Monster carries more total caffeine per serving (160mg per 16 oz can vs 85mg per 8 oz cup), but ounce for ounce yerba mate is actually the stronger drink at about 11mg per fluid ounce against 10. Which one "has more caffeine" depends on whether you measure the container or the concentration.
These are different categories of drink, which changes how the caffeine arrives. Energy drinks and sodas list an exact number because caffeine is a measured additive; brewed drinks vary with the beans and the brew, so their figures are compiled averages. The numbers here are the standard published values for each.
yerba mate vs Monster: the numbers
| yerba mate | Monster | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 85mg per 8 oz cup | 160mg per 16 oz can |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 10.6mg | 10.0mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 4.7 | 2.5 |
Sources: yerba mate's figure is verified in our yerba mate caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer / compiled (source); Monster's figure is verified in our Monster guide against Caffeine Informer (source).
Which one should you pick?
Pick yerba mate when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and Monster when you actually need the bigger hit and know your tolerance. If you are stacking either with other caffeinated drinks through the day, run the math against the 400mg reference rather than guessing.
For context, the FDA cites 400mg of caffeine a day as an amount generally not associated with negative effects in healthy adults. Tolerance and health vary, so treat these numbers as information, not advice.
Related reading
- yerba mate: the full caffeine guide
- Monster: the full caffeine guide
- The verified caffeine database
- Every drink compared: the comparisons index
FAQ
Does yerba mate or Monster have more caffeine? Monster: 160mg per 16 oz can versus 85mg per 8 oz cup for yerba mate.
Which is stronger per ounce? yerba mate, at about 10.6mg per fluid ounce versus 10.0mg for Monster.
Comparing caffeine? The caffeine comparison tool puts hundreds of drinks side by side, and the caffeine curfew calculator can check your cutoff time for tonight.