Mate

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant native to South America. Its leaves and twigs are typically dried, roasted, and then steeped in hot water to create a traditional beverage. It is known for its stimulating properties, often compared to coffee or tea.

In the UK, mate is most commonly found in dietary supplements, kombuchas, and some sauces, particularly teriyaki. Manufacturers may add it for its distinctive flavour profile, which can be earthy and slightly bitter, or for its perceived stimulating effects. It can also contribute to the complexity of fermented beverages like kombucha.

Mate is not an authorised food additive in the UK. It is consumed as a food ingredient, primarily in beverages and supplements. Traditional consumption of mate has been associated with various health claims, but the evidence is mixed and often based on observational studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the consumption of very hot beverages (above 65°C), including mate, as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' due to the temperature, not the substance itself. EFSA has not evaluated mate as a food additive.