| Common name | L-Theanine |
| IUPAC name | (S)-2-Amino-4-(ethylamino)-4-oxobutanoic acid |
| Synonyms | γ-Glutamylethylamide; 5-N-Ethyl-L-glutamine |
| CAS number | 3081-61-6 |
| Molecular formula | C₇H₁₄N₂O₃ |
| Molecular weight | 174.20 g/mol |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98% |
| Optical rotation [α]D²⁵ | +6.0° to +8.0° (c=1, H₂O) — chiral L-isomer |
| Appearance | White to off-white fine crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol |
| pH (1% solution) | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Mesh size | 60–80 mesh |
| Moisture (LOD) | NMT 0.5% |
| Ash content | NMT 0.1% |
| Heavy metals | NMT 10 ppm total; Lead NMT 0.5 ppm |
| Microbial limits | TPC NMT 1,000 CFU/g; Salmonella and E. coli absent |
| Storage | Cool, dry, away from light; 15–25°C; sealed container |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture (sealed) |
| Source | Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaves — extraction or enzymatic synthesis |
| Regulatory status | GRAS (USA); Novel Food approved (EU); Kosher/Halal available |
Every L-Theanine batch is verified by HPLC for purity, confirmed by optical rotation testing for L-isomer chiral purity, and tested for heavy metals and microbial safety. Full documentation with every shipment.
Every batch is tested by HPLC to confirm ≥98% L-Theanine content. Purity certificates issued per batch with full analytical chromatography data.
L-Theanine's specific optical rotation [α]D²⁵ = +6.0° to +8.0° is verified per batch — confirming the biologically active L-isomer and ruling out D-Theanine contamination.
Lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and pesticide residues tested to USP and EU limits. Microbial safety (TPC, yeast/mould, E. coli, Salmonella) verified before export.
COA, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, and Phytosanitary Certificate prepared for every shipment. Halal/Kosher certificates available on request.
The caffeine and L-theanine combination is one of the most commonly specified ingredient pairings in this category. Understanding the ratio between the two compounds is the key formulation decision: different caffeine-to-theanine ratios produce different formulation profiles, and the ratio is normally matched to the product's intended positioning.
L-theanine and caffeine are formulated together at a range of ratios depending on the positioning intended. Ratio selection is the formulator's decision; we quote against a specified ratio or supply the actives separately. The ratio table below is provided to guide formula selection; inclusion levels and any claim position remain the finished-product manufacturer's decision.
The lightest modulation — preserves most of caffeine's energising effect while noticeably reducing jitteriness and anxiety in caffeine-sensitive users. Common in energy drinks with a "clean energy" positioning and mainstream pre-workout formulas where high stimulation is still desired.
The ratio used in the majority of peer-reviewed studies. Consistently outperforms caffeine alone on tasks measuring sustained attention, working memory accuracy, and task-switching speed. Reduces self-reported headaches, jitteriness, and heart rate elevation. This is the go-to ratio for nootropic stacks, productivity supplements, and focus formulas targeting knowledge workers and students.
At this ratio L-theanine is the dominant active by weight and caffeine is present at a low inclusion. Formulators specify it where a lower-stimulant positioning is intended. Relaxation suitable for extended cognitive tasks, creative work, and users with high caffeine sensitivity. Popular in afternoon or evening focus products and mindfulness-adjacent supplement lines.
Without caffeine, L-Theanine at 200–400mg shows clinically significant improvements in sleep quality (increased slow-wave sleep duration), reduction in stress biomarkers (salivary chromogranin A), and reduced trait anxiety scores. The preferred form for children's calm supplements, sleep formulas, and products positioned as caffeine-free alternatives for the growing stimulant-free consumer segment.
L-theanine is supplied as an isolate at ≥98% or ≥99% by HPLC, as a 20% standardised Camellia sinensis extract where a botanical declaration is wanted, and as a chiral-verified grade carrying optical rotation confirming the L-isomer. Assay between the 20% extract and the isolate differs by roughly a factor of five, so the two are not comparable on a weight-for-weight basis.
It is freely soluble in water and only slightly soluble in ethanol, which makes it straightforward in aqueous, beverage and instant formats without a solubiliser. The 60–80 mesh grade disperses quickly in stick packs and shaker formats, and blends and compresses predictably in capsules and tablets with no pigment carry-through.
It is commonly specified alongside caffeine in the relaxation and focus categories, either as separate actives or against a fixed blend ratio quoted on enquiry. Any claim made on the finished product is the manufacturer's responsibility and depends on the destination market.
Supplied as a bulk ingredient for further manufacture. Buyers are responsible for compliance with the regulations of their destination market. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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