Memes

It's supposedly chemically similar to matcha green tea because you ingest some quantity of the leaves much like matcha. The plant leaves contain different chemicals that regulate caffeine uptake in sort of similar but different ways.

https://www.dougcollinsonline.com/blog/matcha-green-tea-vs-yerba-mate-health-benefits-guide

Yerba mate typically contains 70–90 mg of caffeine per serving, depending on the product and how it’s brewed. In loose-leaf form or in products like Unimate, that amount can go even higher—especially if is highly concentrated extract. Yerba mate also contains theobromine, a compound found in dark chocolate that provides a smooth, mood-enhancing energy boost without the spikes and crashes associated with coffee.

Matcha green tea, by comparison, delivers around 30–70 mg of caffeine per serving, depending on how much powder you use. But what makes matcha unique is its high content of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm, focused alertness. The result is a gentler energy curve that supports mental clarity and reduces stress, making it a favorite among those seeking a more mindful boost.

I've never had the traditional yerba mate, but I've used matcha powder and non-traditional yerba mate, and they are indeed smoother caffeine delivery than regular coffee of tea.