Supplements · Amino acids & peptides
L-Theanine
L-テアニン (L-Teanin)
Also known as: Theanine
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| Category | Supplements |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Theanine (cosmetic context)↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | テアニン |
| Common Japanese notations | L-テアニン, テアニン |
| CAS number | 3081-61-6↗ |
| Origin | Plant-derived (predominantly from Camellia sinensis) |
| Typical functions | Functional food ingredient (relaxation, sleep), Tea umami component, Cosmetic skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | L-theanine appears in FFC notifications. Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary. |
L-theanine is the amino acid responsible for the umami character of green tea, especially shade-grown teas like gyokuro and matcha. It is also a major ingredient in functional food supplements positioning around relaxation and sleep quality, with multiple Foods with Function Claims notifications in Japan.
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Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- FFC supplements (sleep, relaxation)
- Functional beverages
- Premium green tea (natural source)
- Functional chocolate
Ingredient profile
L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid that occurs naturally in the leaves of Camellia sinensis (tea) and a few other species. Shaded tea leaves accumulate higher theanine concentrations than sun-grown leaves.
OEM applications
In supplements, L-theanine appears in soft-gel and tablet products marketed for relaxation and sleep quality, often with FFC notifications.
Regulatory classification in Japan
FFC notifications involving L-theanine have been submitted to the Consumer Affairs Agency.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Supplement uses are permitted under general food law; specific health claims require EFSA review. |
|---|---|
| USA | Sold as a dietary supplement. |
| China | Verify against current regulatory listings. |
| Korea | Permitted. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is L-Theanine?
- L-theanine is the amino acid responsible for the umami character of green tea, especially shade-grown teas like gyokuro and matcha. It is also a major ingredient in functional food supplements positioning around relaxation and sleep quality, with multiple Foods with Function Claims notifications in Japan.
- What is the regulatory status of L-Theanine in Japan?
- L-theanine appears in FFC notifications. Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary.
- What products typically use L-Theanine?
- FFC supplements (sleep, relaxation) / Functional beverages / Premium green tea (natural source) / Functional chocolate
- Where does L-Theanine come from?
- Plant-derived (predominantly from Camellia sinensis)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for L-Theanine?
- INCI: Theanine (cosmetic context) / JSCI: テアニン
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Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What is L-theanine?
L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid (CAS 3081-61-6) that occurs naturally in tea (Camellia sinensis) and is responsible for much of green tea's umami character.
Q. Why do shaded teas have more L-theanine?
Shading the tea plants reduces UV exposure and slows the conversion of L-theanine into catechins, producing higher theanine and lower bitter-catechin levels in shaded teas like gyokuro and matcha.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What is the FFC profile of L-theanine in Japan?
L-theanine appears in multiple Foods with Function Claims notifications, commonly around relaxation and sleep quality endpoints. Verify specific brand-claim combinations against the Consumer Affairs Agency database.
Q. Is L-theanine GRAS in the United States?
Yes — L-theanine has been the subject of an FDA GRAS Notice (GRN No. 209) without objection from FDA, supporting general food use within the conditions described.
Use cases
FFC supplements (sleep, relaxation)
- Positioning
- Sleep quality or stress reduction under FFC where notified
- Typical usage level
- Per individual FFC notification (commonly ~100–200 mg/day)
- Formulation notes
- Stable in tablets and capsules; clean profile in beverages
Functional beverages
- Positioning
- Daily relaxation beverage category
- Formulation notes
- Excellent solubility; near-neutral flavor enables clean beverage matrices
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Premium green tea (natural source)
- Positioning
- Shaded tea umami premiumization (gyokuro, matcha)
- Formulation notes
- Natural occurrence; no addition required
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Functional chocolate
- Positioning
- Daily relaxation chocolate
- Formulation notes
- Use in tempered chocolate bases; pairs well with GABA in stress-positioned products
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
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Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- Japan Consumer Affairs Agency — Foods with Function Claims notification database
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.