Best L-Theanine for Anxiety (2026)
L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It works by increasing alpha brain wave activity and boosting calming neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, making it one of the most popular natural options for managing everyday anxiety and stress.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Ingredient | Form | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunakai Calm & Stress Relief Gummies | GABA + L-Theanine | Gummies | Best Overall | 4.5/5 |
| PYM Berry Mood Chews | 130mg GABA, 90mg L-Theanine | Chews | Best Fast-Acting | 4.5/5 |
| Natures Craft Calming Gummies | Ashwagandha + L-Theanine | Gummies | Best Stress Combo | 4.4/5 |
| Sports Research L-Theanine (Suntheanine) | 200mg Suntheanine | Softgels | Best Patented Formula | 4.6/5 |
| Doctor’s Best L-Theanine (Suntheanine) | 150mg Suntheanine | Capsules | Best Budget Pick | 4.5/5 |
| Pink Stork Magnesium Glycinate + L-Theanine | Magnesium + L-Theanine + Lemon Balm | Capsules | Best for Nighttime Anxiety | 4.4/5 |
| Lithium Orotate 13-in-1 with L-Theanine | Lithium Orotate + L-Theanine + Ashwagandha | Capsules | Best Multi-Pathway Formula | 4.3/5 |
1. Lunakai Calm & Stress Relief Gummies – Best Overall
- Natural Stress Relief Gummies – Formulated with GABA, L-Theanine and Lemon Balm these delicious chewables help support natural stress relief and a calm mindset for adults and kids without causing drowsiness.
- Fast-Acting Calm Gummies – Designed to work quickly, these calming gummies for adults and kids support relaxation, focus, and balance when you need it throughout the day.
- Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Formula – Made with natural ingredients and free from gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, shellfish, and animal products—ideal for those with food sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
- Flexible Daily or As-Needed Use – Take 1–2 calming gummies daily or when occasional stress arises. This anti stress support option fits effortlessly into your wellness routine.
- No Artificial Additives or Sweeteners – These stress less gummies are crafted without artificial sweeteners, dyes, or preservatives, offering a clean way to support a relaxed state of mind.
Lunakai’s Calm & Stress Relief Gummies deliver a well-rounded anxiety support formula in a convenient, great-tasting gummy format that makes daily supplementation effortless.
This USA-made formula pairs GABA with L-theanine, two ingredients that work synergistically to calm the nervous system. The gummy form offers excellent bioavailability and is easy on the stomach, making it ideal for those who dislike swallowing capsules. Each serving provides clinically relevant doses of both GABA and L-theanine for noticeable relaxation without sedation. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.
- Pros:
- Dual-action GABA + L-theanine formula for comprehensive anxiety support
- Delicious gummy format with no pill-swallowing required
- USA-made in a GMP-certified facility
- Cons:
- Contains added sugars typical of gummy supplements
- Higher cost per serving compared to capsule-based L-theanine
Best for: Anyone who wants a tasty, convenient daily anxiety support supplement with synergistic calming ingredients
2. PYM Berry Mood Chews – Best Fast-Acting
- Prepare Your Mind: PYM Mood Chews are formulated with all-natural vegan ingredients that intuitively optimize your body’s ability to absorb mood-boosting nutrients. Think your favorite fruit chew, built to support your stress, worry and overwhelm.
- Mindful Blend Of Ingredients: Our gluten-free gummies are made with 90mg of L-Theanine to help support relaxation and focus, as well as 130mg of GABA to help ease stress and support better sleep.
- Clean & Flavorful Boost: This balance of sweet and sour is perfect for a citrusly refreshing mood boost. Proudly manufactured in the USA, our chews are non-GMO and keto-friendly, with no added sugars.
- Everyday Solution To Everyday Stress: Designed by neuroscientists and nutritionional psychiatrists, our blend of amino acids target the neurotransmitters that help your body manage stress, allowing you to naturally relax and focus with a calm state of mind.
- A Mindful Mission: PYM’s mission is to provide natural and effective mental hygiene products to promote self-care and mental well-being. PYM prepares your mind to produce the naturally occurring neurotransmitters that help you feel like yourself again.
PYM Mood Chews are designed for on-the-spot stress relief, delivering 130mg of GABA and 90mg of L-theanine in a portable chewable format that works within minutes.
Each 60-count pouch provides clinically studied doses of GABA and L-theanine in a berry-flavored chew. PYM was specifically developed for situational anxiety — think before a presentation, during travel, or when stress hits unexpectedly. The chewable format allows for faster absorption compared to traditional capsules. Made with clean, plant-based ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors.
