A new way to boost your energy – discover Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew
We live at a fast pace. Work, studying, exercise and long hours in front of screens all make us look for an effective energy boost every day. At the same time, our habits are gradually changing. We are becoming more aware, reading labels carefully and moving away from conventional energy drinks packed with artificial ingredients. We want a boost, but not at the expense of our wellbeing, artificial colourings or the so-called “energy crash”. Nature has an answer! Meet the latest addition to the MateMundo range: Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew.
If synthetic caffeine no longer suits you and a cup of coffee leaves you feeling flat soon afterwards, we have an excellent alternative. Discover an Amazonian secret that is becoming increasingly popular in the functional drinks market. We will show you how cold guayusa tea can transform your daily routine and introduce an exciting new product on our virtual shelves – a ready-to-drink guayusa drink made using a craft, slow-extraction method. It is time for plant-based energy without compromise!
Table of contents:
- Guayusa – a natural source of energy from the Amazon
- Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew – what makes this drink special?
- Why is Guayusa Pachamama an alternative to energy drinks?
- When is it worth reaching for a guayusa drink?
- Pachamama – a brand inspired by nature
- Is Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew a good choice?
Guayusa – a natural source of energy from the Amazon
Before you find out what the remarkable Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew tastes like, it is worth taking a closer look at the plant behind it. Ilex guayusa, more widely known simply as guayusa, is a plant that was used for centuries by the Indigenous communities of the rainforest. Today, as more people look for natural food and drink options, it is finding its way into modern functional beverages and gaining recognition as a genuine superfood.
In our shop, you will find a wide selection of products in the “Guayusa” category, which is becoming increasingly popular among people looking for a natural source of stimulation. Why is this plant attracting so much attention, and how does it differ from yerba mate?
Ilex guayusa – what is it and why is it becoming more popular?
Are you wondering what guayusa is? The botanical name of this plant is Ilex guayusa. It belongs to the holly family, making it a close relative of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis). The plant originates in the heart of the Amazon, with much of its cultivation concentrated in Ecuador’s Napo Province, where it grows in the shade of the rainforest canopy.
Although the term “guayusa tea” is often used in online searches, an infusion made from its leaves is not technically tea, as it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant. The Kichwa people have used guayusa infusions in their morning traditions for centuries. They would rise before dawn, drink an infusion made from the leaves and share their dreams, believing that the plant offered clarity of mind and courage before a hunt.
💡 Did you know? As guayusa was not widely consumed in Europe before 1997, it had to obtain European Union Novel Food status before it could be legally placed on the European market. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed an aqueous preparation made from the dried leaves of the plant for toxicity. Its inclusion in the relevant EU register confirms that this specific form of guayusa does not pose a health risk when consumed in accordance with the applicable conditions. As guayusa tea contains a significant amount of caffeine, always follow the serving and consumption guidance provided on the product label.
Natural caffeine and L-theanine – balanced stimulation without an energy crash
To understand the unique guayusa properties, we need to look beyond its caffeine content. This is not simply another caffeinated plant. Its effects are linked to a distinctive natural combination of three alkaloids. It contains caffeine, which provides the initial stimulating effect, alongside two other important compounds:
- ✔️ L-theanine – a naturally occurring amino acid found relatively rarely in nature. Besides guayusa, it is mainly associated with green tea. Research suggests that L-theanine may stimulate alpha-wave activity in the brain. In practical terms, it is often discussed in connection with a calmer response to caffeine and fewer feelings of unease, trembling or a racing heartbeat;
- ✔️ theobromine – a compound also found in cocoa beans. It provides gentler stimulation and is associated with a gradual, sustained feeling of energy.
Because of this combination, the effects of guayusa are sometimes described in scientific literature as a state of “relaxed alertness”. You may feel ready to take on the day while remaining calm and composed. This is one reason why guayusa is often considered a more balanced alternative to the sudden surge and subsequent caffeine crash associated with strong coffee.
💬 Scientific source: G. Wise, A. Negrin, A critical review of the composition and history of safe use of guayusa: a stimulant and antioxidant novel food, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2020.
This review examines the safety of guayusa and discusses its chemical profile, including compounds associated with stimulating and antioxidant activity.
