Each BrainMD L-Theanine gummy contains 100 mg. A bottle has 60 berry-flavored, vegan, sugar-free gummies. The label is for adults and children 8 and up, with a suggested range of 1 to 4 gummies a day.
A bottle costs $23.95, or $0.40 per 100 mg. Subscriptions bring the price to $17.97 to $20.36 per bottle. At Vitacost on October 12, 2026, plain L-theanine capsules from NOW Foods and Sports Research cost $0.09 to $0.17 per 100 mg.
A 2026 review of 31 trials found a short-term attention benefit from 200 mg and a modest reduction in stress. It found no consistent effect on anxiety.
If you are comparing the label with the research, dose is the first detail to notice. Most trials cited on BrainMD’s product page used at least 200 mg of L-theanine, twice the amount in one gummy. L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea and sold as a supplement for calm and focus. BrainMD, the supplement brand psychiatrist Daniel Amen started in 2009, sells these gummies on its website and at Vitacost. Two gummies provide 200 mg and cost $0.80 at the one-time price.
See L-Theanine Gummies on BrainMD’s site
ChoosingTherapy.com may earn a commission from the companies whose services are linked on this page.
What’s in BrainMD L-Theanine Gummies
Each pectin gummy contains 100 mg of L-theanine. BrainMD markets the product as fast-acting relief for stress and anxiousness.1 Pectin replaces animal gelatin, so the gummies are vegan and plant-based.
The US Supplement Facts panel lists 6 calories, 2.5 g of carbohydrate and 0 g of sugar per gummy. Monk fruit, erythritol and maltitol provide the sweetness. The label does not list the amount of either sugar alcohol.
BrainMD says its supplements are made in US facilities that follow current Good Manufacturing Practice and are tested for identity, purity and potency before shipping. The gummy label does not show a third-party testing badge. Dietary supplements do not need FDA approval before they go on sale.2
BrainMD L-Theanine Gummies Dose and Research
BrainMD’s FAQ recommends one gummy a day for adults and children 8 and up, with up to four a day as needed, on an empty stomach. Its how-to-use tab says to take one gummy as needed. Together, those directions give a labeled range of 100 to 400 mg of L-theanine a day.
BrainMD describes 100 mg as a clinically effective dose, but most studies on its product page tested higher amounts. Hidese 2019 gave healthy adults 200 mg a day for 4 weeks,3 Haskell 2008 tested 250 mg, and Lyon 2011 gave boys with ADHD 400 mg a day.3 Giesbrecht 2010 was the only cited study using less: 97 mg, alongside 40 mg of caffeine.
The 2026 meta-analysis of 31 trials found an attention benefit after a single 200 mg dose.4 Two gummies provide that amount, so a 60-count bottle would last 30 days. Ask a doctor how much to take, especially for a child.
BrainMD L-Theanine Price Compared With Other Supplements
BrainMD charges $23.95 for 60 gummies, or $0.40 per 100 mg. That is about three times the cost per 100 mg of plain L-theanine capsules from NOW Foods or Sports Research, and close to Thorne’s capsules. On this comparison, BrainMD costs less per 100 mg than OLLY and Natrol calm gummies. Those products contain less L-theanine per gummy and have added sugar.
|
Product |
Form |
L-theanine |
Price |
Per 100 mg |
|
BrainMD L-Theanine Gummies |
Sugar-free gummy |
100 mg per gummy |
$23.95 for 60 |
$0.40 |
|
BrainMD at Vitacost |
Sugar-free gummy |
100 mg per gummy |
$24.67 for 60 |
$0.41 |
|
OLLY Goodbye Stress |
Gummy blend, added sugar |
50 mg per 2 gummies |
$12.99 for 42 |
$1.24 |
|
Natrol Sleep+ Calm Gummies |
Gummy blend, added sugar |
100 mg per 2 gummies |
$17.32 for 60 |
$0.58 |
|
NOW Foods Chewable L-Theanine |
Chewable blend |
100 mg |
$14.68 for 90 |
$0.16 |
|
NOW Foods L-Theanine |
Capsule |
200 mg |
$20.79 for 120 |
$0.09 |
|
Sports Research L-Theanine |
Softgel |
200 mg |
$20.97 for 60 |
$0.17 |
|
Thorne Theanine |
Capsule |
200 mg |
$68.00 for 90 |
$0.38 |
|
Nature’s Bounty Anxiety & Stress Relief |
Tablet with ashwagandha |
200 mg per 2 tablets |
$15.87 for 50 |
$0.32 |
Prices from brainmd.com (first row) and Vitacost, October 12, 2026. Per 100 mg is the list price divided by the total L-theanine in the container.
At two gummies a day, BrainMD costs $0.80 a day at the one-time price or $0.60 a day on the 6-month subscription. One 200 mg NOW capsule costs about $0.17. NOW’s berry chewable costs less per 100 mg, but it also contains inositol and taurine.