- Pros:
- Fast-acting chewable format ideal for situational anxiety
- Portable and convenient for on-the-go stress relief
- Clean, plant-based ingredient profile
- Cons:
- L-theanine dose (90mg) is lower than some standalone supplements
- Premium pricing for the chew format
Best for: People who need quick, on-the-go anxiety relief in specific stressful situations
3. Sports Research L-Theanine (Suntheanine) – Best Patented Formula
- ALERT & CALM: L-Theanine, commonly found in the flavonoid herbal green tea, is used as an ayurvedic substitute for those who want the antioxidant benefits of green tea but without caffeine. Encapsulated in a once-daily liquid softgel, our L-Theanine supports feelings of relaxation, calm, focus, and alertness*
- DOUBLE THE SUPPORT: To optimize your potential and give the utmost support, our L-theanine 200 mg amino acid softgels provide double the amount of L-theanine green tea extract commonly found in energy supplements in a convenient max-strength formula
- PATENTED SUNTHEANINE: Formulated with patented and clinically researched Suntheanine—you get all of the alertness and relaxation (+ the increase in alpha brain waves) without the jitters or crash of caffeine, energy pills, or energy drinks*
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: We hold all of our supplements to a higher standard. Rest assured that your L-Theanine is crafted using 100% organic coconut oil and an entirely non-GMO verified, gluten-free and soy-free product. Manufactured in the USA in cGMP-compliant facilities
- THE SPORTS RESEARCH DIFFERENCE: Founded in Southern California in 1980, Sports Research is a family-owned business born from a passion for fitness and wellness. Our goal is to embrace the sport of life through research-backed products created for every body—inside and out
Sports Research uses the patented Suntheanine form of L-theanine at a full 200mg dose in a liquid softgel for superior absorption and clinically backed anxiety support.
Each softgel delivers 200mg of Suntheanine, produced via a patented enzymatic fermentation process that yields nearly 100% pure L-isomer theanine — the form shown to be most effective in clinical research. The liquid softgel is encapsulated with organic coconut oil for enhanced absorption. Third-party tested, non-GMO verified, and manufactured in cGMP-compliant facilities in the USA. A 60-count bottle provides a two-month supply at one softgel daily.
- Pros:
- Patented Suntheanine with extensive clinical backing
- Liquid softgel format for faster absorption
- Third-party tested and non-GMO verified
- Cons:
- Contains gelatin (not vegan-friendly)
- Tree nut allergen present (coconut oil)
Best for: Those who want a clinically studied, pure L-theanine supplement with the highest quality patented ingredient
4. Pink Stork Magnesium Glycinate + L-Theanine – Best for Nighttime Anxiety
- Magnesium for Sleep: Pink Stork Magnesium Glycinate, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm supplement features 4 key ingredients for restful + healthy sleep habits. Take 3 non-habit forming capsules daily at bedtime to ensure a restful night's sleep + wake up refreshed! Each bottle contains 30 servings.
- Holistic Wellness: Magnesium is an essential mineral that your body can't produce on its own, and over 80% of women are actually deficient in it. We’ve got you covered with the best magnesium for a peaceful night of sleep. According to the APA's 2023 Stress in America survey, women feel more stressed than ever and struggle to get enough rest. But don't worry, we’re here to support you with natural, melatonin-free magnesium sleep solutions to help you feel your best!
- Non-Habit Forming: The Sleep Foundation reports that nearly half of all women get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep nightly, due to stress, hormonal changes, and caregiving. We developed this non-habit-forming magnesium for sleep to help you get the rest you need!
- Tested for Excellence: Our Magnesium Glycinate, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm Sleep capsules are vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and packaged in a UV-protected bottle. Each product is cGMP-certified and third-party tested for quality.
- Women-Owned, Women-Run: Our founder and CEO, Amy Suzanne, is a mom of 6 children and knows how important it is to give women products you can trust. Over 80% of our employees are women, and we create clean, trusted, and effective products for every stage of your journey. We are on a mission to provide women with hope and positively impact everyone that comes in contact with Pink Stork.
Pink Stork combines magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, and lemon balm in a melatonin-free formula that calms anxiety and promotes restful sleep without morning grogginess.