Guayusa, coffee and energy drinks – the key differences
How does guayusa compare with traditional coffee and brightly branded energy drinks? The stimulating effect of an infusion made from Ilex guayusa is often described as more balanced. A typical energy drink from a supermarket may contain large amounts of sugar, synthetic caffeine and artificial flavourings. The result can be a rapid surge of energy followed by an equally sudden drop in how you feel a short time later.
Coffee, meanwhile, may feel too acidic for people with a sensitive stomach and can contribute to irritability when consumed in excess. Guayusa tea has a smooth, herbal flavour with little of the astringent bitterness associated with some hot infusions. This is particularly noticeable when it is prepared at a lower temperature.
📌 In brief – coffee and energy drinks compared with guayusa:
- ❌ coffee: quick stimulation, a risk of irritability for some people, higher acidity and noticeable bitterness;
- ❌ synthetic energy drink: a sudden and short-lived boost, often combined with a high sugar content and artificial ingredients;
- ✔️ guayusa: a balanced source of energy, a smooth flavour and a naturally occurring combination of caffeine and other plant compounds.
If you would like to learn more about preparing this remarkable plant at home, take a look at our blog article: Guayusa tea – how to brew it to fully harness its properties?
But what if you do not have time to prepare an infusion, look for the right accessories or wait for it to cool? This is where an innovative solution comes in. Guayusa in a bottle offers a practical answer for people with busy lifestyles. This is exactly why the new product in the Pachamama range was created...
Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew – what makes this drink special?
Traditionally, the Kichwa people prepared guayusa as a hot infusion, simmering the leaves in vessels over an open fire. Today, those of us who enjoy infusions usually steep the leaves in a gourd or mug using hot water. It is a wonderful ritual that reflects respect for the plant, but it also requires time, the right accessories and a little patience.
Pachamama has combined this Amazonian tradition with the needs of modern lifestyles. The power of guayusa leaves has been captured in an innovative, ready-to-drink format while preserving the plant’s natural character. Discover its latest creation!
⚡ Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew – Hibiscus Energy
This craft, lightly sparkling guayusa drink is made using a slow infusion of Amazonian guayusa leaves and hibiscus flowers. It was created for anyone looking for a natural source of stimulation without compromising on quality.
- 100% natural ingredients – no synthetic caffeine, artificial colourings or preservatives.
- High caffeine content (32 mg / 100 ml) – a substantial plant-based caffeine boost comparable to many energy drinks on the market.
- NFE formula (Not From Extract) – an authentic infusion made from real leaves rather than a processed chemical extract.
- Low sugar – gently sweetened solely with concentrated grape juice.
Cold guayusa (cold brew) – a smoother flavour and a gentle extraction process
You may have noticed that some strongly brewed herbs and teas can taste bitter and astringent. This is partly due to tannins, which are released from leaves more readily at higher temperatures. The cold brew method involves slowly steeping – or, more precisely, macerating – the leaves in cold water. It is a real game changer for anyone who prefers a smoother infusion, and it is what makes Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew so distinctive.
During the many-hour extraction at a low temperature, fewer tannins are released from the leaves. As a result, cold guayusa tea has a remarkably smooth, refreshing and naturally sweet flavour with far less astringent bitterness. But flavour is not the only benefit. A slow extraction without boiling water can effectively release caffeine from the leaves while helping to preserve delicate polyphenols, which may be affected by high temperatures.
💬 Scientific source: E. Venditti et al., Hot vs. cold water steeping of different teas: Do they affect antioxidant activity?, Food Chemistry, 2010.
Research into the extraction of compounds from tea leaves suggests that using cool water can produce antioxidant activity comparable to, and in some cases higher than, that of traditional hot-water infusions. This indicates that a slow cold brew process can offer a smoother flavour while preserving the natural potential of the infusion.
Guayusa in a bottle – a convenient ready-to-drink format
Knowing how enjoyable and effective a low-temperature infusion can be, the Pachamama brand wanted to make it available in the most convenient format possible. We still encourage you to experiment with loose leaves – including traditional Pachamama guayusa without added ingredients, as well as flavoured varieties available in the “Flavoured guayusa” category – but we know that there is not always enough time. Preparing homemade cold brew in a craft-style way can take anywhere from several hours to as long as 24 hours.
That is why guayusa in a bottle is such a practical solution. In the morning before work, on the way to university or straight from the fridge before an intensive workout, all you need to do is open the bottle and enjoy its full flavour and an immediate boost of “relaxed energy”. No infuser, no loose leaves and no waiting. It is a fully prepared functional drink for people with busy lifestyles who value their time and wellbeing.