Check today’s price on BrainMD’s site
BrainMD Subscription Shipping and Returns
A subscription costs $20.36 for one bottle each month (15% off), $19.16 per bottle for three bottles every 3 months (20% off), or $17.97 per bottle for six bottles every 6 months (25% off). Subscriptions ship free in the US. One-time orders under $75 have a shipping charge.
BrainMD’s terms allow it to change prices for existing subscriptions as well as new ones. Only California residents can cancel online.5
BrainMD displays a “100% Money Back Guarantee” badge. Its refund policy allows a full refund for unopened bottles returned within 60 days of purchase, minus shipping costs in both directions. For an opened bottle, contact BrainMD within 60 days. The standard option is store credit, though refunds are also available. Returns without an authorization number incur a restocking fee of 15% of the product price.
Other BrainMD L-Theanine Supplements
BrainMD also sells two L-theanine capsule products. Each costs more per bottle than the gummies.
Relaxing Lavender + L-Theanine costs $39.95 for 30 vegetarian capsules. Each capsule contains 200 mg of L-theanine and French lavender oil powder, or about $0.67 per 100 mg.
Quiet My Mind Sleep costs $44.95 for 60 vegan capsules. Two capsules contain 400 mg of L-theanine, 150 mg of magnesium and 30 mg of affron saffron, with no melatonin. The L-theanine costs about $0.37 per 100 mg, though the price also includes magnesium and saffron.
A search for theanine on BrainMD’s store returns 10 products. Calm My Brain costs $46.95 and provides 400 mg in three capsules, the same amount as the maximum four gummies listed on the gummy label.
What Research Says About L-Theanine for Anxiety Stress Sleep and Attention
Research has found a short-term attention benefit and small effects on stress and sleep. Findings on anxiety have been inconsistent. Our guide to L-theanine for anxiety explains how L-theanine may work and reviews the doses studied.
A 2026 meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials involving 1,168 people found a modest reduction in acute stress. Studies at high risk of bias drove much of that result. Anxiety findings were inconsistent and not statistically significant, except in one study of psychotic anxiety that used 400 mg a day for 8 weeks. A single 200 mg dose improved reaction time on attention tests.4
In a 2019 trial, 46 adults with generalized anxiety disorder were already taking an antidepressant. Adding 450 to 900 mg of L-theanine a day for 8 weeks did not improve anxiety or insomnia severity more than placebo. Participants taking L-theanine did report greater satisfaction with their sleep.6
For sleep, a 2025 meta-analysis of 19 trials found small improvements in self-rated sleep quality, time to fall asleep and daytime functioning. The authors noted that few trials tested L-theanine by itself.7 A 2025 review funded by the tea industry found that L-theanine combined with caffeine helped attention during the first 2 hours.8
Researchers have not tested BrainMD’s finished gummies in a clinical trial.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
BrainMD L-Theanine Side Effects Interactions and Pregnancy
Drug references rate L-theanine as possibly safe for short-term use by mouth. The trials in the 2026 meta-analysis reported no serious adverse events.5,10 Long-term safety is unknown. Reported side effects include changes in sleep and an upset stomach. One reviewer said the gummies caused nausea when taken on an empty stomach.
Blood Pressure Medicine Stimulants and Sleep Medicine
Drug-interaction references rate two interactions as moderate. L-theanine may lower blood pressure too much when taken with blood pressure medicine. It may also make stimulant medication less effective.9 Memorial Sloan Kettering says combining L-theanine with sleep medicines such as lorazepam or zolpidem may increase drowsiness.10
BrainMD’s product page does not include a medication warning. A reviewer in July 2026 said they learned after ordering that they could not take the product with a prescription medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
BrainMD advises against L-theanine during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is not enough safety information. Memorial Sloan Kettering also lists pregnancy and breastfeeding as reasons it may not be safe.10
Children Age 8 and Up
BrainMD labels the gummies for children 8 and up. Its cited pediatric study included 98 boys ages 8 to 12 with ADHD who took 400 mg a day for 6 weeks. Sleep efficiency measured by wrist monitors improved, but the time it took to fall asleep did not change. The study examined sleep, not anxiety.3 Drug references rate L-theanine as possibly safe for children for up to 6 weeks.9 Ask your child’s pediatrician before giving it to them.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
What Buyers Say About BrainMD L-Theanine Gummies
On October 12, 2026, BrainMD’s website had 416 reviews of the gummies, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. Of those, 342 gave five stars and 11 gave one or two stars.
Reviewers most often describe feeling calmer without drowsiness, usually within 30 to 60 minutes of a stressful moment. Many say they take two gummies at a time. Parents also mention giving them to children.
Taste and texture draw the most complaints. Other low ratings mention no noticeable effect, a sticker covering the expiration date, or an unwanted subscription. Across the company, BrainMD had a 3.0 rating from 22 Trustpilot reviews and a C from the BBB on September 28, 2026.
In broader discussions, L-theanine users describe a mild calming effect at 100 to 200 mg. Some say it helps them sleep; at least one says taking it at bedtime disrupts sleep.
