FAQ
New to Guayusa? This FAQ covers the questions we hear most often about caffeine, brewing, origin, ordering and shipping.
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a naturally caffeinated Amazonian holly traditionally consumed in Ecuador. The amount of caffeine in a cup varies with the leaf, serving size and brewing method.
For deeper answers, explore our Guayusa caffeine guide, brewing guide, research-aware benefits guide, Canadian buying guide, or U.S. buying guide.
Do you ship Guayusa to the USA? Yes. Upina ships to the United States, and the 5 Pound size includes free shipping to the USA. See our Guayusa Tea USA page for more details.
Do you offer wholesale Guayusa? Yes. Retailers, cafés, wellness shops and hospitality businesses can learn more on our Wholesale Guayusa Canada page.
Ready to try it? Shop Upina Organic Guayusa Tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship Guayusa tea to the United States & Other Countries?
Yes! We ship Worldwide with ease.
Will I have to pay customs duties or import fees into the USA?
Due to recent U.S. customs changes, some shipments entering the United States may require duties or import fees to be prepaid before delivery.
To ensure a smooth delivery with no surprise charges, we ship U.S. orders using Canada Post with duty prepayment handled through Zonos.
Will I be charged duties at checkout?
If duties apply to your order, they are calculated in advance and included before shipment, not charged upon delivery. This means:
No surprise fees from USPS or customs
Faster, smoother delivery
Full transparency
In many cases, duties are minimal or zero, depending on the product and order value.
Where does your Guayusa come from?
Our Guayusa is ethically sourced from Ecuador, where it is traditionally grown and harvested. We work with trusted producers and prioritize freshness, quality, and responsible sourcing.
What makes Guayusa different from coffee or yerba mate?
Guayusa and coffee both contain caffeine, but they come from different plants and have different flavours and traditions. Guayusa is a brewed leaf from Ilex guayusa; coffee is brewed from roasted seeds. Compared with yerba mate, Guayusa is often described as smoother and less bitter, although taste and caffeine response vary by person and preparation.
Compare Guayusa vs Coffee → · Compare Guayusa vs Yerba Mate →
What if I don’t like it?
We want you to love your Guayusa. If you’re not satisfied, contact us within 30 days and we’ll make it right.
Does Guayusa tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Guayusa naturally contains caffeine. The amount in a cup varies with the leaf, serving size, water temperature and steeping time, so there is no single caffeine number that applies to every brew.
How do I brew loose-leaf Guayusa?
A good starting point is 1–2 teaspoons of loose-leaf Guayusa per 8 oz of water, heated to about 90–95°C, steeped for 5–8 minutes. Adjust leaf amount and steep time to taste.
Where can I buy Guayusa tea in Canada?
Upina offers Organic, Fairtrade loose-leaf Guayusa sourced from Ecuador and shipped from British Columbia, Canada. We offer a smaller sample size as well as larger formats for regular drinkers and bulk buyers.
What are the benefits of Guayusa tea?
Guayusa is a naturally caffeinated leaf containing compounds including caffeine, theobromine and polyphenols. Research is still developing, so we avoid treating early laboratory or small human studies as proof of broad health benefits.