Yerba mate highlighted for Earth Day with focus on sustainability

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Gisela Bouvier is spotlighting yerba mate, a South American beverage, as part of Earth Day celebrations, emphasizing its health benefits and sustainable production practices.

"Yerba mate is a naturally caffeinated leaf from a South American holly tree, native to the Atlantic Forest," Bouvier said. "It delivers a smooth, steady boost and focus. It has a natural combination of caffeine found in coffee, theobromine found in chocolate, and polyphenols also found in green tea."

She explained that yerba mate has been part of cultural rituals across Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, and the Yerba Madre brand makes it easy to try in ready-to-drink cans, bringing this ritual into a format that fits modern routines and is widely available in the U.S.

"Yerba Madre is the first yerba mate to earn Regenerative Organic Certified Gold, which is the highest standard in agriculture," Bouvier said. "It means they are actively improving the soil, supporting biodiversity, and taking care of the Indigenous families and farmers that grow and care for these trees, which is so much about what Earth Day is all about."

She also discussed the term "regenerative," explaining that it focuses on restoring soil health, protecting ecosystems, and supporting growers. "Organic tells us what's not in the product, regenerative tells us what the land gained because of it," Bouvier said.

For more from Bouvier, you can check out her website here.

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