8 Best Green Tea Extract Supplements (2023) Compared and Reviewed

Green tea is the original health tonic – probably second only to water. Japanese and Chinese cultures have consumed green tea for thousands of years. In fact, the longevity of certain Asian populations may be down to daily tea rituals, per some population studies.

Don’t worry, coffee lovers; I’m not telling you to quit coffee in favor of matcha lattes. Coffee has plenty of health benefits of its own. But don’t turn your nose up at a cup of green tea – it may extend your life and protect your brain, immune system, skin, and cardiovascular health.

If you don’t dig the taste, taking green tea extract is like drinking several cups of tea (without tripling your liquid intake for the day). It also comes with high concentrations of the polyphenols which can support fat burning.

Today, we’ll discuss the science-based benefits of green tea extract and answer your FAQs. You’ll also find our list of the 8 best green tea extract supplements on the market.

What is Green Tea Extract?

Green tea extract (GTE) is a highly concentrated form of green tea antioxidants. It is extracted from green tea leaves and made into powder and capsules.

Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s the same plant used to make black tea and oolong tea. However, green tea is minimally processed, making it significantly higher in catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids than other varieties. It’s also a good source of the calming amino acid L-theanine, which balances the effects of caffeine. That said, GTE is much lower in caffeine than coffee or regular tea.

GTE is sold as a quick fix for weight loss, energy, and detoxification – but does it work?

What Are the Benefits of Supplementing with Green Tea Extract?

Green tea is a rich source of 8 antioxidant compounds called catechins. The most well-known of these is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Scientists believe EGCG is why green tea extract may support longevity, cancer prevention, weight loss, and much more.

EGCG gives your body more antioxidant firepower. It helps to fight off unstable free radicals looking to damage your cells and create inflammation, premature aging, and chronic disease.

Let’s dive into the potential health benefits of green tea extract.

May Improve Heart Health

There’s pretty solid evidence that drinking green tea reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Those who drink a lot of green tea (upwards of 4 cups per day) are less likely to have a heart attack or stroke. This may explain why heart attack rates are much lower in parts of Asia compared to the West.

But drinking liters of green tea isn’t practical for most of us. Green tea extract is a great alternative.

A systematic review and meta-analysis found taking GTE lowered blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels. And a more recent review confirmed that green tea extract improves blood lipids in healthy and overweight people.

May Promote Weight Loss

Green tea extract is often marketed as a fat burner because it may increase thermogenesis (the process of burning calories to produce heat).

Meta-analysis studies show GTE stimulates weight loss in humans (although the results are modest). This study found high doses of green tea catechins reduce intra-abdominal fat, waist circumference, and body fat. However, the weight loss benefits of GTE are more pronounced when used with caffeine.

Additional research suggests that high-dose GTE may promote weight loss by lowering ghrelin, a hormone associated with hunger. Basically, this dampens your appetite and reduces the number of calories you eat.

In sum, GTE may play a role in supporting a healthy body composition when used with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.

Look Specifically for High Doses of EGCG

We briefly mentioned EGCG, but this polyphenol is specifically what can support weight loss. Look for products with standardized concentrations of EGCG, if you’re using green tea extract to help you lose weight.

May Reduce Cancer Risk

Green tea has caught the eye of cancer researchers for its role in minimizing oxidative cell damage and supporting healthy cell growth.

Several studies have found green tea and green tea extract reduce the risk of several types of cancer – including colorectal, breast, lung, liver, and prostate cancer. However, the Japanese Ohsaki Study found green tea wasn’t associated with reduced deaths from cancer.

We’re not suggesting anyone ditch their conventional cancer treatment in favor of green tea extract. Instead, GTE may reduce your overall risk of cancer when used with other lifestyle factors.

May Improve Exercise Performance

You probably know intense exercise creates a ton of oxidative stress in the body. It delays recovery and reduces your time in the gym.

The powerful antioxidants in GTE may improve physical performance. This 2015 study of active men found 571 mg of decaffeinated green tea extract improved running distances by 10.9% after a month. Fat oxidation rates also increased by 24.9%.

That said, we don’t advise taking GTE close to a workout. It might blunt short-term muscle inflammation necessary to trigger muscle growth and repair.

Let’s get to the reason you’re here — the best green tea extract supplements!

What is the Best Green Tea Extract Supplement?

These supplements are made according to current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and thoroughly evaluated for potency and purity.

*Note: We have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you buy from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.

1) Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract

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Renue by Science specializes in science-backed and highly bioavailable longevity supplements using liposomal technology.