This triple-action formula addresses nighttime anxiety from multiple angles. Magnesium glycinate is the most calming form of magnesium, L-theanine promotes alpha brain waves associated with relaxation, and lemon balm has been used for centuries to ease nervous tension. The melatonin-free design means no dependency concerns or next-day drowsiness. Each serving provides clinically meaningful doses of all three ingredients.
- Pros:
- Melatonin-free sleep and anxiety support
- Three synergistic calming ingredients in one capsule
- No morning grogginess or dependency concerns
- Cons:
- Primarily marketed for sleep — may not be ideal for daytime anxiety use
- Multiple capsule serving size
Best for: Anyone whose anxiety worsens at bedtime and who wants a melatonin-free calming supplement
5. Natures Craft Calming Gummies – Best Stress Combo
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Natures Craft pairs L-theanine with ashwagandha and magnesium in a calming gummy that targets both immediate and long-term anxiety support.
This comprehensive formula goes beyond standalone L-theanine by including ashwagandha, an adaptogen shown to lower cortisol levels, alongside magnesium for nervous system support. The combination addresses anxiety from multiple pathways — L-theanine for fast-acting calm, ashwagandha for sustained stress resilience, and magnesium for muscle relaxation and nerve function. Available in a pleasant-tasting gummy format.
- Pros:
- Multi-ingredient approach targets anxiety from multiple pathways
- Includes adaptogens for long-term stress resilience
- Tasty gummy format
- Cons:
- Individual ingredient doses may be lower than standalone supplements
- Contains added sugars
Best for: People who want a comprehensive anxiety formula that combines immediate calm with long-term stress adaptation
6. Doctor’s Best L-Theanine (Suntheanine) – Best Budget Pick
- L-THEANINE SUPPLEMENT: Each capsule provides 150 mg of Suntheanine, a pure form of L-theanine (the amino acid found in green tea). It is known for its supportive role in relaxation & mental clarity
- TENSION & STRESS SUPPORT: L-theanine helps encourage a relaxed state without drowsiness, supporting a sense of calm during everyday stress while still allowing for alertness and focus
- PROMOTES FOCUS: This supplement supports cognitive performance by promoting attention and mental sharpness, beneficial for work, study, or other focus-driven activities
- 150 MG VEGGIE CAPS: Doctor's Best L-Theanine comes in convenient, easy-to-swallow veggie capsules. This formula is Non-GMO, gluten free, soy free, and vegan-friendly, fitting a variety of lifestyles
- DOCTOR'S BEST: Good nutrition starts with sound science. For over 35 years, we have been dedicated to providing only thoroughly researched, rigorously tested, and clinically-approved supplements
Doctor’s Best delivers the patented Suntheanine form of L-theanine at 150mg per capsule in a vegan-friendly, affordable package backed by one of the most trusted supplement brands.
Each vegetarian capsule provides 150mg of Suntheanine, the clinically studied and patented form of L-theanine. While the dose is slightly lower than some competitors at 200mg, many users find 150mg effective for daily anxiety management, and the lower dose allows for easy adjustment. The 90-count bottle offers a three-month supply, making it one of the most cost-effective L-theanine options on the market. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Pros:
- Excellent value with a 90-count, 3-month supply
- Patented Suntheanine form with clinical research behind it
- Vegan-friendly vegetarian capsule
- Cons:
- 150mg dose is lower than the more common 200mg standard
- Plain capsule form — no flavor for those who dislike pills
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a clinically backed L-theanine at a great price per serving
7. Lunakai Magnesium Glycinate Gummies with L-Theanine – Best Magnesium + L-Theanine Combo
- L-Theanine + Magnesium Gummies — Contains 426mg of magnesium glycinate and L-Theanine in tasty magnesium gummies to support calm and relaxation in chewable form.
- Magnesium Glycinate Gummies for Sleep Support — Helps adults and kids enjoy restful sleep and a peaceful bedtime routine with gentle, non-habit-forming ingredients.
- Gentle Gummies for Adults & Kids — Made with magnesium glycinate, a highly absorbable form that’s easy on digestion and ideal for sensitive stomachs.
- Delicious Magnesium Supplement with Tropical Flavor — Naturally flavored magnesium gummies offer a tasty experience without artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Vegan Magnesium Gummies for Women, Men & Teens — These non-GMO magnesium gummies are free from gluten, dairy, soy, and common allergens to suit various dietary needs
Lunakai combines 420mg of magnesium glycinate with L-theanine in a gummy suitable for both kids and adults, offering dual-action calming support.
