceremony. It is made by grinding tea leaves between two granite blocks to create an emerald-green powder. It is enjoyed by whisking it into a froth in a bowl. What makes matcha unique compared to other green teas is that the leaf is not merely infused, but completely ingested when enjoyed. A truly unique flavour sensation!
Its high antioxidant content and rich nutrient profile make it a true ally for your well-being. Enjoyed for centuries, this beverage stands out for its subtle flavours and energising qualities.
3/ Maté and matcha: different accessories and preparation methods
One thing these two drinks have in common is that they are difficult to prepare without specific accessories. For yerba maté, you will need to invest in a gourd, known as a "calabash", in which the maté is steeped, as well as a metal straw ("bombilla") that acts both as a straw and a filter. To prepare matcha tea properly, you will need a round bowl (called a "chawan" in Japan, made of porcelain), a traditional bamboo whisk ("chasen") to whisk the tea powder into a creamy froth, and finally a small wooden scoop ("chashaku") to measure out the perfect amount of matcha.
Please note: we strongly recommend choosing organic products. Organic certification guarantees superior quality and leaves grown with respect for the environment, following the principles of sustainable and responsible agriculture.
4/ The taste of maté vs the taste of matcha
Both beverages fall into a similar flavour profile: vegetal with a slight bitterness. However, this is just a general rule, as not all yerba matés and matchas taste the same. Traditional maté is enjoyed very bitter, whereas green maté (unaged) is milder and more aromatic. A similar distinction applies to matcha, where bitterness can vary depending on quality or concentration. When the balance between vegetal freshness and bitterness is struck, it is described as "umami"—a Japanese term referring to a savoury, enduring, and mellow aftertaste. Finally, note that you can tailor the taste of both maté and matcha by adding water, sugar, or milk, for example.
Classic matcha recipe:
- Place one teaspoon of matcha in the bottom of your bowl.
- At the same time, heat water in a kettle. Do not exceed a temperature of 70 to 80°C to avoid damaging the matcha leaves or making the drink too bitter.
- Gradually pour the water into the bowl and whisk the mixture to achieve a smooth, slightly frothy texture.
- Enjoy! For a latte version, simply add milk.
To find out more about preparing matcha tea, click here!
Classic maté recipe:
- Fill ⅔ of the gourd with yerba maté leaves. Form a small mound at the bottom to one side of the container.
- Heat water to a temperature of 70–80°C. Water that is too hot will make the drink bitter. Adjust to suit your personal taste.
- Gently pour the water over the bombilla on the empty side, right next to the yerba maté leaves.
- Insert the bombilla and enjoy! The leaves begin to infuse after 30 seconds.
5/ The benefits of maté vs the benefits of matcha
Maté and matcha share the common trait of being concentrated sources of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that support natural immunity and slow cellular ageing. More specifically, the compounds in maté are believed to aid focus while helping lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Another advantage of maté: it is said to have an appetite-suppressing effect, prompting the body to tap into its reserves. Matcha, on the other hand, contains an amino acid, theanine, known for its beneficial effects on memory and concentration.
Also read: The health benefits of maté and The benefits of matcha for the body.
6/ The stimulating effect: maté vs matcha
Maté and matcha share the common feature of containing caffeine (or theine, as they are the exact same molecule), making them stimulating drinks that provide a gentle boost. Unlike coffee, which is a stimulant with a sharper yet shorter-lived effect, matcha and maté act more gradually and sustainably over time. Matcha remains active in the body for up to 8 hours. By stimulating the central nervous system, caffeine helps enhance alertness and ward off fatigue. While less intense than coffee, matcha and maté are nonetheless more stimulating than regular tea. Do maté and matcha keep you awake? The answer is "it depends", as the impact of caffeine on sleep varies from person to person.
These two teas, yerba maté and matcha, are two plants that are often hard to choose between. Flavour, preparation, price, origin—there is no shortage of differences! Yet both offer many benefits: rich in antioxidants, an energising boost thanks to caffeine, immune system support, and more. And why choose? Simply alternate between the two to vary your daily delights!
On a journey to discover new flavours, why not try both? Each tea tells a rich story, deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of its country of origin. Taste them and find out which one suits your preferences best!