Their LIPO Green Tea Extract takes the top spot on our list – nothing beats this GTE. Each capsule delivers 75 mg of green tea extract standardized for 70% EGCG. Plus, clinical research shows the GTE used (Origine 8™) delivers 8 different catechins.

The thing is, green tea catechins have a low bioavailability. They degrade during digestion and don’t always make it into your bloodstream. Renue has taken this to heart and found a solution. Their GTE is encased in a powder-based liposomal delivery system.

Liposomes are lipid molecules that protect active ingredients in a “bubble”. Like a police escort for GTE, they help it get to your bloodstream and directly into your cells without running into problems along the way.

For this reason, the average concentration of EGCG absorbed from each serving of Renue GTE is 6120 ng/ml – TEN times higher than other standard green tea extracts. Plus, liposomes slow the release of catechins, so they stay in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours. You only need one dose per day!

If that’s not impressive enough, Renue GTE uses the highest quality organic green tea leaves. It’s vegan-friendly and free from GMOs.

Look, it’s on the pricey side compared to others on this list. A bottle of 90 capsules sells for $44.95 on their website (but you can save 5% if you subscribe). But it’s the creme de la creme. Plus, you get an additional 10% off with our code, “RFS10.”

Renue products are made in the US in FDA-registered facilities according to cGMP standards. And each batch is third-party tested for safety and purity.

Overall, Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract has superior potency, bioavailability, and stability.

2) Thorne Green Tea Phytosome

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Thorne Green Tea Phytosome binds green tea polyphenols with phospholipids for better absorption. Phytosomes are similar to liposomes. In phytosomes, the active plant compounds bond to phospholipids. With liposomes, phospholipids surround the water-soluble compounds in a sphere.

One capsule delivers 250 mg of decaffeinated GTE in a phytosome complex called GreenSelect^®️. The phytosome complex increases the concentration of polyphenols that make it across the lipid cell membrane. In addition, it’s blended with Time-Sorb^®️, a time-release matrix.

The only downside is that they don’t mention the percentage of ECGC in each serving.

Thorne products are vegan-friendly and free of gluten, unnecessary fillers, and nasty additives. They’re made according to cGMP standards in NSF-approved facilities. Plus, they go through four rounds of thorough testing to verify identity, potency, and purity.

3) Life Extension Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract

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Life Extension Mega Green Tea Extract delivers 725 mg of GTE standardized for 98% polyphenols and 45% EGCG.

This translates to 327 mg of EGCG per capsule. On top of that, it’s a zero-caffeine product. You get the benefits of drinking several cups of green tea without the caffeine jitters.

It’s vegan-friendly, sugar-free, gluten-free, and certified non-GMO. As a one-per-day formula, a bottle of 100 capsules will last more than three months.

Life Extension has been producing scientifically validated formulations for 40 years. Certificates of Analysis (COA) for all their products are freely available to anyone interested.

4) Pure Bulk Green Tea Extract

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Pure Bulk is a good option if you use GTE regularly and want to stock up.

Their product supplies 500 mg of GTE standardized for 98% polyphenols, 80% catechins, and 50% EGCG.

Pure Bulk has a range of affordable options, from powder ranging from 100 grams to 1 kg to bottles of 120 or 300 capsules. The powder is water-soluble, making it easy to add to water, smoothies, tea, coffee, and juice. However, green tea is bitter, so I can’t say whether you’ll enjoy the power.

The products are free from fillers, additives, and anti-caking agents. Plus, Pure Bulk is cGMP compliant and third-party tested by accredited labs in the USA.

5) Healths Harmony Green Tea Extract

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Healths Harmony Green Tea Extract delivers 1000 mg of GTE standardized for 98% polyphenols, 75% catechins, and 45% EGCG.

A serving size is 2 capsules daily, which contains a minimum of 450 mg of ECGC. It is also low in caffeine – less than 5% per serving.

This product is non-GMO and made in a cGMP-certified facility in the US. However, it is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

You can grab a bottle of 120 capsules from iHerb for a great price.

6) Zhou Nutrition Green Tea Extract

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Zhou Nutrition Green Tea Extract is a capsule-based, cGMP-certified supplement.

Each capsule contains 500 mg of green tea extract standardized for 98% polyphenols and 50% EGCG. It’s relatively low in caffeine, with a serving providing 15 mg.

The capsules are also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Zhou Nutrition is a Utah-based company striving to make quality supplements more affordable. A bottle of 120 capsules of their GTE costs less than $20.

7) Zenwise Green Tea Extract

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Zenwise Green Tea Extract delivers 725 mg of GTE standardized for 95% polyphenols and 50% EGCG.

