Can You Drink Yerba Mate in the Afternoon? What to Know About Its Caffeine Curve

It’s mid-afternoon. Your energy dips, you still have a lot to get done, and you reach for a boost. But coffee feels too intense, soda too sugary, and energy drinks too risky.

That’s where yerba mate comes in — a naturally caffeinated plant known for providing smooth, sustained energy. But how does it actually work? And more importantly: Can you drink it in the afternoon without it messing with your sleep?

Here’s what you should know — especially if you’re drinking Teko, our cold-brew inspired yerba mate blend.

Yerba mate does contain caffeine, but it’s naturally balanced with other plant compounds — most notably theobromine, a gentler stimulant also found in cacao.

Together, caffeine and theobromine may provide a steady, longer-lasting energy boost with fewer of the jitters or crashes that sometimes come with coffee or energy drinks.

Teko is made with yerba mate leaf and real fruit flavor. Each serving contains a light to moderate amount of caffeine — typically less than a cup of coffee — and no added sugar or artificial stimulants.

Many of our taste testers found Teko to be the right fit for mid-day energy and focus:

“If I was looking to drink something that wasn't water, I’d rate this a 7 or 8.”
“I could see this as an afternoon swap for my second coffee.”
“It kept me going without making me feel overstimulated.”

Whether it’s work, errands, or staying sharp through a long day, yerba mate drinks like Teko can feel like a refreshing and more balanced option compared to traditional caffeinated drinks.

While both coffee and yerba mate contain caffeine, the experience often feels different. Here’s how many people compare them:

Coffee:

• Sharp, fast energy spike

• Can cause jitters or a noticeable crash

• Shorter duration of alertness

Teko Yerba Mate:

• Gradual, smoother lift

• Less likely to overstimulate

• Energy tends to feel more stable and longer-lasting

This difference helps explain why many people feel more comfortable drinking yerba mate later in the day.

If you’re considering adding yerba mate to your mid-day routine, here are some helpful guidelines:

• Drink it before 4:00 PM if you're sensitive to caffeine

• Dilute with extra water for a lighter version

• Pair with a snack to slow down caffeine absorption

• Avoid drinking it right before bed, especially if you’re new to yerba mate

Because Teko contains a light to moderate amount of natural caffeine, many users find it to be the ideal balance —
enough to help with focus and alertness, but
not so much that it interferes with sleep or winds them up late in the day.

It’s one of the main reasons people choose Teko in the afternoon:

✅ Energizing without overstimulating
✅ Helps beat the slump without a crash
✅ Feels refreshing, not heavy

It depends on your sensitivity to caffeine and how late you drink it. For most people, drinking yerba mate earlier in the afternoon is a safe option — especially when compared to coffee or high-caffeine drinks.

If you’re unsure, start with a half-serving or try it with more water to see how your body responds.

Yerba mate is a smart option when you want a clean, hydrating boost — especially in the afternoon. With its smooth caffeine curve, light flavor, and balanced feel, Teko offers a refreshing way to stay sharp without the crash or heaviness of other drinks.

Give it a try in the afternoon and notice the difference.