NFE (Not From Extract) and clean label – a clear ingredient list
If you ever read the labels on drinks in shops, you will probably have noticed phrases such as “with green tea” or “contains guarana extract”. In many cases, this means that a highly processed powdered concentrate has been used. During industrial processing, such a concentrate may no longer reflect the plant’s original composition.
A clean label approach was a priority when this product was created. Pachamama follows the NFE – Not From Extract standard. In practice, this means a craft-made infusion prepared slowly with real, carefully selected guayusa leaves. Instead of artificial flavours, preservatives or colourings, the product has a short and transparent ingredient list.
💡 Good to know: The NFE approach means that the drink is made from an authentic plant infusion rather than an extract-based concentrate. You are drinking the compounds released into the water from real Amazonian guayusa leaves.
Hibiscus Energy – the flavour that makes Pachamama guayusa stand out
Finally, there is the aspect that matters most to many people: the taste. Guayusa has an intriguing herbal profile of its own, but the Pachamama brand has given it a more refreshing, fruitier character. The guayusa leaves are combined with hibiscus flowers.
Hibiscus gives the drink its deep colour and adds a refreshing, slightly tart note with a fruity character. It works beautifully with guayusa, creating a bright and lively flavour profile. The taste is rounded off with subtle sweetness from concentrated grape juice, which fits the low sugar formula, while gentle carbonation adds an extra layer of refreshment.
This guayusa drink reveals its full flavour when served well chilled. It is refreshing and vibrant, making it a natural alternative to overly sweet drinks or conventional energy drinks with high sugar content and artificial ingredients.
Why is Guayusa Pachamama an alternative to energy drinks?
When an afternoon slump catches up with you, reaching for a can of a popular energy drink may seem like the easiest solution. Quick to open, quick to drink and… often followed by a quick problem. Conventional energy drinks can feel like borrowing energy at a very high cost. The Pachamama brand shows that a ready-to-drink boost does not have to mean compromising on quality or mindful choices. Let us look at why Pachamama Guayusa Cold Brew offers an appealing alternative to conventional energy drinks.
Natural ingredients versus artificial additives in conventional energy drinks
Have you ever looked closely at the back of a typical energy drink can from a petrol station or supermarket? It often contains a long list of complex-sounding ingredients, artificial colourings such as ammonia caramel, preservatives including potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, laboratory-produced synthetic caffeine, as well as large amounts of refined sugar or controversial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K. Their purpose is to create a rapid, artificial stimulating effect.
By contrast, the guayusa drink from Pachamama has a short and transparent ingredient list. Its base is simply water and an authentic infusion of Ilex guayusa leaves and hibiscus flowers. The only additions are concentrated grape juice for gentle sweetness, a touch of vitamin C and carbon dioxide for a refreshing sparkle. That is the full list. With Pachamama Guayusa, you are choosing a plant-based drink with a clearly defined composition rather than an unnecessarily complicated formula.
Synthetic caffeine, large amounts of refined sugar, artificial colourings, synthetic flavourings and preservatives. A highly processed drink with a complex formula.
Natural caffeine released from real leaves, a clear clean label formula, an authentic cold infusion, vitamin C and the character of carefully selected plants.
Low sugar and plant-based ingredients
Sugar is the quiet hero – or rather, the anti-hero – of many shop-bought energy drinks. A 500 ml can may contain the equivalent of several teaspoons of white sugar. Combined with caffeine, this can create the impression of an immediate surge of energy. For people who pay attention to their diet and sugar intake, this is not always an appealing choice.
The low sugar formula offers a more considered alternative. Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew is a 100% vegan drink gently sweetened exclusively with natural concentrated grape juice. It contains no refined sugar and no artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame K or sucralose. Its clear plant-based composition makes it easier to understand what you are drinking.
Energy without the “crash” – the potential advantage of guayusa
This brings us to one of the key features of cold guayusa when compared with conventional energy drinks. Pachamama provides a noticeable caffeine boost, with a high caffeine content of 32 mg per 100 ml. This is comparable to the caffeine level found in many energy drinks. However, you may also be familiar with what can happen after drinking a conventional energy drink: a sudden drop in energy, tiredness, irritability and reduced concentration. This is often referred to as a caffeine crash and may be intensified by a rapid change in blood sugar levels.
