Ola Mate Sparkling Yerba Mate: Calories, Nutrition and Health Benefits
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Perplexity A USDA-organic sparkling yerba mate infused with adaptogens, delivering smooth 150mg caffeine energy with only 40 calories per can.
Quick Nutrition Facts
Per 1 Can (355ml / 12 fl oz)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Protein | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Caffeine | 150mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Vitamin B6 | Present |
| Polyphenols | High |
Macronutrient Breakdown
NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT
Ola Mate delivers 150mg of organic caffeine with only 40 calories per can, making it one of the most efficient energy sources available. The combination of yerba mate polyphenols, lion's mane mushroom, and ashwagandha provides sustained mental clarity without the crash typical of coffee or energy drinks.
Myth Busters
MYTH #1: Yerba Mate Is Just Another Energy Drink
TRUTH: Unlike synthetic energy drinks with 200+ calories and artificial stimulants, Ola Mate has only 40 calories and derives its energy from natural polyphenols and caffeine in yerba mate. The theobromine content provides smoother, longer-lasting alertness.
MYTH #2: All Caffeine Causes Jitters and Crashes
TRUTH: Yerba mate caffeine works differently from coffee. It contains theobromine and chlorogenic acid that modulate caffeine absorption, resulting in steady energy without the spike-and-crash cycle. The 150mg in Ola Mate is comparable to coffee but better tolerated.
MYTH #3: Sparkling Drinks Are Bad for Teeth and Bones
TRUTH: Carbonation alone does not harm teeth or bones. The concern is with phosphoric acid found in cola, not carbonated water. Ola Mate uses simple sparkling water with no phosphoric acid, making it safe for dental and bone health.
MYTH #4: Low-Calorie Beverages Must Use Artificial Sweeteners
TRUTH: Ola Mate uses organic monk fruit extract, a natural zero-calorie sweetener. Studies show monk fruit does not spike blood sugar or insulin, making it a safe alternative to both sugar and artificial sweeteners.
MYTH #5: Yerba Mate Causes Cancer
TRUTH: The concern applies specifically to drinking very hot mate (above 65C/149F) through a metal straw, not to the plant itself. Yerba mate actually contains potent antioxidants including chlorogenic acid. Cold sparkling yerba mate like Ola Mate eliminates the temperature-related risk entirely.
NutriScore by Health Goals
| Health Goal | NutriScore | Why This Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss |  | Only 40 calories per can with zero fat. Caffeine boosts metabolism. Perfect swap for sugary drinks. |
| Muscle Gain |  | 150mg caffeine enhances workout performance and focus. Zero protein means pair with a protein source post-workout. |
| Diabetes Management | | Only 5g sugar per can. Yerba mate improves insulin sensitivity and lowers fasting glucose. Minimal glycemic impact. |
| PCOS Management | | Low sugar, antioxidant-rich. Polyphenols may help manage inflammation. Limit to 1-2 cans daily due to caffeine. |
| Pregnancy Nutrition |  | Contains 150mg caffeine per can. ACOG recommends under 200mg caffeine daily during pregnancy. Maximum 1 can/day; consult your doctor. |
| Viral/Flu Recovery | | Hydrating sparkling water base, antioxidant polyphenols support immunity. Ashwagandha may reduce stress on recovery. |
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!
Blood Sugar Response to Ola Mate
Understanding how sparkling yerba mate affects your blood glucose can help you make informed decisions about when and how to drink it.
Typical Glucose Response Curve
*This chart shows typical blood glucose response for general healthy individuals. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.*
How to Flatten the Spike
With only 5g of sugar, Ola Mate causes minimal blood sugar impact. Pairing with protein or fiber further stabilizes glucose:
- 🥜 Handful of almonds or walnuts - Adds healthy fats and protein for sustained energy
- 🧀 Cheese or Greek yogurt - Provides protein to complement the caffeine boost
- 🥑 Avocado toast - Healthy fats and fiber slow any sugar absorption
- 🥚 Hard-boiled eggs - Complete protein pairs well with mate's alertness boost
This combination provides steady energy without glucose fluctuations, keeping you focused for hours.
