Ethical Naturals Launches MachaWave Ingredient System for Cognitive and Energy Support

Ethical Naturals Inc. (ENI) has announced the launch of MachaWave, a new ingredient system combining organic matcha with the company's proprietary AlphaWave L-Theanine. Developed to address growing consumer demand for functional beverages that offer balanced energy and mental well-being, the ingredient provides an alternative to traditional caffeine systems by supporting sustained energy, mental clarity, and relaxed focus within a single matrix, the company explained.¹

ENI CEO Cal Bewicke highlighted the ingredient system’s alignment with shifts in consumer preferences and with flexible application possibilities for formulators. “MachaWave reflects growing consumer interest in products that deliver both cognitive support and balanced energy without overstimulation,” Bewicke stated. “The combination of organic matcha and clinically studied AlphaWave L-Theanine provides formulators with a versatile ingredient system backed by both traditional use and modern clinical research.”

The Foundation of Matcha and L-Theanine Synergy

Matcha is distinct from conventional green tea due to its shade-grown cultivation prior to harvest, ENI states, explaining that this specific agricultural process supports the development of amino acids, such as L-theanine, while concentrating its nutrient profile and characteristic green color. Published research, including critical and systematic reviews, suggests that the natural combination of caffeine and L-theanine found in matcha may support cognitive function, memory, and attention, while helping to reduce stress and anxiety.^2,3,4

In the MachaWave system, this inherent synergy is further supported by the addition of AlphaWave L-Theanine, ENI’s branded, purified form of the amino acid. Produced via a proprietary fermentation and purification process, AlphaWave is GRAS affirmed for food and beverage use, ENI notes, also stating that it holds status as the only form of L-theanine approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for manufacturing use in listed medicines.

Clinical Efficacy and Brainwave Activity

The branded L-theanine component is supported by three clinical studies evaluating its impact on relaxation, stress management, focus, and mental acuity. In an acute stress crossover study,⁵ a single dose (200mg) of AlphaWave was shown to increase frontal alpha brainwave activity and reduce salivary cortisol levels compared to a placebo, indicating a state of relaxed alertness without causing drowsiness.

Furthermore, a 28-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the longer-term safety and efficacy of the ingredient in healthy adults experiencing moderate stress.⁶ Participants were given either 400 mg L-theanine per day or the placebo. The results of this study demonstrated improvements in sleep quality, reductions in perceived stress, and enhanced cognitive attention among the participants.

What Are the Formulation and Market Applications?

MachaWave is designed for versatile commercial application across the beverage, tea, and sports nutrition sectors, and is able to be incorporated into both hot and cold product formats. ENI also noted that AlphaWave L-Theanine is fully water soluble, flavor neutral, and stable across various temperatures and pH conditions.⁷ Beyond liquid formats, testing supports AlphWave in gummy and bar formats. It is available in fine powder and proprietary granular forms.

The combined ingredient pairing allows manufacturers to utilize structure/function positioning backed by literature exploring the cognitive and mood effects of L-theanine, caffeine, and their combination, mapping studies on selective attention^3,8. These positions include mental clarity, sustained attention, reduced stress, and balanced energy delivery.

Operating from its solar-powered facility in Redwood City, California, ENI has supplied standardized botanical extracts and proprietary ingredients to the global supplement market since 2005. The company’s testing laboratory, distribution, and finished product manufacturing operations maintain cGMP certification by NSF.

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. Ethical Naturals Inc. Ethical Naturals Launches MachaWave™: Organic Matcha with AlphaWave® L-Theanine for Balanced Energy and Cognitive Support. Press release provided via email June 4, 2026. Accessed June 5, 2026.
2. Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015
3. Haskell CF, Kennedy DO, Milne AL, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol Psychol. 2008;77(2):113–122. doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2007.09.008
4. Williams JL, Everett JM, D’Cunha NM, Sergi D, Georgousopoulou EN, Keegan RJ. The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: A Systematic Review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2020;75:12–23. doi:10.1007/s11130-019-00771-5
5. Evans M, McDonald AC, Xiong L, Crowley DC, Guthrie N. A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Investigate the Efficacy of a Single Dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on Stress in a Healthy Adult Population. Neurol Ther. 2021;10:1061–1078. doi:10.1007/s40120-021-00284-x
6. Moulin M, Crowley DC, Xiong L, Guthrie N, Lewis ED. Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave® L-Theanine Supplementation for 28 Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurol Ther. 2024;13:1135–1153. doi:10.1007/s40120-024-00624-7
7. Ethical Naturals Inc. Beyond Capsules: AlphaWave® for Stress & Cognitive Support Enables the Shift to Beverages, Coffee, and Gummies. March 24, 2026. Accessed June 5, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/beyond-capsules-alphawave-for-stress-cognitive-support-enables-the-shift-to-beverages-coffee-and-gummies
8. Gomez-Ramirez M, Higgins BA, Rycroft JA, Owen GA, Mahoney J, Shpaner M. The deployment of intersensory selective attention: A high-density electrical mapping study of the effects of theanine. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2007;30(1):25–38. doi: 10.1097/01.WNF.0000240940.13876.17