Why do people love black tea and green tea so much?
Consumers today tend to choose products that are beneficial to their health, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. In particular, products derived from tea or with tea flavor are increasingly interested and favored, not only because of their pleasant flavor but also because of the existence of L-theanine, a compound with great effects on human health.
1. L-theanine: the secret from inside tea
L-theanine is an amino acid that brings a feeling of relaxation, increases alertness and is found in the composition of green tea leaves and black tea. This is also the reason why many consumers have the habit of drinking tea or using tea-flavored products as a relaxing drink.
Grasping this, F&B companies have quickly researched and developed product lines containing L-theanine as a major USP. Especially in the context of the epidemic, when many people have to stay at home to work remotely, concentration and psychological comfort are very important factors. According to Mintel, the number of products containing L-theanine has increased by about 85% in the past year.
Awareness of the health benefits of L-theanine has accelerated the consumption of tea products
One of them is products derived from black tea and green tea, which are considered the most abundant sources of L-theanine. Therefore, not only pure tea powders but also drinks with green tea or black tea flavoring are favored by consumers.
2. Great benefits of L-theanine
According to Psychology Today, L-theanine has the effect of creating a feeling of relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. Some studies also show that L-theanine has the effect of effectively supporting sleep, helping users sleep well and sleep deeply.
In addition, studies by the Unilever Food and Health Research Institute and R&D experts of this group have shown that using L-theanine combined with caffeine can help users stay awake and improve concentration. This is also the reason why many people often have the habit of drinking tea or smelling tea to relax and stay awake.
L-theanine in tea has a supportive effect on human mental health
In addition, L-theanine also shows the ability to support the body’s immune system such as reducing symptoms of flu or upper respiratory tract infections. In particular, L-theanine is also used to support weight loss and maintain body shape.
Currently, there are many weight loss tea products on the market with green tea or black tea flavors. Many people believe that L-theanine in tea can support healthy and effective weight control.
3. Using L-theanine in the F&B industry and things to note
According to the FDA, L-theanine is classified as “generally regarded as safe”. This classification means that L-theanine is safe when used in the correct dosage at the recommended threshold. Therefore, users can use L-theanine in its original form or through products and ingredients containing this compound such as teas, black tea or green tea flavored products, etc., but must ensure the correct safe dosage.
However, manufacturers should have certain recommendations for customers about interactions between L-theanine and the following:
• Medications used to treat high blood pressure
• Dietary supplements that help lower blood pressure
• Stimulants, such as drugs or compounds used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Drugs or dietary supplements containing caffeine
Although L-theanine is considered safe, there are still certain precautions when using it
Black and green tea products are very popular, partly due to the great benefits that L-theanine brings to human health. Therefore, more and more F&B companies are focusing on researching and developing tea-based or tea-flavored products as a strategy to expand the market and increase revenue.
