When I am craving something light and refreshing that actually fits your weight loss routine? This yummy Costa Rican tea for weight loss is my go to when I want flavor without sugar. You can make this Costa Rican tea recipe and serve it hot on cool mornings or pour it over ice for a bright afternoon sip. It’s quick to make, easy to batch, and tastes great hot or over ice.
It uses pineapple core for aroma, fresh ginger for warmth, and lemongrass for a clean citrus note. There is no added sugar. I tested a few ratios to keep the flavor balanced and the process quick. Below you will find step by step photos, storage tips, and a printable recipe card.
In Costa Rica, “tea” usually means simple, caffeine free herbal infusions (tés de hierbas) lemongrass, ginger, mint, chamomile, and other garden herbs steeped in hot water.
They’re typically unsweetened, light, and served hot or iced; in Nicoya you’ll also see local touches like chan a chia-like seed added for texture.
Note: This recipe is intentionally sugar‑free. We are taking inspiration from Costa Rican herbal infusions and skipping sugary drinks altogether.
It is Costa Rican inspired and leans on herbal and plant‑based infusions enjoyed across the region. We skip sugary beverages and focus on a modern, lighter take that fits a weight‑loss routine.
Yes. Use more lemongrass and a bit more ginger. You can also add lemon peel for aroma. The drink will be sharper and less rounded without pineapple core, but still refreshing.
No drink alone burns fat. This tea is low‑calorie and can replace higher calorie beverages. When paired with a balanced diet and activity, that swap can support weight‑management goals.
Chan seeds are traditional in parts of Central America. They form a gel similar to chia. If you can’t find chan, use soaked chia gel in the same way.
You can, but the recipe is designed to be enjoyed unsweetened. If needed, add only a small amount of honey or a zero‑calorie sweetener and taste as you go.
I’m a nutritionist and recipe developer who tests each drink for clear, repeatable steps. For wellness claims, I keep language simple and realistic. Herbal teas can help you drink more water, enjoy flavor without calories, and build steady habits. They are not medical treatments. See the disclaimer below.
If You like this recipe and made it Please rate the recipe. It helps us to reach more people. For the Latest updates Subscribe to Rekha’s Whatsapp. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest for more food inspirations.
Recipe Title:
Summary: A Costa Rican–inspired herbal tea using pineapple core, ginger, and lemongrass. Light, refreshing, and ready hot or iced. No added sugar, with options for hibiscus‑mint and a chan or chia gel add‑in.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cups (as a mild concentrate)
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Notes:
Nutrition (1 cup, unsweetened, approximate):
Calories 5–10; Carbs ~2 g; Fat 0 g; Protein 0 g. Values vary with steep time and add‑ins.
Keyword tags: costa rican tea, weight loss tea, pineapple ginger tea, lemongrass tea, chan seed tea, sugar free tea
Pinterest Title: Costa Rican Tea for Weight Loss (No Sugar)
Pinterest Description: Light, refreshing pineapple‑ginger lemongrass tea inspired by Costa Rica. No added sugar. Hot or iced, with hibiscus‑mint and chia/chan options. Save now, sip all week.
Straining the tea into a jar, with lemon wedges on the side.
Pouring golden pineapple‑ginger lemongrass tea into a clear mug with steam rising.
Ice‑filled glass with ruby hibiscus Costa Rican tea, lime wheel, and mint.
Close‑up of crushed lemongrass and sliced ginger in a pot with pineapple core.
This is a yerba mate recipe that actually tastes good and isn’t bitter? I have been making this from months now and tried a few Yerba mate recipes. In this post I am sharing how to make yerba mate three easy ways. Iced yerba mate (tereré) for a cold, fresh sip, cold brew yerba mate for a smooth canned-style drink, and Steeped hot yerba mate for a warm, cozy cup.
I make it almost everyday and almost perfected the method(humble brag) so I have given simple recipes with clear ratios, brew temperature targets, and quick caffeine ranges so you can pick what works for you. Use a gourd and bombilla if you have them or just use a jar, tea infuser, or French press.
I’ll am also sharing the best yerba mate brands in the US so you can buy fast and start brewing today, yerba mate versus green tea, yerba mate versus coffee caffeine, simple nutrition facts. A clear view of benefits and risks so you can decide how much yerba mate per day makes sense for you.
Ready to make it? Jump to Tereré for an instant cooler, Cold Brew for set and forget smoothness, or Hot Yerba mate tea for a deeper, earthy flavor.
Yerba mate is an infusion from Ilex paraguariensis leaves, enjoyed across South America and now in the US in loose leaf, tea bag, and canned formats. Tereré is the iced a cold-water version recognised by UNESCO as Paraguayan cultural heritage.
What does yerba mate taste like? Yerba mate tastes earthy and herbal with a little grassiness. Some blends feel smoky or woody. If you are new, start with lemon or mint or peach to soften the yerba mate taste. Cold brewing yerba mate gives a smoother sip and is easy to like.
Where does yerba mate come from? Yerba mate comes from South America. The main countries are Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. It is made from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis.
How much caffeine in yerba mate? An eight ounce cup of Yerba mate drink has about sixty to ninety milligrams of caffeine. It varies by brand, cut, and brew time.
There is so much curiosity about Is yerba mate healthy and what are yerba mate health benefits: I dug deeper and most research suggests:
Yerba mate versus green tea: Yerba mate usually has more caffeine and a deeper earthy taste. Green tea is lighter and more grassy.
Yerba mate versus coffee caffeine: Many cups of yerba mate have less caffeine than drip coffee and more caffeine than many green teas.
Best yerba mate and brands of yerba mate and yerba mate loose leaf
Look for popular brands of yerba mate that are easy to find in the United States. Loose leaf gives the most control over flavor and strength. Tea bags are convenient.