Cultural Significance
Yerba mate is one of the world's most consumed beverages, drunk daily by over 30 million people across South America for centuries.
In South America:
- Central to social life in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay
- Shared from a communal gourd (called "mate") with a metal straw (bombilla)
- Symbol of friendship, hospitality, and community bonding
- Argentine gauchos relied on mate for energy during long cattle drives
Global Adoption:
- Silicon Valley and wellness communities have embraced yerba mate as a coffee alternative
- Brands like Ola Mate, Guayaki, and others bring mate to mainstream via sparkling cans
- Growing popularity in functional beverages due to adaptogen and nootropic stacking
- USDA organic certification adds appeal for health-conscious consumers
Compare & Substitute
Ola Mate vs Similar Beverages (Per 12 oz Serving)
| Nutrient | 🧉 Ola Mate | ☕ Black Coffee | 🥤 Red Bull | 🍵 Green Tea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 40 kcal | 2 kcal | 110 kcal | 2 kcal |
| Carbs | 10g | 0g | 28g | 0g |
| Sugar | 5g | 0g | 27g | 0g |
| Caffeine | 150mg | 95mg | 111mg | 28mg |
| Fat | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 0g | 0.3g | 0g | 0g |
| Antioxidants | Very High | High | None | High |
| Best For | Sustained energy, mental focus | Quick alertness, zero-calorie | Intense short-term energy | Calm focus, relaxation |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Ola Mate Sparkling Yerba Mate?
One 12 oz can contains 40 calories, with 10g of carbohydrates and 5g of sugar from organic sources. It uses monk fruit extract as a natural sweetener, keeping total sugar content low while maintaining a refreshing taste.
How much caffeine is in Ola Mate?
Each can delivers 150mg of organic caffeine from yerba mate leaves. This is comparable to a strong cup of coffee but provides smoother, sustained energy thanks to the natural theobromine and polyphenols in mate that modulate caffeine absorption.
Is yerba mate safe during pregnancy?
Ola Mate contains 150mg caffeine per can. ACOG recommends keeping total daily caffeine under 200mg during pregnancy. If you choose to drink it, limit to half a can or less and consult your healthcare provider. The adaptogen ingredients (ashwagandha, lion's mane) also lack sufficient pregnancy safety data.
Can diabetics drink Ola Mate?
Yes, Ola Mate can be a favorable choice for diabetics. With only 5g of sugar and 40 calories per can, it has minimal glycemic impact. Research shows yerba mate may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood glucose levels by up to 25 mg/dL.
Tips for diabetics:
- Drink with a protein-rich snack
- Monitor blood sugar 2 hours after consumption
- Limit to 1-2 cans daily
- Avoid consuming on an empty stomach
What adaptogens are in Ola Mate?
Ola Mate includes two key adaptogens:
- Lion's Mane Mushroom - Supports mental clarity, cognitive function, and nerve growth factor production
- Ashwagandha - Reduces cortisol levels, promotes calm focus, and supports stress resilience
These work synergistically with yerba mate caffeine for balanced, sustained energy.
Is Ola Mate better than coffee for energy?
Both provide effective caffeine, but with key differences:
Ola Mate advantages:
- Contains theobromine for smoother energy delivery
- Rich in polyphenols and chlorogenic acid (antioxidants)
- Includes adaptogens for mental clarity
- Only 40 calories vs potential high-calorie coffee drinks
Coffee advantages:
- Near zero calories (black)
- More widely available
- Familiar taste profile
Choose Ola Mate for sustained, jitter-free energy. Choose coffee for quick, calorie-free alertness.
Track your beverage choices with NutriScan app to see how they fit your personal nutrition goals.
