In this article, you’ll learn:
- What L-theanine is and how it supports focus and calm energy
- Why “clean energy” and functional beverages are growing rapidly
- How cafés and brands can create and market RTD energy drinks with L theanine
- Which formats and flavour profiles work best for these drinks
While energy drinks have traditionally been associated with a short burst of energy followed by a crash, the landscape has now changed. Now, energy drinks with L theanine, an amino acid naturally found in green and black tea, are dominating the landscape.
As an alternative to high-caffeine drinks containing other aminos like taurine, these drinks are smoother and provide consumers with a longer burst of focus. They also align with the wider industry trend towards functional drinks, which taste good and have tangible health benefits as well.
To learn more about energy drinks with L theanine and how drink brands can add them to their product range, I spoke to Scott Frohman. He is the founder and CEO of Odyssey Functional Energy, a brand that specialises in functional beverages containing L theanine, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. Read on for his insight.
What are energy drinks with L theanine and why are they popular?
Energy drinks with L theanine are a new type of energy drink designed with longer-term energy release in mind. The aim is to provide an energy boost without the “crash” typically associated with exclusively caffeine-based drinks, which is a rising concern for consumers.
“At Odyssey, we’re driven by consumer demand for cleaner, healthier energy,” Scott tells me. “More people are seeking a smooth, focused, and jitter-free experience instead of the crash from traditional energy drinks.”
Instead of removing caffeine from energy drinks outright, brands like Odyssey add L theanine to complement its existing energy-boosting benefits. “The pairing of green tea caffeine and L theanine delivers just that,” he says. “This clinically studied combination offers alertness and calm, making it a cornerstone of a massive consumer shift.”
Research shows that L theanine increases alpha-wave brain activity, promoting a relaxed but focused mental state. Clinical studies suggest it can improve attention and reduce anxiety – making it especially helpful for people who experience overstimulation or conditions like ADHD.
This change hasn’t occurred in a vacuum. Instead, consumers are increasingly looking for healthier energy drinks. It’s something Scott has observed, as well. “Today’s consumers are more informed and health-conscious than ever. They’re seeking clean energy without the dreaded crash,” he says.
While traditional energy drinks with additives like taurine are still popular, functional energy is more in demand than ever. “The mainstream market is still dominated by the old guard, but the growth in the functional, nootropic-based segment is explosive,” he explains. “We’ve seen it in our own sales data, in market research, and most importantly, in the direct feedback from our community.”
Unlike taurine, which primarily supports short-term energy metabolism, L theanine influences neurotransmitters like GABA and dopamine. Therefore, it offers a smoother cognitive boost without the spike-and-crash effect.
Evidently, energy drinks with L theanine are one of the predominant trends in the drinks industry. By adding this clean energy source to your drinks, you can appeal to the sector of customers who want an energy boost without the associated crash.
Should you offer “clean energy” drinks at your business?
The benefits of offering clean energy drinks are vast. Not only can you get ahead of the competition in a fast-growing sector, but you can also appeal to health-focused consumers.
“The clean energy market is booming, and any brand denying that is not listening to its consumers,” Scott explains. “It’s growing by billions of dollars every year, so it’s worth cornering the market early.”
That said, the main benefit of offering these drinks – in ready-to-drink (RTD) cans in coffee shops or grocery stores – is that consumers seek them out.
“Brands should offer clean energy drinks for one fundamental reason: it directly addresses the core complaints consumers have with traditional energy drinks,” he says. “It’s not just about creating a new product – it’s about solving a real problem.
“Jitters, anxiety, and crashes are all hallmarks of a poor energy drink experience. By synergising green tea caffeine with L theanine, you can engineer these negatives out.”
The result is clean energy drinks that capture not only the health-conscious demographic, but all consumers looking for a gentler energy boost. If you can establish yourself in this fledgling sector, the benefits are vast. “It leads to higher consumer satisfaction, repeat purchases, and powerful word-of-mouth marketing,” he says.