The stimulating character of Ilex guayusa comes from its natural combination of caffeine, L-theanine and theobromine. Earlier in the article, we discussed how these compounds may contribute to a more balanced feeling of stimulation. L-theanine is also being studied for its interaction with caffeine and its potential role in supporting a calmer, more focused state. Instead of promising an entirely predictable effect for everyone, it is more accurate to say that guayusa properties may appeal to people looking for a smoother alternative to highly sweetened energy drinks.
📌 Summary:
Replacing a conventional energy drink with a craft plant-based beverage made with Pachamama guayusa can be a more considered choice for people who value a clear ingredient list, a refreshing flavour and a convenient source of caffeine. It may be particularly appealing during work, study or other parts of the day when you want to stay alert without choosing a heavily sweetened drink.
When is it worth reaching for a guayusa drink?
We already know that Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew has an appealing ingredient profile, offers a different approach to conventional energy drinks and reflects the distinctive properties of guayusa. Now it is time to answer one important question: when is this innovative drink most useful? The answer is simple – whenever you need quick, plant-based stimulation and do not have time to prepare a traditional infusion. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy the potential of Amazonian leaves every day.
At work and while studying – support for concentration
Long hours in front of a computer, an approaching deadline at work or an intensive period of studying are all situations in which your mind needs to stay focused. Unfortunately, coffee can sometimes add to feelings of nervousness. Thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, a guayusa drink can be a useful companion during mentally demanding tasks.
As mentioned earlier, L-theanine has been associated with alpha-wave activity in the brain and with a state often described as relaxed alertness. You may feel ready to absorb new information or tackle complex problems while remaining calm and composed. However, individual responses to caffeine can vary, so it is important to choose an amount that suits you.
💬 Scientific sources:
1. N. J. Helwig et al., Acute, dose–response effects of guayusa leaf extract on mood, cognitive and motor-cognitive performance, and blood pressure, heart rate, and ventricular repolarization, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2024.
2. J. Schuster, E. S. Mitchell, More than just caffeine: psychopharmacology of methylxanthine interactions with plant-derived phytochemicals, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2019.
A recent clinical study found that guayusa leaf extract may influence perceived energy, mood and selected measures of cognitive and motor-cognitive performance. A broader psychopharmacological review discusses how caffeine may interact with plant compounds such as polyphenols, theobromine and L-theanine. These findings are promising, but they do not mean that every person will experience the same effects.
Before training and physical activity
Are you looking for a plant-based pre-workout drink that is not overly sweet? Cold guayusa is an appealing option. This lightly sparkling drink, enriched with the refreshing character of hibiscus, can help you feel refreshed before heading to the gym, going for a run or cycling.
Caffeine may increase alertness and reduce the perception of effort during physical activity, while theobromine is another naturally occurring compound found in guayusa leaves. Together with the drink’s refreshing flavour, this makes Pachamama Guayusa Cold Brew a convenient option before an active part of the day. Remember, however, that a caffeinated drink is not a substitute for water or a balanced diet.
💡 Tip: This drink is best served well chilled. The low temperature enhances the refreshing hibiscus profile and makes it particularly enjoyable before physical activity or on a warm day.
While travelling and every day – convenient and practical
One of the greatest advantages of guayusa in a bottle is its convenience. You do not need access to hot water, a thermos, a gourd or a bombilla, and there is no need to wait several hours for a homemade cold infusion. Simply place the ready-to-drink bottle in your bag and set off.
This versatile option can accompany you while relaxing outdoors, during everyday activities or when you need to stay alert during screen-based entertainment. Instead of reaching for an overly sweet fizzy drink, discover how easy it can be to enjoy a chilled guayusa drink inspired by the Amazon.
🎯 Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew – ready whenever you are
- 📚 At university or school – when you have a long day of lectures or study ahead.
- 💼 At work – before an important client meeting or a lengthy presentation.
- 🎮 In front of a screen – when you want a refreshing drink during a long gaming session.
- 🚗 While travelling by car – as a convenient caffeinated drink for a long journey.
- ⛰️ Outdoors – the handy bottle is a practical companion for walks, hikes and time spent in nature.
- ☀️ During hot summer weather – well-chilled guayusa with hibiscus offers refreshing flavour when the temperature rises.
