Matein vs caffeine: what does science actually say

Let's start with an honest fact that many mate sellers conceal: chemical mateine and caffeine are the same molecule — 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. "Mateine" is a historical name that arose when scientists gave different names to stimulants found in various plants: the one in tea was called theine, in guarana — guaranine, and in mate — mateine. Later analysis showed that all of these are caffeine.

A popular myth claims that mateine is a "stereoisomer" of caffeine with milder effects. From a chemical perspective, this is impossible — the caffeine molecule lacks a chiral center, so stereoisomers simply do not exist for it (Heck & de Mejia, 2007, Journal of Food Science).

Why do we, mate sellers, openly state this? Because the truth is even more interesting than the myth.

If mate has the same caffeine, why do thousands of people — from Argentine gauchos to Riga programmers — claim that mate provides a more even energy without trembling and sudden crashes? Science has several well-founded explanations:

1. The xanthine team, not solo performers. Caffeine is practically the only active ingredient in coffee. Mate contains three related xanthines: caffeine, theobromine (the same as in dark chocolate), and traces of theophylline. Theobromine acts more gently and longer than caffeine — it widens blood vessels, rather than constricting them, and its half-life in the body is longer. Result: the stimulation curve is flatter and longer-lasting.

2. Polyphenols alter absorption. Mate is extremely rich in chlorogenic acids — the same compounds found in small amounts in coffee. Studies show that chlorogenic acids slow down the absorption of glucose and possibly caffeine as well, smoothing out energy peaks (Bracesco et al., 2011, Journal of Ethnopharmacology).

3. Less caffeine per cup, but longer drinking time. A cup of mate contains on average ~78 mg of caffeine compared to ~95 mg in an espresso-based coffee cup. Additionally, mate is traditionally drunk slowly, in small sips, repeatedly refilling with water — caffeine enters the body gradually over 30–60 minutes, not in one "shot" like espresso. Pharmacokinetically, this is a huge difference.

4. Lower acidity. Coffee acidity irritates many people's stomachs, increasing discomfort that is often mistaken for "nervousness." Mate is significantly gentler on the digestive system.

Values are average indicators — exact content depends on the variety, dose, and preparation method.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers up to 400 mg of caffeine per day safe for adults — this is approximately 4–5 cups of mate. Practical recommendations:

1. Beginners: start with 1 cup in the morning and observe how you feel
2. Everyday users: 2–3 cups a day is Argentina's classic
3. Avoid mate late in the evening — caffeine is still caffeine, so finish your last cup at least 6 hours before bedtime if you want it to leave your sleep alone
4. For pregnant women and people with heart arrhythmias — consult a doctor, just like with coffee

This isn't a "or — or" question. Many of our customers haven't given up coffee entirely — they drink mate during workdays when they need stable focus for several hours, and enjoy coffee on weekends as a ritual. If coffee makes you nervous, causes palpitations or stomach discomfort, mate is a scientifically supported milder alternative with a similar alertness effect.

If you want to try mate energy without accessories and ritual, start with Matemi Instant Mate — 100% yerba mate extract that dissolves in hot or cold water. For a traditional experience — [Un Mate selection — internal link to category] from Argentina awaits you.

Does mateine really exist?

As a standalone substance — no. Mateine is a historical synonym for caffeine. The different effects of mate are explained by theobromine, polyphenols, and the slow drinking method, not by a specific molecule.

Does yerba mate contain less caffeine than coffee?

In one cup — slightly less (~78 mg compared to ~95 mg). But traditional calabash with multiple infusions can overall provide even more — it all depends on the dose.

Can you become addicted to mate like coffee?

Caffeine tolerance and mild dependence develop from any source of caffeine. The advantage of mate is its flatter effect curve, so withdrawal symptoms are usually milder.

Is mate suitable for athletes?

Yes — a study (Alkhatib, 2014, Nutrition & Metabolism) found that using mate before exercise increased fat oxidation by ~24% during moderate activity.

1. Heck, C.I., de Mejia, E.G. (2007). Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations. Journal of Food Science, 72(9).
2. Bracesco, N., et al. (2011). Recent advances on Ilex paraguariensis research: Minireview. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136(3).
3. Alkhatib, A. (2014). Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) ingestion augments fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise at various submaximal intensities. Nutrition & Metabolism, 11:42.
4. EFSA (2015). Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine. EFSA Journal, 13(5):4102.