Why source from Japan
Sourced from Mie Prefecture (Taiyo Kagaku) with year-round Japanese supply, consistent quality, and traceability to the prefecture of origin.
Key spec
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 1-100 kg (pharmaceutical-grade powder).
Typical end-product
FFC supplements (sleep, relaxation) — Sleep quality or stress reduction under FFC where notified.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 4 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1-100 kg (pharmaceutical-grade powder)
- Regions of origin
- Mie Prefecture (Taiyo Kagaku)
- Category
- Marine functional ingredients
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC-accepted for sleep quality and stress reduction
- Japanese name
- L-テアニン
- Romaji
- L-Theanine
About this ingredient
Amino acid unique to tea (Camellia sinensis). Commercial production led by Taiyo Kagaku's enzymatic method.
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC-accepted for sleep quality and stress reduction |
|---|---|
| United States | GRAS (FDA GRAS Notice No. 209, 2006) |
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. Who is the main commercial producer in Japan?
Taiyo Kagaku, based in Mie Prefecture, is widely identified as a leading producer of enzymatically synthesized pharmaceutical-grade L-theanine.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What is the typical MOQ for pharmaceutical-grade L-theanine?
Typical MOQs range from 1 kg (R&D) up to 100 kg (production), with custom volumes negotiated.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What documentation should buyers request?
Request COA (purity, optical rotation confirming L-isomer), heavy metals, microbiology, allergen statement, BSE/TSE statement, kosher/halal certificates if relevant, and the GRAS Notice reference.
Sources
- Source dossier (provided)
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. Is enzymatic synthesis considered natural for marketing purposes?
This is a marketing-claim question, not a food safety one. Buyers should align supplier substantiation with the destination market's natural-claim guidance (FTC in the US, country guidance in the EU).
Q. Does L-theanine require any pre-market notification in the EU?
L-theanine is treated as a novel food in some EU member states and may require Novel Food evaluation depending on the source and use level. Verify against the EU Novel Food Catalogue and EFSA opinions before launch.
Sources
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
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
More cost-efficient options
L-Theanine is positioned in the premium tier. These ingredients offer similar functions at lower cost:
Yuzu / Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
柚子エキス
INCI Citrus Junos Fruit Extract / Citrus Junos Peel Oil; MOQ from 5–20 kg (extract); 5–20 L (essential oil).
Cost-efficient· shares 3 categories
Amazake (Sweet Koji Beverage)
甘酒
MOQ from 50–200 L (bottled) / 20–50 kg (concentrate).
Cost-efficient· shares 3 categories
Shikuwasa (Citrus depressa)
シークヮーサー
Citrus depressa Hayata source; INCI Citrus Depressa Fruit Extract; MOQ from 100 L (fresh juice); 1-10 kg (extract).
Cost-efficient· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.
太陽化学株式会社
Yokkaichi, MieEst. 1948English supportExport experienceFDA GRAS (GRAS Notice No. 209)ISOSuntheanine®, world-leading enzymatic L-theanine production
Sanct Co., Ltd.
株式会社サンクト
Koto, TokyoSmall-to-medium batch L-theanine, 5 business day lead time
Nisshin Pharma Inc.
日清ファルマ株式会社
Chiyoda, TokyoEst. 2003English supportExport experienceFSSC 22000ISO 22000Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
味の素株式会社
Chuo, TokyoEst. 1909English supportExport experienceFSSC 22000ISO 22000L-theanine fermentation
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Last updated: 2026-04-24