L-theanine: what it is, where it comes from, and why it sits next to caffeine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea. What it is, how much is in LA BOMBA (200 mg per scoop), and why it's listed next to caffeine.
In this article
LA BOMBA contains 200 mg of L-theanine per full scoop and 50 mg per ¼ scoop. L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves, and it sits in the formula next to 300 mg of caffeine. Here's what it is and why it's listed on its own line.
What L-theanine is
L-theanine is an amino acid. Like taurine, it isn't one of the amino acids your body uses to build protein. It was first identified in green tea leaves in 1949, and tea is still the place most people get it from.
In its pure form it's a white powder that dissolves easily in water. It has no caffeine in it and almost no taste, which is why it disappears into a flavoured drink.
Where it occurs
- Green, black and white tea, all from the same plant (Camellia sinensis)
- Matcha and gyokuro, which come from shaded tea plants and tend to contain more
- A few mushrooms, in small amounts
A cup of tea contains roughly 10 to 25 mg, depending on the tea and how long it steeps. One full scoop of LA BOMBA contains about as much as 8 to 20 cups.
Why caffeine and L-theanine sit together
Tea naturally contains both, so the pairing isn't new. Many pre-workouts list caffeine and L-theanine together, often at a ratio somewhere between 1:1 and 2:1. LA BOMBA uses 300 mg of caffeine with 200 mg of L-theanine, a 3:2 ratio. Both doses are on the label, so you can see the ratio yourself.
How much is in LA BOMBA
| Serving | Powder | L-theanine | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full scoop | 18 g | 200 mg | 300 mg |
| ¼ scoop | 4.5 g | 50 mg | 75 mg |
In Belgium, the recommended serving is ¼ scoop (4.5 g).
What we can and can't say
Under EU rules we can only make claims that are on the EU's list of authorised health claims. There are none for L-theanine, so we don't make any. You can check this in the EU Register of nutrition and health claims.
You'll find plenty of bold promises about L-theanine online. We'd rather tell you what it is, where it comes from and how much is in the jar.
Before you use LA BOMBA
L-theanine doesn't contain caffeine, but LA BOMBA does. The warning on the label reads:
Contains caffeine (300 mg per full scoop, 75 mg per ¼ scoop). Not recommended for children, adolescents, or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Consult your doctor if you take medication. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.
How to use: 1 full scoop (18 g) in 300–400 ml cold water, 15–30 minutes before training. If you're new to it or sensitive, start with ¼ scoop. In Belgium, ¼ scoop is the recommended serving.
FAQ
Does L-theanine contain caffeine?
No. It's an amino acid. The caffeine in LA BOMBA comes from caffeine anhydrous: 300 mg per full scoop, 75 mg per ¼ scoop.
How much L-theanine is in LA BOMBA?
200 mg per full scoop (18 g) and 50 mg per ¼ scoop (4.5 g).
Is L-theanine the same as what's in tea?
Yes, it's the same amino acid. Tea just contains far less per cup.
Are there EU health claims for L-theanine?
No. There are no authorised EU health claims for L-theanine.
Want to see L-theanine next to the other 11 actives? See the full LA BOMBA label on the product page.
LA BOMBA is a food supplement. Contains caffeine (300 mg per full scoop, 75 mg per ¼ scoop). Not recommended for children, adolescents, or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Every dose on the label
12 active ingredients, all listed in milligrams, in Cherry or Blueberry.
