In Asian countries and around the world, many individuals experience the added stresses of the economic, environmental, and political pressures associated with modern life.
From Singapore to Vietnam published reports document that high stress levels in these countries affect between 40% to 80% of the population.¹
It’s no wonder therefore that stress relief is a leading supplement category that consistently grows in popularity. Pharmaceutical stress-relief drugs often come with drowsiness, loss of mental focus or other side-effects, so an increasing number of people seek out natural products that provide experiential stress relief without any of these side-effects.
Soothing and calming herbal teas can help, as can high-grade extracts of herbs, but L-theanine, an amino acid first discovered in green tea, has become a true leader in this field. While the US is emerging as the fastest-growing retail market, the Asia-Pacific region continues to dominate L-theanine consumption accounting for around two-thirds of total demand.2
When demand grows
The market for L-theanine was established by a few companies that invested in proprietary production methods and clinical studies that validated product safety and benefits in stress-relief, mental acuity and sleep quality. These high-grade sources were then carried by key retail brands that made their own investments in developing markets for the product. This led to more clinical research and long-term reliability of supply from these companies.
On the other hand, as markets grew, dozens of manufacturers and traders began to offer non-validated, generic L-theanine from sources that didn’t have the supporting evidence of efficacy, safety studies, or chain of custody documentation.
Of course, the investments made in high-grade production systems, fully transparent supply chains and clinical studies result in higher costs than the generic versions. Despite that, these products are still in high demand.
The direct connection to clinical studies
The premium retail brands that use clinically studied material can connect their products, their marketing and informational materials directly to the published clinical studies. At a time when consumers are asking for clear, science-based proof of benefit this can be a key to building the trust and loyalty of their long-term customer base.
One example of a company that has developed the L-theanine market is Ethical Naturals Inc. (ENI), with its AlphaWave® branded ingredient. The Californian-based company has now completed three clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of AlphaWave showing that it can reduce stress, improve sleep quality and enhance cognitive attention.3,4 A fourth study is underway.
“The popularity and huge growth in demand for AlphaWave in the US and internationally has shown us how strongly premium brands and their customers appreciate this work we do in building the science behind our L-Theanine product,” says Cal Bewicke, CEO of ENI.
“We’ll go on supporting them with these investments and the news they create. In the Asia-Pacific area demand for the product has increased exponentially, with over 25 Australian companies carrying AlphaWave since it received approval from the Australian TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration),” adds Bewicke.
Control of production process and transparent supply chain
Quality production is another key factor. For example, AlphaWave is produced through a proprietary process in a facility that is fully audited, FDA inspected and ISO/FSSC certified. The quality is assured through rigorous batch testing to verify purity, potency and potential contaminants, as well as tighter internal control limits for heavy metals and solvent residues. The product is then distributed through ENI’s NSF Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) certified facility and Quality Assurance (QA) program.
This kind of reliability and focus on quality batch after batch is highly valued by brands that have invested years of their own work in building a reputation for reliability, efficacy and safety. Most generic products cannot offer these benefits.
International quality certifications
It can be difficult to find the time and resources to pursue international quality certifications. However, certifications such as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Certification, Non-GMO Project Certification, Canadian NPN qualification and the TGA approval all represent long-term commitments to quality standards over time. TGA approval is particularly detailed and AlphaWave is the only form of the product that has achieved this approval.
Non-GMO Certification
In the case of L-theanine, valid Non-GMO Certification is an even greater asset. A primary method of producing L-theanine today is through enzymatic biocatalysis using genetically modified micro-organisms; these methods have not undergone essential safety evaluations such as New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) and GRAS and many customers prefer to avoid them.5
Reliability of final product manufacturing
L-theanine tends to form a very fine, light powder with low density and low flowability that can be difficult in encapsulation and tableting applications. Density variations from batch to batch can increase these potential manufacturing complications. The specialized, consistent manufacturing of the branded ingredients reduces these potential production problems.
As a further step, ENI’s AlphaWave is also offered in a denser, fine granular form, produced through a proprietary physical granulation process that is particularly well-suited for encapsulation and tableting.
Building a reputation on trusted ingredients
Brands have built a reputation, often over many years, for bringing special qualities to their customers, products supported by the very best science, certifications and cGMP production. That’s a major reason they stand out in a market.
”We know we’ll lose a few companies which are looking for the least expensive route, but our goal is to keep bringing rigorous science to the table and to keep working with the companies that share that goal of bringing the best possible products to each valued customer,” says Bewicke.
References
- Asia Insurance Review. Southeast Asia is highly stressed.
- Theanine Global Market. Theanine- Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2025-2031.
- Moulin, M.; et al. Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave® L-Theanine Supplementation for 28 Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurol Ther. 2024;13, 1135–1153.
- Evans, M.; et al. A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Investigate the Efficacy of a Single Dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on Stress in a Healthy Adult Population. Neurol Ther. 2021;10, 1061–1078.
- Yun, S.; et al. High-Concentration Production of l-Theanine from l-Glutamate Derived from Fermentation Using Novel GMAS and ATP Regeneration with Co-Immobilized Hybrid Nanoflower. American Chemical Society. 2025; 5(4).