This USA-made formula delivers a generous 420mg magnesium glycinate dose alongside L-theanine for two of the most evidence-backed calming ingredients in one supplement. Magnesium glycinate is the most bioavailable and stomach-friendly form of magnesium, and its pairing with L-theanine creates a synergistic effect that promotes deeper relaxation than either ingredient alone. The gummy format is suitable for both children and adults, making it a versatile family option.
- Pros:
- High-dose magnesium glycinate (420mg) plus L-theanine
- Suitable for both kids and adults
- Gummy format is easy and enjoyable to take
- Cons:
- Exact L-theanine dosage not prominently listed
- Gummy format adds sugars and calories
Best for: Families looking for a shared calming supplement that combines magnesium and L-theanine
8. 13-in-1 Lithium Orotate with L-Theanine – Best Multi-Pathway Formula
- 13-in-1 Formula - Layered Support: Calm Mood (Lithium Orotate + L-Theanine), Stress Balance (Ashwagandha), Sleep Recovery (Magnesium Glycinate + Lemon Balm), and Focus & Clarity (Bacopa + Lion’s Mane Mushroom). Backed by Zinc and Vitamins D3/B6/Folate/B12 to support foundational nutrition. Low-temperature extraction helps preserve key actives. Black Pepper enhances bioavailability for more reliable results.*
- Trace Mineral - Lithium Orotate 10 mg: Lithium Orotate is a gentle trace mineral form of lithium(bound to orotic acid), to supports emotional balance and steady mood. With consistent daily use, helps support cognitive clarity, memory function, and long-term brain health. Compared with lithium orotate 1mg or 5mg formulas, our 10 mg provides a higher-strength option for daily support. Compared with some other lithium supplements, lithium orotate is often chosen for its gentle, well-tolerated form for daily use.*
- Ashwagandha 300mg + L-Theanine 200mg + Magnesium Glycinate 100mg: A synergistic trio for busy days and wired nights. Ashwagandha help supports a stress balance and cortisol rhythm. L-Theanine help promotes calm, focused clarity and gentle Magnesium Glycinate helps relax the body for a smoother wind-down. By day, it helps you stay composed and clear; by night, it helps your body ease into relaxation and restorative rest - creating a smoother, more consistent rhythm from morning to bedtime.*
- Immediate Calm & Restful Balance: On those "too much on my mind" days, Theanine and Lemon Balm help quiet the mind and encourage calm focus, while Lithium Orotate supports steady mood. Magnesium Glycinate promotes deeper, more restorative sleep and supports health GABA signaling - without next-day grogginess.*
- Long-Term Memory, Focus & Brain Health: With consistent daily use, Bacopa and Lion’s Mane Mushroom help support long-term memory pathways, focus, and mental sharpness - ideal brain supplements for memory and focus. B6, Folate, B12, Zinc, and D3 help maintain key nutrients that support brain and nervous system function, promoting steady mental performance as part of a long-term routine.*
This advanced 13-in-1 formula combines low-dose lithium orotate (10mg), ashwagandha (300mg), and L-theanine (100mg) for a comprehensive mood and calm support stack.
Unlike simple L-theanine supplements, this formula takes a multi-pathway approach to anxiety by including lithium orotate for mood stabilization, ashwagandha for cortisol reduction, and L-theanine for alpha brain wave stimulation. Lithium orotate at low (nutritional) doses has emerged as a popular mood support ingredient. The 13-ingredient formula also includes supporting nutrients for overall brain health. Best suited for those who want a comprehensive mood and anxiety stack rather than a single-ingredient supplement.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive 13-ingredient formula targeting multiple anxiety pathways
- Includes lithium orotate for mood stabilization
- Clinically studied ashwagandha dose (300mg)
- Cons:
- L-theanine dose (100mg) is lower than standalone products
- Complex formulas make it harder to identify which ingredient is working
Best for: Those seeking a comprehensive mood and anxiety support stack with multiple synergistic ingredients
9. NOW Supplements L-Theanine 200mg with Inositol – Best Pure L-Theanine
- Bioactive B12: Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12 (methylcobalamin) is the biologically active form of vitamin B12; supports brain and nerve health, cellular energy production, healthy cell replication, and red blood cell production (1)
- Homocysteine Metabolism: Methyl B-12 is required for the normal metabolism of homocysteine, supporting its conversion to methionine
- Better Retained With Jarrow B12: Research suggests that methyl B-12 is better retained in the body than cyanocobalamin, and supplementation may be needed by some vegetarians and vegans (1)
- Convenient Chewable Tablet: Each naturally fruit flavored chewable tablet delivers 5000 micrograms (mcg) of methyl B-12; our B12 methylcobalamin formula does not contain wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, or peanuts, tree nuts or sesame
- Superior Nutrition & Formulation: The goal of Jarrow Formulas is to promote optimal health with high-quality, effective, affordable, and superior formulation of dietary vitamins and supplements; our customers can be assured of purity, value & potency
NOW’s L-Theanine pairs a full 200mg dose with inositol, a B-vitamin family member that supports brain and nervous system health, in a straightforward capsule from one of the most trusted supplement brands.
