What is Yaupon Tea?

Yaupon (pronounced yō-pon) is America's only native caffeine—steeped in indigenous history, restored to daily rituals.

It’s a type of holly found in the southern U.S., traditionally brewed as a tea for its smooth energy and antioxidant benefits. Learn More About Yaupon.

Why Choose Yaupon Tea?

Because nature got it right. Yaupon tea is packed with antioxidants, a natural source of theobromine (that feel-good compound in chocolate), and delivers a gentle lift without the crash. It’s energy, but on nature’s terms—smooth, steady, and just enough to keep you going without the jitters.

At CatSpring Yaupon, we’re not just making tea. We’re reviving traditions, stewarding the land, and building community—one cup at a time.

Naturally caffeinated
Grown and wild-harvested in Texas- no international tariffs or shipping costs
Contains antioxidants like rutin
No tannins = no bitterness
Sustainable and regenerative harvest practices
Used by Indigenous peoples for centuries

Is Yaupon Tea Healthy?

Yaupon is a climate-resilient evergreen tree from the holly family. Yerba mates’ American cousin, yaupon is an easy to use functional ingredient packed with health benefits: joy, energy, focus & more. We wild harvest across Texas, meaning no pesticides- just natural and organic flavor with every sip. Learn More About the Health Benefits of Yaupon.

How Yaupon Tea Compares to Coffee and Green Tea

Unlike coffee, which can sometimes cause jitters and crashes, yaupon provides a clean, balanced, joyful energy. It contains:

Caffeine – 25mg of caffeine per serving for a natural boost, compared to 50mg in black tea and 100mg in coffee.
Theobromine – The same feel-good compound found in chocolate that sparks joy and is known for gentle, long-lasting energy
No Tannins- Tea has tannins, yaupon does not. So you can steep multiple times without your drink growing bitter or astringent.

The result? A naturally uplifting tea that energizes without the downsides of synthetic stimulants. Whether you enjoy it hot, iced, or blended into your favorite drink, yaupon offers a uniquely American way to wake up and stay focused.

Yaupon’s Indigenous and Cultural History

You may have yaupon in your yard: in the south, it’s a common shrub also used as a decorative plant. And this little plant has a storied history.

Known as "our beloved tree" to the Cherokees, native cultures drank yaupon over one thousand years ago, and eventually traded it as far north as modern-day Illinois. In our region the Karankawas harvested and loved the yaupon before they were largely eradicated.

When European immigrants discovered the drink, along with its medicinal properties, they brought it back to the continent. Until the 19th century, it was quite the rage, until trading ceased, possibly due to a tea conspiracy spearheaded by the East India Company and largely due to the eradication and eventual forced relocation of the indigenous tribes like the Chickasaw's to Oklahoma.

During the Civil War and World War II, yaupon was also a popular substitute for coffee for soldiers and civilians alike.

Find more about this forgotten treasure in our award-winning animated video, showcased at the World Tea Expo:

Where to buy yaupon tea:

Right here

Want a Deeper Dive? Explore:

Frequently Asked Questions About Yaupon Tea

What is yaupon tea?

Yaupon tea is a naturally caffeinated herbal tea made from the leaves of the yaupon holly — the only caffeine-producing plant native to North America. It has been enjoyed for centuries and is sustainably wild-harvested in the southern U.S.

Does yaupon tea have caffeine?

Yes! Yaupon contains about the same amount of caffeine as green tea, offering a smooth, jitter-free energy boost. It also contains theobromine — the feel-good compound found in chocolate.

What does yaupon tea taste like?

Yaupon has a clean, earthy flavor that varies by roast. Green yaupon is grassy and delicate, medium is nutty and smooth, and dark has a bold, roasted character similar to black tea — but without the bitterness.

Is yaupon tea healthy?

Yes! Yaupon is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s naturally free of tannins (so it won’t get bitter when steeped) and contains no calories, sugar, or artificial ingredients.

How do you brew yaupon tea?

Steep 1–2 teaspoons of loose-leaf yaupon (or 1 sachet) in hot water for 3–5 minutes. You can enjoy it hot or iced, and it won’t over-steep or get bitter — even if you forget about it!

Where does yaupon tea come from?

Our yaupon is wild-harvested in Texas, where it grows naturally without irrigation or pesticides. It’s hand-foraged by our team as part of our commitment to sustainability and second-chance employment.