Therefore, the addition of clean energy drinks to your product lineup represents a significant strategic opportunity. Not only can you tap into ongoing industry developments, but you can also demonstrate to consumers that you’re listening.
“Using an ingredient like L theanine, which is backed by science and resonates with the health-aware audience, builds credibility and trust,” Scott explains. “It signals that you’re innovative, care about your consumers’ well-being, and that you’re a leader, not a follower.”
The two flavours and formats that work best for energy drinks with L theanine
It’s also important for your energy drinks with L theanine to taste good and come in convenient formats. While customers are increasingly looking for health benefits, flavour is still the main factor when they decide which drinks to purchase.
“At Odyssey, we believe the flavour profile is just as important as the ingredient stack,” Scott tells me. “We wanted to provide energy that didn’t compromise on flavour. So, we listened to consumer feedback and sales data to deliver a drink people want to pick up every day.”
#1. Fruity flavours
To give customers a taste that’s as satisfying as the energy boost itself, Odyssey uses two different flavour profiles. “We see the most success with crisp, fruity flavours – and less on artificially sweet profiles,” Scott says. “The goal is to complement the smooth energy, not overpower it.”
For this reason, Odyssey’s two main flavour profiles are citrus notes and botanical notes. “First, think bright, refreshing zing without syrupy sweetness, like Mandarin Orange and Dragonfruit Lemonade,” he says. “For a fruity, sweet, and balanced drink, choose flavours like Blackberry Lemonade or Strawberry Watermelon.”
#2. Aluminium cans
It’s also important to choose formats that are convenient for customers to pick up and drink from. “We use 12-oz aluminium cans as our main format – and for good reason,” Scott says.
“It’s familiar enough to fit in refrigerators alongside other energy drinks, but distinctive enough to signal a different kind of product. Then, we use a clean design to visually communicate our premium quality.”
Aluminium cans are the most popular format for RTD drinks due to their durability and quality. Not only do they excel in preserving flavour and aroma, but they are also infinitely recyclable. Sizes and quantities vary from brand to brand, but most are between 12 oz to 16 oz in size. “Ultimately, the format must be as versatile and modern as the consumers we serve,” Scott concludes.
Therefore, cafés and drinks brands have a lot to consider before launching energy drinks with L theanine. Once you’ve determined your flavours, formats, and functional benefits, your products can tap into a fast-growing market and highly engaged consumers. It’s an ideal accompaniment to other fresh drinks like coffee or tea, giving consumers an alternative energy source while remaining loyal to your brand.
Energy drinks with L theanine: Key takeaways
- Energy drinks with L theanine deliver sustained focus and calm alertness, without the crash traditionally associated with energy drinks.
- The combination of L theanine and caffeine is backed by clinical research for its cognitive and mood-balancing effects.
- Offering RTD clean-energy drinks helps cafés and brands reach health-conscious consumers in a booming functional beverage market.
Ready to launch your own energy drinks with L theanine? Visit our private label services page or speak with a member of the team to learn more.
Energy drinks with L theanine: FAQ
Why are energy drinks with L theanine becoming popular?
These “clean energy” drinks offer a gentler energy boost without the crash often associated with energy drinks. As such, they appeal to wellness-focused consumers who want drinks that do good as well as taste good.
How can cafés and drinks brands benefit from offering these drinks?
Serving these drinks alongside your existing product range can help you appeal to younger, health-conscious consumers. You can also boost your sales in the fast-growing functional beverage market.
Which flavours are best for energy drinks with L theanine?
Fruity and botanical flavours are the most popular choices. These tasting notes resonate most with consumers looking for refreshing and energising drinks.
Want to learn more about energy drinks with L theanine?
- Learn more: Explore Hardtank’s full private label process.
- Browse our range: Discover the flavours and formats we offer.
- Book a strategy session with an RTD expert: Contact our team here.