Each vegetarian capsule delivers 200mg of L-theanine alongside 100mg of inositol, which plays a role in serotonin signaling and has its own body of anxiety research. NOW Foods is one of the longest-established supplement brands with rigorous in-house quality testing. The formula is GMP-certified, non-GMO, vegan, and free from common allergens including soy, dairy, and gluten. A 120-count bottle provides a four-month supply.
- Pros:
- Full 200mg L-theanine dose plus synergistic inositol
- Trusted brand with decades of quality testing
- 120-count bottle offers outstanding value
- Cons:
- Does not use the patented Suntheanine form
- Basic capsule format without flavor
Best for: Those who want a high-quality, affordable pure L-theanine supplement from a trusted brand
How to Choose the Best L-Theanine for Anxiety
The most effective L-theanine dose for anxiety in clinical studies ranges from 200–400mg daily. Most standalone supplements provide 200mg per serving, which is the sweet spot for noticeable relaxation without drowsiness. If you’re new to L-theanine, starting at 100–200mg and adjusting upward is a sensible approach. Combination products with GABA, ashwagandha, or magnesium may use lower individual L-theanine doses but compensate with synergistic ingredients.
Look for supplements that use Suntheanine, a patented form produced through enzymatic fermentation that yields nearly pure L-isomer theanine. This form has the most clinical research behind it and tends to deliver more consistent results. That said, generic L-theanine from reputable brands can also be effective, especially at the standard 200mg dose.
Form matters based on your preferences and lifestyle. Capsules and softgels offer precise dosing and are typically more affordable. Gummies and chews taste better and are ideal for those who dislike pills, but they often contain added sugars and may cost more per serving. Liquid softgels generally absorb faster than standard capsules.
Prioritize products that are third-party tested, manufactured in GMP-certified facilities, and free from unnecessary fillers. Look for certifications like NSF, USP, or independent lab testing for purity and potency verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L-theanine and how does it help with anxiety?
L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green tea leaves. It promotes relaxation by increasing alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a calm, focused mental state. It also boosts levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine — neurotransmitters that regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medications, L-theanine promotes calm without causing drowsiness or impairment.
How much L-theanine should I take for anxiety?
Most clinical studies use doses between 200–400mg per day. A single 200mg dose is the most common recommendation for general anxiety relief. For acute situational anxiety (before a presentation or flight, for example), 200mg taken 30–60 minutes beforehand is a common approach. Some people find that splitting 400mg into two daily doses provides more consistent all-day calm.
How quickly does L-theanine work for anxiety?
L-theanine typically begins producing calming effects within 30–60 minutes of ingestion, particularly when taken on an empty stomach. EEG studies show increased alpha brain wave activity within this timeframe. For ongoing anxiety management, consistent daily supplementation over 2–4 weeks may provide cumulative benefits beyond what single doses offer.
Can I take L-theanine with caffeine?
Yes, and this is actually one of the most well-studied supplement combinations. L-theanine paired with caffeine (typically in a 2:1 ratio of L-theanine to caffeine) has been shown to improve focus and alertness while reducing the jittery, anxious side effects caffeine can cause. Many people take 200mg of L-theanine with their morning coffee for calm, focused energy.
Are there any side effects of L-theanine?
L-theanine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and is well-tolerated by most people. Side effects are rare but may include mild headaches, dizziness, or gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. L-theanine does not cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms. Those taking blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare provider, as L-theanine may have mild blood pressure-lowering effects.
Can I take L-theanine every day?
Yes, daily L-theanine supplementation is considered safe based on available research. Studies lasting 4–8 weeks with daily doses of 200–400mg have shown consistent benefits without adverse effects. Many people take L-theanine daily as part of their wellness routine, either in the morning for calm focus or in the evening for relaxation and sleep support.