Pachamama – a brand inspired by nature
The brand’s name is no coincidence. Pachamama – the Incan goddess who inspires living in harmony with Nature is, in the beliefs of Indigenous Andean peoples, a deity symbolising Mother Earth: a guardian of nature, harvests and the natural order of life. This deep respect for the natural world became the foundation of a brand that has been bringing high-quality ingredients from South America to consumers for years.
When creating Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew, the producer set out not only to develop a delicious and functional alternative to energy drinks, but also to remain faithful to the ethics and philosophy that have made the brand popular among lovers of natural infusions. What exactly lies behind this approach?
Guayusa Pachamama – quality, origin and philosophy
The secret of every good infusion lies in the quality of its ingredients. The leaves used to make this bottled guayusa come from organic cultivation in Ecuador’s Napo Province. This region is known for the ideal conditions that allow guayusa holly trees to grow beneath the shade of the Amazon rainforest canopy.
The brand’s philosophy is based on premium quality without compromise. The leaves are hand-picked and carefully selected, then dried using hot air rather than smoke, which is often used when producing certain types of yerba mate. The result is a clean, herbal profile that works particularly well in a slow cold brew extraction.
If you prefer preparing your infusion with hot water and would like to explore the flavours of Mother Earth for yourself, our shop also offers traditional loose-leaf products from the same brand:
Classic 100% organic guayusa tea with no added ingredients. An ideal way to discover the delicate, natural flavour of the Amazon.
A refreshing combination of smooth guayusa and bright citrus notes. A great choice for beginning your journey with guayusa infusions.
A stimulating blend of guayusa and guarana, balanced with lemongrass and natural citrus oils.
Sustainable production and support for Amazonian communities
In today’s world, the way a product is made matters just as much as its ingredients. By choosing Pachamama products – whether ready-to-drink cold brew in a bottle or loose-leaf guayusa – you are making a more conscious consumer choice. Sustainability is one of the brand’s key priorities.
Ilex guayusa is cultivated with full respect for the local ecosystem, helping to protect Amazonian biodiversity from the effects of ongoing deforestation. The brand also works closely with local growers in Ecuador, supporting stable employment and fair trading conditions. In this way, each bottle of Pachamama Guayusa Cold Brew can be part of a broader connection between everyday enjoyment, responsible production and the development of South American communities.
Is Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew a good choice?
If you are looking for a drink that can give you a noticeable boost while staying closely connected to nature, the answer may be simple: it could be an excellent choice! Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew is more than just another stimulating drink. It offers a thoughtful balance between the fast pace of modern life and the desire to make more considered choices for your wellbeing.
By choosing this product, you are moving away from artificial colourings, preservatives and overly sweet energy drinks that may leave you feeling tired soon afterwards. Instead, you get a craft cold brew made with real leaves. Its combination of caffeine and L-theanine is associated with a feeling of “relaxed alertness” and mental clarity. The refreshing hibiscus, low sugar content and convenient format make it a practical companion at work, university, while travelling or before training – particularly on warm days when you want something refreshing.
You do not have to choose between a noticeable stimulating effect and a clear ingredient list. Discover the flavour of plant-based energy inspired by the Amazon rainforest. Open the bottle, take a sip and get on with your day!
Choose a more considered way to stay refreshed and discover your new favourite clean label guayusa drink!
❓ FAQ – frequently asked questions about Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew
1. What is guayusa and how does it work?
2. Does Guayusa Pachamama Cold Brew contain a lot of caffeine?
3. Is guayusa healthier than conventional energy drinks?
4. What does Guayusa Pachamama Hibiscus Energy taste like?
5. When is the best time to drink guayusa – in the morning or before training?
6. How is cold guayusa made and what does the NFE standard mean?
Sources of information:
- Wikipedia: Ilex guayusa.
- N. J. Helwig et al., Acute, dose–response effects of guayusa leaf extract on mood, cognitive and motor-cognitive performance, and blood pressure, heart rate, and ventricular repolarization, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2024.
- G. Wise, A. Negrin, A critical review of the composition and history of safe use of guayusa: a stimulant and antioxidant novel food, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2020.
- J. Schuster, E. S. Mitchell, More than just caffeine: psychopharmacology of methylxanthine interactions with plant-derived phytochemicals, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2019.
- E. Venditti et al., Hot vs. cold water steeping of different teas: Do they affect antioxidant activity?, Food Chemistry, 2010.
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