L-Theanine
L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid that occurs naturally in the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Most commercial supply is made either enzymatically, by joining L-glutamine and ethylamine with a glutaminase enzyme, or by microbial fermentation followed by filtration, ion exchange and crystallization; a smaller share is extracted and purified from tea. It is sold as a white crystalline powder, usually specified at 98% or higher purity, and the production route determines whether the material is the pure L-isomer or a racemic DL mixture.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Crystalline powder made from L-glutamine and ethylamine with an enzyme, or by fermentation with a production microbe; typically 98%+ L-theanine and the most common bulk form.
Purified from tea leaves; marketed on botanical origin, generally at higher cost and lower volume than enzymatic or fermented material.
Trademarked, single-source ingredients such as Suntheanine and AlphaWave, sold with the supplier's own specification, documentation and regulatory file.
Agglomerated material with better flow for tableting and high-speed encapsulation, versus fine powder for drink mixes.
Chemically synthesized material containing both D- and L-isomers; buyers who need L-theanine check optical purity on the COA.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
L-theanine is a stable crystalline solid. Keep it in sealed, lined containers in a cool, dry area away from direct light so the powder does not pick up moisture and cake. Suppliers assign a shelf life or retest date to each lot, and opened containers should be resealed promptly.
Record the supplier's lot number, assay and optical purity for every receipt, since route of manufacture and purity can differ between sources even at the same nominal spec. Track retest or expiry dates and use older lots first (FEFO); if you switch between enzymatic, fermented and tea-extracted material, keep them as separate items because their documentation differs.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA closed GRAS Notice GRN 209 for L-theanine, filed by Taiyo International, with a "no questions" response in February 2007.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRAS Notice GRN 1311 (Zhejiang Zhenyuan Biotech) covers L-theanine made by fermentation with an E. coli production strain; FDA responded that it had no questions.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's GRAS inventory also includes GRN 338, covering L-theanine extracted from tea leaves.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · City of Industry, CA
California ingredient supplier that sources branded and commodity ingredients for supplement and food makers, from amino acids and vitamins to magnesium L-threonate and a plant-based vitamin D3.
Manufacturer · Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Sells it as L-TeaActive
California ingredient company that makes nature-identical specialty nutrients by fermentation and bioconversion, including ergothioneine, L-theanine, hydroxytyrosol, pterostilbene and vitamin K2.
Novato, CA
Sells it as AlphaWave
California ingredient company that supplies specialty ingredients, including AlphaWave L-theanine and vitamin C.
Distributor · Cerritos, CA
California bulk ingredient supplier that sources L-theanine powder through manufacturing partners and sells it in bulk packs to brands and manufacturers.
Distributor · Milford, CT
Sells it as Suntheanine
Connecticut-based supplier of branded and specialty ingredients that offers Suntheanine L-theanine to North American brands.
Manufacturer · Yokkaichi, Japan
Sells it as Suntheanine
Japanese ingredient maker (Taiyo Kagaku) whose Sunphenon green tea extracts and Suntheanine L-theanine are produced at its own plants. Taiyo International is the North American sales arm.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include enzymatic or fermentation-derived L-theanine, tea-extracted L-theanine, branded L-theanine, granular or direct-compression grade and dL-theanine (racemic). Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity, assay (HPLC), optical rotation / chiral purity, loss on drying, related substances, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
L-theanine is a stable crystalline solid. Keep it in sealed, lined containers in a cool, dry area away from direct light so the powder does not pick up moisture and cake. Suppliers assign a shelf life or retest date to each lot, and opened containers should be resealed promptly.
FDA closed GRAS Notice GRN 209 for L-theanine, filed by Taiyo International, with a "no questions" response in February 2007. GRAS Notice GRN 1311 (Zhejiang Zhenyuan Biotech) covers L-theanine made by fermentation with an E. coli production strain; FDA responded that it had no questions. FDA's GRAS inventory also includes GRN 338, covering L-theanine extracted from tea leaves.
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