Mati brings traditional Brazilian yerba mate to the Netherlands
Mati brings traditional Brazilian yerba mate to the Netherlands
Mati brings traditional Brazilian yerba mate to the Netherlands
Mati brings traditional Brazilian yerba mate to the Netherlands
Amsterdam-based startup Mati is introducing a different kind of energy drink to the Dutch market: organic yerba mate, inspired by the centuries-old South American tradition. No sugar, no sweeteners and no unnecessary additives, just natural energy rooted in Brazilian culture.
2 minutes read
From Brazilian ritual to a ready-to-drink can
Long before energy drinks existed, yerba mate was already consumed across South America. Traditionally, the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis) are steeped in hot water and shared from a calabash with a metal straw called a bombilla. For founders Elisa Leeser and Suza Zeegers, Mati started with that tradition, not with an energy drink.
Mati brings traditional Brazilian yerba mate to the Netherlands
During their time in Brazil, they travelled to yerba mate farms and producers to understand where mate comes from and the culture surrounding it. They documented that journey in a short documentary before developing their own drink. Check out the 15 minutes documentary below!
Organic yerba mate from Brazil | Natural energy, without the extras
Mati uses organic yerba mate from Brazil and turns it into a refreshing ready-to-drink version, available in Original and Sparkling. While yerba mate is increasingly appearing in European functional drinks, many products combine it with sugar, sweeteners or long ingredient lists. Mati deliberately keeps things simple: no sugar and no sweeteners. The drinks contain just three ingredients, with yerba mate and guaraná providing the natural caffeine. The result is an alternative for people looking for energy for work, sport or a busy day, without reaching for a traditional energy drink.
More than a drink
In South America, mate is about more than caffeine. It is a social ritual: people meet, sit outside and share mate together. That idea of connection is central to Mati. The brand is building a community around energy, culture and connection through run clubs, Brazilian cultural events, pop-ups and collaborations.
Since launching in April 2026, Mati has grown to more than 70 locations in Amsterdam and is now also available through STACH and Hanos, while expanding further into hospitality, offices, sports and wellness. Join the ritual.
We previously wrote about alcohol- and sugar-free drinks like vyvo and Beet Great.
Website: Mati
