Anecdotal, but I've had multiple Physicians (Urologists, specifically) recommend Mate as an alternative to Coffee and Tea. Particularly for people who find that Coffee or Tea causes them excessive urination and/or poor sleep quality; or who want to reduce the amount of acid in their diet. Though, as a reminder, Mate does also have caffiene, which can cause excessive urination and/sleep problems all by itself, even in pure (i.e., pill) form...
FWIW, as a long-time resident in the north-east USA, I've seen mate increasingly available in large grocery stores (super markets); though not consistently. And often it's the pre-mixed 'canned mate' form -- whatever that stuff is; I've never tried it. But Mate is typically also available in ground leaf/powder form, in tea bags. And sometimes in bulk form. That's what I purchase.
Sadly, I've rarely encountered Mate in restaurants in the USA, even in ones which advertise a selection of high-quality teas. At best, I've seen it in independent tea rooms and coffee bars. No, NOT in StarPhucks--yucks: coffee so bitter--at least not any of the ones near me.
After trying several of the brands of Mate that my local grocery store carried, I (happily) settled on the products from the Mate Factor company, from Asheville, NC. (I have no connection with them, other than as a very satisfied customer.) I particularly like their 'Mocha Mint' flavor, hot, either by itself, or slighly sweetened. (Though I can taste the mint note, most definitely; the mocha part is: ehh?) I think the Chai flavor is also good, but may be more of an acquired taste. The Hibiscus Lime is also yummy (IMO); but may not be a good choice for those who gave up coffee or tea for mate on acidity grounds (that's not medical advice, and I'm not your doctor).
https://matefactor.com/collections/yerba-mate
EDIT: typo fixes
FWIW, as a long-time resident in the north-east USA, I've seen mate increasingly available in large grocery stores (super markets); though not consistently. And often it's the pre-mixed 'canned mate' form -- whatever that stuff is; I've never tried it. But Mate is typically also available in ground leaf/powder form, in tea bags. And sometimes in bulk form. That's what I purchase.
Sadly, I've rarely encountered Mate in restaurants in the USA, even in ones which advertise a selection of high-quality teas. At best, I've seen it in independent tea rooms and coffee bars. No, NOT in StarPhucks--yucks: coffee so bitter--at least not any of the ones near me.
After trying several of the brands of Mate that my local grocery store carried, I (happily) settled on the products from the Mate Factor company, from Asheville, NC. (I have no connection with them, other than as a very satisfied customer.) I particularly like their 'Mocha Mint' flavor, hot, either by itself, or slighly sweetened. (Though I can taste the mint note, most definitely; the mocha part is: ehh?) I think the Chai flavor is also good, but may be more of an acquired taste. The Hibiscus Lime is also yummy (IMO); but may not be a good choice for those who gave up coffee or tea for mate on acidity grounds (that's not medical advice, and I'm not your doctor).
https://matefactor.com/collections/yerba-mate
EDIT: typo fixes