Wholesome in bulk™ L-Theanine Powder
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Bulk L-Theanine Powder for Supplement Manufacturing
L-theanine is a white crystalline powder made by enzymatic conversion or chemical synthesis, matching the amino acid first isolated from tea leaves. Chemically it is N5-ethyl-L-glutamine, and only the L-form occurs in fresh tea. Supplement grades are sold at NLT 98% by HPLC, with specific rotation or chiral testing to confirm the L-form. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators. You can request testing documents and samples on the quote form.
A defined amino acid with a clear identity check
L-theanine is a single compound with a known chemistry and standard test methods. The main question for buyers is the L-form, and that can be checked. These are the properties quality teams look at first.
A compound from tea chemistry
L-theanine is N5-ethyl-L-glutamine, first isolated from tea leaves in 1950. It is one of the savory umami compounds in green tea.
One chiral center
Theanine exists as L and D forms. Fresh tea leaves contain the L-form, while simple chemical synthesis gives a 50:50 DL mix.
Three production routes
Makers use enzymatic conversion, chemical synthesis, or extraction from tea. Enzymatic routes use bacterial enzymes, such as glutaminase, that produce the L-form.
Clear assay and rotation targets
Typical specs call for NLT 98% by HPLC and a specific rotation of +7.5° to +8.5°. A DL mix reads near zero rotation, so this test screens out racemic material.
Fine white powder
L-theanine is a white crystalline powder, often 90% through 80 mesh. That fineness suits capsule filling, tableting, and dry blending.
Clear solutions, mild taste
L-theanine gives a clear, colorless solution in water, with pH 4.5 to 6.0 in standard tests. Its taste is mild and savory, so it fits flavored and unflavored formats.
Where formulators use L-theanine
L-theanine fits measured formats where the serving size is controlled, including:
- Capsules
- Compressed tablets
- Single ingredient powders
- Powdered drink mixes
- Stick packs and sachets
- Gummies and chewables
- Functional beverages, after checking market rules
- Private label programs
Plan amounts from the confirmed assay on each COA. Rules for added theanine in beverages differ by country, so confirm the destination market before you launch a ready to drink product.
What to check before you buy L-theanine
Two powders sold as L-theanine can differ in isomer content, production route, and documentation. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
L-isomer content
Ask how the supplier confirms the L-form. Specific rotation screens out racemic material, but only a chiral HPLC test measures a few percent of D-theanine.
Production route
Ask which route made the lot. Simple chemical synthesis gives DL-theanine, so a synthetic lot needs a resolution step and chiral data to back an L-theanine label.
Assay by HPLC
Ask for the HPLC assay and the measured value. One published supplier COA showed 99.41% against an NLT 98% limit.
Branded or generic
Some L-theanine is sold under registered brand names that only the brand owner's material may carry. Generic L-theanine cannot use those names, so check the manufacturer on the COA.
Heavy metal limits
Check lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury by ICP-MS. One published COA set lead at NMT 0.5 ppm and arsenic at NMT 2 ppm.
Standard and origin
Ask which standard the lot meets and the country of manufacture. Some COAs cite an 'enterprise standard' rather than a pharmacopoeia, so get the full specification in writing.
Label naming: If your label says L-theanine, keep chiral data on file that confirms the L-form. A lot made by simple synthesis is DL-theanine and should be named and specified that way.
Typical specification for L-theanine
These values reflect a common market specification for L-theanine. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | L-theanine (N5-ethyl-L-glutamine), C7H14N2O3, CAS 3081-61-6 | HPLC or IR against reference standard |
| Appearance | White to yellowish white crystalline powder | Visual |
| Assay | NLT 98.0% | HPLC |
| D-theanine | Limit on the specification sheet; lot result on the COA | Chiral HPLC |
| Specific rotation | +7.5° to +8.5° | USP <781> |
| pH | 4.5 to 6.0 | pH meter |
| Clarity of solution | Clear and colorless | Visual |
| Loss on drying | NMT 1.0% | USP <731> |
| Residue on ignition | NMT 0.2% | USP <281> |
| Chloride | NMT 0.02% | Limit test |
| Sulfate | NMT 0.02% | Limit test |
| Particle size | 90% through 80 mesh | USP <786> |
| Lead | NMT 0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | NMT 2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium | NMT 1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury | NMT 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | NMT 1,000 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | NMT 100 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli and Salmonella | Negative | USP <2022> |
| Shelf life | Based on supplier stability data, unopened | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk L-theanine
L-theanine keeps well as a dry powder when it stays sealed, cool, and dark. These steps keep the powder in good condition between production runs.
Keep it sealed
Close the inner liner after each use and press out the air. Fine powders pick up moisture from humid air and can cake when left open.
Store cool and dry
Keep bags off the floor in a dry room, away from heat sources. Follow the temperature range on the spec sheet.
Keep away from light
Leave the powder in its original opaque packaging. Store it away from direct sun.
Rotate stock
Record the lot number and retest date for each bag. Send older lots to production first.
L-theanine buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is the difference between L-theanine and DL-theanine?
L-theanine is the single form found in fresh tea leaves, while DL-theanine is a 50:50 mix of the L and D forms. Simple chemical synthesis makes the DL mix, so the production route and a chiral test tell you which one you have.
How do I confirm the L-isomer content?
Ask for chiral HPLC data showing the D-theanine level. Specific rotation helps, since a DL mix reads near zero, but it cannot measure small amounts of D-theanine.
Is this a branded L-theanine?
Only if the lot comes from the brand owner. Branded L-theanine names are registered trademarks, and other materials cannot use them.
How is L-theanine made commercially?
It is made by enzymatic conversion, chemical synthesis, or extraction from tea. Enzymatic routes use bacterial enzymes that produce the L-form, while simple synthesis gives DL-theanine.
Can L-theanine be used in beverages?
Yes in many markets, but drink rules are set market by market. Check the destination market's rules for added theanine before you launch a drink.
What documents can I get with an order?
A certificate of analysis (COA) and a specification sheet ship with every order. An allergen statement and a safety data sheet may also be available, depending on the lot in inventory. Contact us to request them.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
You can request one by choosing sample options on the quote form. We will confirm availability, size, and timing.
Request a quote for bulk L-theanine powder
Tell us your grade, quantity, and timing. We will reply with current pricing. Select testing documents and sample options on the quote form.
Order L-Theanine PowderBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or use the quote form for larger volumes, testing documents, and sample options. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
