In a world dominated by tea & coffee, a 3rd source of caffeine has long held its own in regional popularity: yerba maté, the South American (and better-known - for now) cousin of American yaupon holly.
Widely consumed throughout South America’s ‘Southern Cone’ of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Brazil, maté is a hugely popular beverage that doubles as a social ritual in the region.
Thanks to successful American brands like Guayakí, maté is also more popular than ever in the US and other countries across the world. Argentina exported 39 million kg of maté in 2019, and quantities have only risen since then, with global growth driven by increasing consumer interest in North America and Europe. Still, maté has a long way to go before reaching the heavyweight status of tea & coffee, caffeinated staples that are drunk widely on every continent at all hours of the day.
But maté has a cousin that's far lesser known, yet possesses many of the same great benefits - yaupon holly. Yaupon is another member of the ilex genus alongside maté, a plant category that also contains the caffeinated guayusa plant (popular in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia).
Yaupon is native to the southeastern United States and is emerging as an exciting alternative in the caffeine market. This plant offers a unique advantage due to its domestic origin, reducing the environmental and economic costs associated with importing foreign crops. Similar to maté, yaupon holly is traditionally brewed into a tea that delivers a smooth, stimulating dose of caffeine without the jitters often associated with coffee.
Historically, yaupon holly has been used by Native Americans and settlers alike for its energizing + healthy properties. Today, it is being rediscovered by a new generation of consumers looking for sustainable, locally-sourced alternatives to traditional caffeinated beverages. Goldholly aims to help catalyze this charge, capitalizing on the growing trend towards health and wellness products that are both eco-friendly and socially responsible.
With its rich history and promising benefits, yaupon has the potential to carve out a significant niche in the caffeine market. As awareness grows and more consumers seek out diverse and sustainable options, we aim to make yaupon a key player alongside the likes of maté, challenging the dominance of traditional tea and coffee in the global beverage industry. Learn more about delicious ways to prepare yaupon, or read more into the benefits of consuming a native North America beverage instead of imports. Happy sipping!