Published May 8, 2023
BY AVERY PALSHAW
Yerba mate is an herbal tea native to South America that is typically brewed cold. The popularity of these drinks has increased in recent years, the most well-known brand being Guayakí Yerba Mate, which can be found in most local grocery stores. The Guayakí company began in 1996 on the Cal Poly University campus as a school project created by Alex Pryor and David Karr. Below you will find a brutally honest rating of their seven flavors.
Lemon Elation
Lemon Elation
This excuse of a beverage tastes as if one squeezed a lemon into flat water thinking it would add some sort of edge to it, only to find it underwhelming and a terrible idea. Whoever genuinely enjoys Lemon Elation must not have functioning tastebuds. Guayakí, do better.
2/10
Peach Revival
Peach Revival
This Peach Revival needs some peach redemption. As their newest release, it fails all expectations as it lacks flavor and leaves an unwanted aftertaste. This drink is nearly flavorless and should be considered an epic flop in the world of yerba mates.
3/10
Enlighten Mint
Enlighten Mint
While this flavor exceeds low expectations and is refreshing, it isn’t outstanding or notable. Also, the mint tends to leave a strange aftertaste that can be compared to lawn clippings or overly healthy green juice.
5/10
Orange Exuberance
There’s no other way to describe this drink than average. It’s flavorful and tangy, yet somehow falls short of the expectations a Guayakí Yerba Mate should meet. Though those who enjoy orange-flavored items might enjoy Orange Exuberance, for the general public it is not worth paying more than three dollars.
Orange Exuberance
5/10
Tropical Uprising
This drink is extremely underrated, with undertones of tropical fruit and true happiness. It almost tastes like flavored iced tea and is definitely a less sugary option in comparison to other Guayakí products.
7/10
Bluephoria
Bluephoria
As stated in the name, this yerba mate is pure euphoria in every sip. It tastes similar to blue raspberry flavoring, yet in a more subtle, natural way that still delivers a hint of bitterness. A benefit of Bluephoria is that it gives a substantial energy boost to power one through one’s day without the jittery feeling that caffeine often causes.
8/10
Revel Berry
Revel Berry
The Guayakí company knew what they were doing when they released this heavenly drink. With its strong berry flavor and bitterness, there simply is no going wrong with Revel Berry. Whoever created this exquisite yerba mate needs a serious promotion.
9/10
