how much l theanine in green tea
Mia Russell
Updated on June 05, 2026
L-Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in the Camellia Sinensis (tea) plant, and it is what gives Matcha its slightly sweet notes. Compared to all other teas, green tea is known to have the greatest amounts of L-Theanine, and within the green tea category, Matcha is known to have the highest concentrations.
How much theanine is in a green tea bag?
A 2011 study looked at the L-theanine in teas, and found black teas to contain the most, ~24 mg/200 ml, and green tea the least, ~8 mg/200 ml.
How much L-theanine should you take for anxiety?
In fact, one study found that just 50mg per day was a good L-theanine dosage for anxiety, which works out to just over 2 cups of tea per day, based on a standard 20mg dose per cup. After taking L-theanine, participants regularly note a calming effect within 30 to 40 minutes of consumption, with dosages of 50 to 200 mg.
How much L-theanine should you take daily?
If you’re considering adding L-theanine to your daily wellness practice, a dose of 100-400 mg is recommended, beginning with the smallest dose and gradually increasing until you feel the effects. When used in combination with caffeine, consider 12-100 mg of L-theanine to 30-100 mg of caffeine.
Is there L-theanine in green tea?
L-theanine is a compound that occurs naturally in green tea and black tea, and it is also available in supplement form. Research suggests that L-theanine might provide a range of health benefits, which may include improved mental focus and better sleep quality.
Does all green tea contain L-theanine?
While l-theanine is present in all loose leaf tea made from the camellia sinensis plant, certain teas like matcha, shade-grown green teas, and first flush teas contain particularly high levels of l-theanine.
Which has more L-theanine black or green tea?
Though both contain caffeine, black tea usually has more — making green the better choice for people sensitive to this stimulant. Furthermore, green tea contains more L-theanine, an amino acid that’s calming and can balance the effects of caffeine ( 33 ).
Can you get too much L-theanine?
When taken by mouth: L-theanine is possibly safe when used short-term. Doses of up to 900 mg daily have been safely used for 8 weeks. It isn’t clear if L-theanine is safe to use for longer periods of time. It might cause mild side effects, such as headache or sleepiness.
How much L-theanine is in green tea and black tea?
Contrary to previous research, a standard (200 ml) cup of black tea was found to contain the most l-theanine (24.2 ± 5.7 mg) while a cup of green tea contained the least (7.9 ± 3.8 mg).
When should I take L-theanine before bed?
If you’re using L-Theanine to help you wind down at night, it’s best to take the supplement between 30 minutes and an hour before your bedtime. This gives the compound time to calm and ease your mind before you start trying to fall asleep.
Should I take L-theanine in the morning or at night?
The Best Time of Day to Take L-Theanine
If you’re using l-theanine to boost cognitive function during the day, it’s best to take l-theanine about 30 minutes (in capsule or pill form) before your morning coffee. You can also add it as a powder to your cup of coffee.
Can theanine worsen anxiety?
Possible Drawbacks of L-Theanine for Anxiety
Can Decrease Serotonin Levels While L-theanine also has the potential to increase serotonin levels in the brain, it has occasionally been shown to decrease them as well.
Can I take 5-HTP and L-theanine together?
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between 5-HTP and l-theanine.
What are the negative side effects of L-theanine?
L-theanine risks and side effects
nausea.upset stomach.irritability.
Should L-theanine be taken on an empty stomach?
Adding l-theanine to your morning routine is quick, easy and, for many, makes a notable difference to their day. What’s even better is that you can enjoy theanine on an empty stomach, with or without food, and it’s effectiveness won’t be inhibited.
How much green tea should I drink for anxiety?
Our findings suggest that supplementation of 200-400 mg/day of L-THE may assist in the reduction of stress and anxiety in people exposed to stressful conditions.