Ultra Energy – How Does Yerba Mate with Guarana Work?

Yerba mate with guarana is a blend for those for whom classic yerba is no longer enough, but who never got along with coffee and canned energy drinks either. In Ultra Energy — Yerbador’s strongest composition — Brazilian holly leaf meets ground guarana seeds. The boost comes quickly, but it doesn’t end with a sudden crash after an hour, because caffeine enters the body from two sources with different release rates. Below we break down this blend piece by piece: what exactly is inside, how it works, and how to brew it to get the most out of it.

Two ingredients, two different paces

The base is yerba mate — dried leaves of the Paraguayan holly (Ilex paraguariensis) grown in Brazil, packed in Europe. On its own it contains caffeine as well as two related xanthines: theobromine and theophylline. These are responsible for the characteristic “clean” boost that regular matero drinkers praise so much.

The second ingredient is guarana — seeds of the Amazonian vine Paullinia cupana. They are among the richest natural sources of caffeine of all: containing several times more than coffee beans. Interestingly, the caffeine in them is “packed” together with tannins and fibre, so the body releases it gradually rather than all at once. We’ve written a separate article about guarana itself, its history and uses: Guarana — what it is and what it helps with.

How yerba mate with guarana works in practice

Picture two waves. The first is caffeine from yerba leaves — it’s absorbed fairly quickly, so within a dozen or so minutes, or up to a few dozen, you feel your mind working sharper. The second wave comes from guarana: slower, stretched out over time, sustaining the effect just when you’d already be yawning after an espresso.

On top of that there’s theobromine — the same xanthine found in cocoa. It acts more gently and for longer than caffeine, so the overall effect isn’t a jolt but a steady pull uphill. Dr Justyna Jessa, a clinical dietitian working with Yerbador, also points to the thermogenesis associated with xanthines — the body simply runs at slightly higher revs.

Ultra Energy versus coffee and energy drinks

Espresso is a sprint: a quick shot of caffeine and a fairly quick landing. A canned energy drink adds a hefty dose of sugar on top. Yerba mate with guarana plays a different game — you sip it slowly, through a bombilla, topping up the same dried leaves with water several times. Caffeine is released gradually, sip by sip, instead of hitting your stomach in thirty seconds. You’ll find a detailed comparison of caffeine content in coffee, tea, yerba mate and energy drinks in our earlier comparison.

When to reach for yerba mate with guarana

A few tried-and-tested moments from our customers’ lives:

• In the morning, instead of your first coffee — a matero prepared for breakfast kick-starts the day for a good few hours.
• Before focused work — writing, coding, studying for an exam. One portion of dried leaves is enough for an entire session of refills.
• 30–45 minutes before a workout — you can read more about how active people use yerba mate in our article Yerba mate for athletes.
• On a long road trip — a thermos of hot water plus a matero is a classic combo for Polish drivers who’ve discovered yerba mate.

What to avoid? Evenings. Ultra Energy is the strongest blend in our range, and for most people, drinking it in the afternoon can push sleep away. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, plan your last brew for early afternoon at the latest.

How to brew Ultra Energy

The rules are the same as for classic yerba mate, with one caveat: this is a strong blend, so don’t overdo the amount at first.

1. Fill about 1/4 of the matero with dried leaves. For beginners, we recommend starting with even just two tablespoons — the flavor will be milder, and your body will have time to adjust.
2. Pour water at a temperature of 70–80°C. Never boiling water — scalded leaves become unpleasantly bitter and lose some of their properties.
3. Wait a moment, insert the bombilla and sip slowly, topping up with water as the level drops. One portion of dried leaves can easily handle several refills.

You’ll find a full step-by-step guide, along with accessory recommendations, in our yerba mate brewing guide.

What yerba mate with guarana won’t do — honestly

It won’t replace sleep. Caffeine pushes back tiredness and supports focus, but a sleepless night will still catch up with you — yerba mate buys you time, not rest. It’s not a miracle fat burner either: we cover honestly how yerba mate can support weight control in our complete guide to yerba mate and weight loss, but no infusion can work wonders without a sensible diet.

