Coconut Cacao Guayusa #120: Caffeine and Brewing FAQ
By Home | Portal Tea | Tea Chai Lovers | United States | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: How-to Guides
Get clear answers on Coconut Cacao Guayusa #120 caffeine, flavor, brewing, and how it compares to coffee—plus practical tips for your first cup.
Quick answer
Coconut Cacao Guayusa #120 is a caffeinated herbal blend that you brew like tea—steep it in hot water, then enjoy the tropical coconut and cacao notes. Use about 1 teaspoon per cup and adjust steeping time to your taste.
Why guayusa is compared to maté—and what that means for your cup
Guayusa is a holly plant native to the Amazon, and it's related to yerba maté. That kinship explains the similar grassy, slightly earthy base flavor. In this blend, the guayusa leaves are paired with coconut and cacao nibs, which round out the edges and add a dessert-like aroma. If you enjoy maté but want something less bitter and more tropical, this is a natural next step.
The caffeine question: how it compares to coffee
Guayusa contains caffeine, but the exact amount in a cup depends on how much leaf you use and how long you steep. The blend is caffeinated, so it's not a caffeine-free herbal tea. If you're sensitive to caffeine, start with a shorter steep and a smaller portion, or enjoy it earlier in the day. For a direct coffee comparison, we can't give a precise milligram-to-milligram figure because steeping strength varies—but many drinkers find guayusa's lift gentler and more sustained than coffee's quick jolt.
Flavor profile: what to expect from coconut and cacao
The first thing you'll notice is the coconut—sweet, nutty, and unmistakably tropical. Cacao nibs add a subtle chocolate bitterness that keeps the cup from tasting like candy. The guayusa base provides a mild, grassy backbone. It's a medium-bodied cup that's pleasant plain, but a splash of milk or a little honey can make it feel more indulgent. Because the cacao is semi-sweet, you likely won't need extra sweetener unless you have a strong sweet tooth.
Coconut Cacao Guayusa #120 FAQ
- How much caffeine is in a cup?
- Guayusa is caffeinated, but the exact amount per cup isn't listed on the package. It depends on your leaf-to-water ratio and steep time. Start with 1 teaspoon per 8 oz cup and a 4–5 minute steep; adjust from there. If you're cutting back on caffeine, use less leaf or a shorter steep.
- How do I brew cacao guayusa?
- Use freshly boiled water (about 200–212°F) and steep 1 teaspoon of blend per 8 oz cup for 4–6 minutes. Strain and enjoy. For a stronger cup, add more leaf rather than steeping longer, which can bring out bitterness. A fine-mesh strainer or infuser basket works well; the cacao nibs are small, so a paper filter can help if you want a clearer cup.
- What does it taste like?
- Expect a tropical coconut aroma and flavor up front, with a gentle chocolate bitterness from the cacao nibs and a mild grassy base from the guayusa. It's medium-bodied and not overly sweet. Try it plain first, then add milk or honey if you prefer a richer drink.
- Is it better than coffee?
- That's personal. Guayusa provides caffeine but also contains other compounds that may make the lift feel smoother for some people. If you like coffee's bold roast flavor, guayusa won't replace it—but if you want a gentler, flavored caffeinated drink, it's worth trying. Consider it an alternative, not a direct substitute; adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Can I drink it at night?
- Because it contains caffeine, it may interfere with sleep for some people. If you're sensitive, avoid drinking it within a few hours of bedtime. Listen to your body—if you're unsure, try a small cup earlier in the day first.
Product facts
- Coconut Cacao Guayusa #120: Coconut Cacao Guayusa #120 is a caffeinated blend of guayusa leaves, coconut, and cacao nibs, sold in a 1.05 oz tin. The tin size gives you a chance to try several cups before committing to a larger amount, and the caffeine content means you can treat it as a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Coconut Cacao Guayusa #120