Yerba mate energy drink
If you like canned energy teas, make cold brew yerba mate at home for a similar feel with simple ingredients.
Availability: You can find canned and loose leaf yerba mate widely at Whole Foods and online (e.g., Guayakí).
Tereré = cold, herbal, social originating in Paraguay
Cold brew yields a smoother, less bitter profile great “canned Yerba mate copycat. You may have heard about Andrew Huberman yerba mate in podcasts. Keep the brew simple and keep total caffeine in check.
If you ask is yerba mate tea, it is actually an herbal infusion and not from the tea plant.
Tip: If bitter, lower the temp or shorten time. If you tilt/pre-wet the gourds it reduce clogging and bitterness.
Most cups land between sixty and ninety milligrams. Brew lighter if you are sensitive to caffeine. Caffeine & Comparisons (8 oz / 240 ml)
| Drink | Typical Caffeine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yerba Mate | ~60–90 mg (varies by brand & method) | Moderate; smooth feel for many drinkers. |
| Coffee (drip) | ~95–120 mg | Strong, roast-forward. |
| Green Tea | ~30–50 mg | L-theanine, grassy. |
| Matcha (whisked) | ~60–70 mg | Fine-powder suspension. |
(Ranges vary by leaf, grind, and brew. Always check your package/brand.)
Here are brands of yerba mate most readers in the United States can find quickly, plus a few best yerba mate picks for beginners. Loose leaf options are included.
Many people ask why is yerba mate bad for you? If enjoyed in moderation Yerba mate benefits outweigh probable risks.
Heat water at 70–80 °C (158–176 °F); avoid boiling
The iced, cold water version of yerba mate, a Paraguayan tradition recognized by UNESCO.
It tastes earthy and herbal. Some blends taste grassy or smoky. Add lemon, mint, or peach if you want a softer flavor.
Yes. A typical eight ounce cup has about sixty to ninety milligrams. This depends on brand and brew time.
Very hot drinks can be irritating. Also, caffeine is not ideal for everyone. Drink warm rather than boiling and find a portion that suits you.
There is no magic. Yerba mate is very low in calories on its own. Results depend on your overall diet and daily habits
Yerba mate is usually stronger in caffeine and has a deeper flavor. Green tea is lighter.
Canned yerba mate is marketed like one. A homemade yerba mate energy drink can be as simple as cold brew over ice with lemon.
Yerba mate comes up in podcasts for its mix of caffeine and theobromine. Keep servings modest and focus on overall habits.
If You like this recipe and made it Please rate the recipe. It helps us to reach more people. For the Latest updates Subscribe to Rekha’s Whatsapp. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest for more food inspirations.
Scientific research underscores the numerous health benefits of yerba mate. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights yerba mate’s high antioxidant capacity (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf00096a006). Research published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics demonstrates its effectiveness in aiding weight loss and improving lipid profiles (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jhn.12345). Additionally, a PLOS ONE study found that regular yerba mate consumption can lower LDL cholesterol levels, enhancing cardiovascular health (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0000000). For safety considerations, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluates the carcinogenic risks associated with yerba mate (https://monographs.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mono100E-10.pdf).
Google is celebrating the popularity of bubble tea with a doodle to highlight the drink’s cultural significance and widespread appeal. Bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, has become a global phenomenon and a staple in many countries worldwide. The Google Doodle is a way to pay tribute to the creativity and innovation behind the beloved beverage and celebrate its impact on the world of food and drink. The doodle also reflects the increasing importance of food culture and the role it plays in bringing people together and fostering community.
Play Google doodle’s bubble tea game.
Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea or boba, is a famous Taiwanese drink that has been enjoyed for decades. Originating in the 1980s, bubble tea has quickly become a staple in many countries worldwide. With its unique combination of chewy tapioca pearls and sweet tea, bubble tea has become a must-try for tea lovers everywhere. In this article, we will explore the history of bubble tea, the ingredients and equipment needed to make it, and how to make bubble tea from scratch.
Bubble tea was first created in the 1980s in Taiwan, where tea shops began experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. It is said that the founder of bubble tea was inspired by a dessert that was popular at the time, which consisted of sweetened, chewy tapioca balls. The tea shop owner decided to add these tapioca pearls to his tea; thus, bubble tea was born.
Bubble tea quickly gained popularity in Taiwan and soon spread to other countries in Asia, including Japan and China. By the 1990s, bubble tea had made its way to the United States and Europe, and today, bubble tea is a popular drink all over the world.
Ingredients and Equipment.
Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
The first step in making bubble tea is to cook tapioca pearls. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the tapioca pearls. Cook the tapioca pearls for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and chewy. Once cooked, drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them with cold water.
Step 2: Brew the Tea
While the tapioca pearls are cooking, brew the tea. To do this, bring a tea kettle or pot of water to a boil, then steep the tea for 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of tea you are using. Strain the tea and set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Milk (Optional)
Once the tea has cooled, add sugar or sweetener to taste. If you prefer, you can also add milk to the tea to make it creamier. If you are using a blender, add the tea, sugar, sweetener, and milk to the blender and blend until smooth. If you are not using a blender, simply stir the ingredients together.
Step 4: Add Ice and Tapioca Pearls
Fill each cup with ice, then pour the tea mixture over the ice. Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the cup, then stir to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the bubble tea with a straw and enjoy! You can also add other toppings such as fruit, syrup, or jelly to customize the flavor of your bubble tea.
Bubble tea is a delicious and unique drink that has become a staple in many countries around the world. With its combination of chewy.
<p>The post Google’s Bubble Tea Doodle Explained: Tapioca Pearls, Milk Tea, and a Whole Lot of Fun first appeared on Aroma of Kitchen.</p>
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