Who Might Choose BrainMD L-Theanine Gummies
These gummies may suit an adult who wants a sugar-free, vegan chewable with L-theanine as its only active ingredient. The tradeoff is price: they cost more per 100 mg than capsules.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take blood pressure medicine, stimulants or sleep medicine, check with a doctor before using L-theanine. A physician-reviewed Talkiatry article says doctors do not typically recommend over-the-counter remedies such as L-theanine because more research is needed.11
If anxiety is affecting your work, sleep or relationships, cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based treatment to consider. BetterHelp offers online therapy through self-pay subscriptions or insurance, and is in network with 125+ health plans. Talkiatry offers online psychiatry that accepts insurance. Our guide to anxiety treatment without medication can help you explore options before speaking with a clinician.
If you are thinking about suicide or feel unsafe, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 in an emergency.
Compare BrainMD’s L-theanine options on its site
Frequently Asked Questions
Are BrainMD L-theanine gummies sugar-free?
Yes. The US label lists 0 g of sugar per gummy. Monk fruit, erythritol and maltitol are the sweeteners, though the label does not give the amount of either sugar alcohol.
Are BrainMD L-theanine gummies vegan?
Yes. The gummies use plant pectin instead of animal gelatin.
How fast do BrainMD L-theanine gummies work?
BrainMD says the gummies work within 30 to 60 minutes, and reviewers often describe feeling calmer in that time. Researchers have not studied the finished gummies themselves.
Do BrainMD L-theanine gummies make you sleepy?
BrainMD markets the gummies as non-drowsy, and most reviewers say they felt calmer without feeling sleepy. Combining L-theanine with sleep medicines may increase drowsiness.
Can kids take BrainMD L-theanine gummies?
BrainMD says children age 8 and up can take one gummy a day. Ask your child’s pediatrician first, especially if your child takes ADHD medication.
Can you take L-theanine gummies with ADHD medication?
Drug references rate the interaction between L-theanine and ADHD stimulant medication as moderate. L-theanine might make the stimulant less effective, so check with the prescriber before combining them.
Can you take L-theanine gummies with blood pressure medication?
Drug references rate this as a moderate interaction because L-theanine could lower your blood pressure too much. Ask your doctor before combining the gummies with blood pressure medication.
Can you take BrainMD L-theanine gummies while pregnant?
BrainMD advises against taking the gummies during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data are limited. Talk with your doctor or midwife before taking a supplement during pregnancy.
Are BrainMD L-theanine gummies FDA approved?
No. Federal law does not give the FDA authority to approve dietary supplements before they reach the market.2
Are BrainMD L-theanine gummies third-party tested?
The gummies’ label and product page do not claim third-party testing. BrainMD says it is expanding independent testing by Intertek across its product line and will describe a product as third-party tested only after a lab has verified it.
Where else can you buy BrainMD L-theanine gummies?
Yes. Vitacost listed the 60-count berry bottle for $24.67 on October 12, 2026.
Can you pay for BrainMD L-theanine gummies with an HSA or FSA?
BrainMD links to Truemed, which lets customers pay with an HSA or FSA. Truemed issues a Letter of Medical Necessity that is valid for 12 months after a short intake form, without a live doctor consultation. Your plan decides whether it will accept the letter.
Can you cancel a BrainMD subscription online?
Only California residents can cancel a BrainMD subscription online. Customers elsewhere must contact customer care by email, phone or live chat at (888) 850-5287, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
- BrainMD. (October 2026). L-Theanine Gummies. Retrieved from: https\://brainmd.com/products/l-theanine-gummies
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Questions and answers on dietary supplements. Retrieved from: https\://www\.fda.gov/food/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements/questions-and-answers-dietary-supplements
- Lyon, et al. (December 2011). The effects of L-theanine (Suntheanine) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Alternative Medicine Review. Retrieved from: https\://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22214254/
- Gerolymos, et al. (July 2026). Cognitive and affective effects of L-Theanine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials. Molecular Psychiatry. Retrieved from: https\://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42410082/
- BrainMD. (September 2026). Free trials and subscriptions. Retrieved from: https\://brainmd.com/pages/free-trials-and-subscriptions
- Sarris, et al. (March 2019). L-theanine in the adjunctive treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Psychiatric Research. Retrieved from: https\://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30580081/
- Bulman, et al. (June 2025). The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews. Retrieved from: https\://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40056718/
- Payne, et al. (October 2025). Effects of Tea (Camellia sinensis) or its Bioactive Compounds l-Theanine or l-Theanine plus Caffeine on Cognition, Sleep, and Mood in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrition Reviews. Retrieved from: https\://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40314930/
- RxList, Therapeutic Research Center. (2026). Theanine. Retrieved from: https\://www\.rxlist.com/supplements/theanine.htm
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (July 2026). L-Theanine. Retrieved from: https\://www\.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/l-theanine
- Talkiatry. (April 2024). Alternatives to Xanax. Retrieved from: https\://www\.talkiatry.com/blog/alternatives-to-xanax
- Hidese, et al. (October 2019). Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. Retrieved from: https\://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31623400/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Pamela Wiltfang, PharmD, MPH
Reviewer: Andrea Brognano, LMHC, LPC, NCC