And one important thing: if you have chronic illnesses, take medication, are pregnant, or have strong caffeine sensitivity — it’s best to consult your doctor before drinking strong blends. Ultra Energy is a solid dose of xanthines and won’t suit everyone in every amount.

Where the leaves come from and what exactly we check

The leaf comes from Brazil, packaging takes place in Europe, and quality is certified by the Swiss OROTAL Commodities Trading SA. On top of that, there are independent laboratory tests: IWNIRZ (Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants — chromatography and raw material authenticity), J.S. Hamilton (compliance with the reference standard) and GBA Polska (heavy metals, pesticides, PAHs). Production runs under the HACCP system with KIWA certification, and the quality of Yerbador yerba is further confirmed by the Quality Certificate, National Medicines Institute. When buying strong yerba, it’s worth knowing that “strong” doesn’t mean “just any old thing”.

Ultra Energy in the Yerbador store

Yerba Mate — Ultra Energy — Guarana

Yerbador’s flagship, most energising blend: 100% yerba from the brand’s own plantations combined with freshly harvested guarana. A bold, slightly nutty and bitter profile with long, steady energy. Check the current price.

Check out the product: Yerba Mate — Ultra Energy — Guarana

Starter set: bombilla + matero + Ultra Energy + beech scoop

Everything you need to start out with a strong yerba: the vessel, a bombilla, a beech wood scoop and Ultra Energy dried leaves in one pack. A great way into the ritual without hunting down accessories yourself. Check the current price.

Check out the product: Starter Set with Ultra Energy

Guarana Powder — 100 g

Pure, ground Paullinia cupana seeds. For those who want to dose their guarana their own way — in a smoothie, a morning shake or as an extra pinch tossed into the matero on an exceptionally long day. Check the current price.

Check out the product: Guarana Powder 100 g

Summer version: Ultra Energy cold-brewed (tereré)

Strong yerba holds up great when brewed cold. Add the dried leaves as usual, but instead of hot water use cold water — ideally with ice and a few citrus slices. Tereré prepared this way lasts just as long and refreshes better in the heat than any drink from a petrol station fridge. Guarana will still do its job: caffeine is released gradually regardless of the infusion’s temperature, so the summer version isn’t “weaker” — it’s simply cooler.

Ultra Energy or classic yerba — how to choose?

A simple test: if yerba is meant to be your everyday companion from morning to afternoon, classic dried leaves will work well — milder and more “talkative” in flavour. If you’re looking for a specific tool for specific moments — an exam, a deadline, a tough workout, a night shift — go for Ultra Energy. Many people keep both variants on their shelf and reach for guarana only when the day truly demands it. That’s actually the wisest approach: a strong blend makes the biggest difference when you’re not drinking it non-stop.

Frequently asked questions about yerba with guarana

Can Ultra Energy be combined with coffee?

You can, but remember that caffeine adds up. If you drink strong yerba in the morning, save coffee for another time of day — or vice versa. Your body will thank you.

Can I drink yerba with guarana every day?

Most of our customers drink it daily — a typical routine is one matero a day, roughly 30–40 g of dried leaves. Listen to your body: if you notice irritability or trouble sleeping, reduce the amount or brew it earlier in the day.

How quickly does it work?

The first effects are usually felt within ten to several dozen minutes of starting to drink it, and thanks to guarana, the effect stretches into the following hours — without any sudden crash in form.

How does it differ in taste from classic yerba?

Guarana adds a noticeable, slightly nutty-bitter note and a somewhat greater “density” of flavour. If classic yerba feels too mild an infusion for you, here you’ll feel the difference from the very first sip.

Ultra Energy for venues and shops

Do you run a café, a sports club or a health food shop? Strong yerba with guarana is one of the most frequently chosen items by customers looking for an alternative to energy drinks. We described the wholesale terms in the article about yerba mate wholesale for gastronomy and shops, or simply write or call: