Published 29 Oct 2026 · by Un Mate Kosova
1. Pick your style of yerba
Traditional yerba is the real thing: bold, green and earthy. Choose “con palo” (with stems) for a milder, smoother cup, or “sin palo” (without stems) for a stronger taste. Flavoured yerba adds orange, lemon, herbs or tropical fruit and is a very gentle introduction. Terere blends are cut for cold water and juice.
2. Pick a brand
Well-known Argentine brands such as Taragüi, Union, Mañanita and La Merced are all good starting points. Taragüi is a classic with a balanced taste, Union is smooth and mild, and Mañanita is a favourite for a fine, strong cup. If you are unsure, a multi-pack lets you compare several.
3. Choose the pack size
- 250 g – to try a new brand.
- 500 g – the standard size, roughly 3–4 weeks of daily mate for one person.
- 1 kg and more – for families, offices and regular drinkers.
4. Choose your gourd
- Calabaza (natural gourd) — traditional feel, needs curing.
- Ceramic — easy to clean, no curing.
- Insulated steel cup — keeps water hot, ideal on the go.
- Palo santo — wooden cup with a gentle scent.
5. Choose a bombilla
Stainless steel is the safe choice: it is hygienic, durable and easy to clean. A spoon-shaped filter suits fine yerba; a spring or flat filter suits coarse blends. A cleaning brush is a very useful extra.
The easy way: a Starter Set
If you want everything at once, a Starter Set combines yerba, a gourd or cup and a bombilla in one box. They also make a great gift.
Quick answers
- What is the best yerba mate for beginners?
- A mild traditional yerba with stems (“con palo”) or a flavoured yerba with citrus. A Starter Set includes everything you need.
- How long does a 500 g pack last?
- For one person drinking mate daily, roughly three to four weeks.