A capsule also has 15 mg of caffeine (about the same as a cup of green tea) and 60 mg of vitamin C for an added antioxidant boost.

Each bottle offers 120 non-GMO, vegan GTE capsules. It’s a one-a-day capsule, so you get a four-month supply for less than $20!

All Zenwise products are manufactured according to cGMP guidelines. As a bonus, they offer free shipping in the continental US and a lifetime money-back guarantee on all orders.

All that said, Zenwise doesn’t have as strict third-party testing standards as other products on this list.

8) NOW EGCG Green Tea Extract

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NOW Green Tea Extract capsules contain 400 mg of GTE standardized for 80% catechins and 50% EGCG. This equals 200 mg EGCG per serving (the same as 2-3 cups of green tea). The formula also has a low dose of naturally-occurring caffeine – roughly 4%.

The capsules are suitable for various dietary restrictions as they are vegan-friendly, kosher, and non-GMO. You can choose between two sizes: 90 or 180 capsules.

NOW Food is a cGMP-assured brand with several quality and third-party certifications. However, their lab testing is done in-house and not by a third party.

How We Ranked

We want you to decide on the best product for your needs. To do that, you need to understand how we ranked.

Here is what we considered when researching the best green tea extract supplement.

Strict Testing Standards

The FDA doesn’t regulate health supplements as it does pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, dodgy companies are flooding the market with tainted health supplements.

Your safety is the most important thing. So, we find the highest-quality supplements by prioritizing trusted companies that adhere to cGMP regulations and use third-party testing.

Potency

We chose green tea extract supplements containing a minimum of 45% active EGCG.

The most potent supplement is Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract because it contains high levels of ECGC with superior bioavailability.

Dosage

Our top supplement picks contain 400-725 mg of green tea extract per capsule.

That said, the percentage of ECGC in the product is most important. Again, most products on our list are standardized for 45-70% EGCG.

Value

Improving your health shouldn’t put you out of pocket. We listed the best green tea extract products to suit different budgets.

FAQ

Does Green Tea Extract Improve Skin Health?

Green tea extract is a popular ingredient in many anti-aging creams and serums. It may protect against skin aging and UV damage.

This study found applying a topical cream containing GTE reduced skin roughness and increased skin moisture after a month.

Research also suggests GTE may improve eczema, acne, and rosacea.

Does Green Tea Extract Reduce the Risk of Diabetes?

This cohort study found drinking green tea reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes (and lowers all-cause mortality in those with diabetes).

But what about green tea extract?

An analysis of 17 studies found green tea extract improved insulin resistance and lowered fasting glucose levels. It also reduced hemoglobin A1c (a measure of long-term glucose control).

On the other hand, this meta-analysis found GTE had no impact on blood sugar regulation in people at risk of type-2 diabetes.

The jury is still out on this particular benefit.

Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor before taking GTE if you’re on diabetes medication.

Does Green Tea Extract Improve Immunity?

Next time you’re under the weather, a cup of green tea or a GTE capsule may support your immune system.

This study of healthcare workers found taking 378 mg of green tea catechins (with the amino acid l-theanine) reduced flu infections.

Does Green Tea Extract Contain Caffeine?

Most GTE supplements have low levels of caffeine, but decaffeinated options are available.

Green tea has a low caffeine content compared to black tea or coffee. That said, some people can’t handle caffeine at all. In this case, you’re better off taking a decaffeinated green tea extract like the one from Life Extension.

Is Green Tea Extract as Good as Drinking Green Tea?

Green tea is a healthy beverage packed with antioxidants, minerals, and l-theanine. That said, steeping green tea leaves in hot water doesn’t yield the high level of stable antioxidants offered by concentrated green tea extract supplements.

To get the same concentration of polyphenols and catechins found in a high-quality GTE, you need to drink 5-10 cups of green tea. This is unrealistic for most people and might also give you the caffeine “jitters.”

How Much Green Tea Extract Should I Take?

GTE isn’t FDA-regulated and doesn’t have an official recommended dose. However, clinical studies suggest GTE containing between 350-675 mg of EGCG is safe and beneficial.

How Do You Take Green Tea Extract?

It’s best to take GTE with food to avoid digestive discomfort.

What Are the Side Effects of Green Tea Extract?

Green tea extract is safe when taken at the recommended levels. Some people experience nausea, headaches, and dizziness when taking high levels of EGCG (although it’s rare).

That said, people with liver disease (or a family history of liver problems) need to tread lightly. High levels of EGCG from green tea extract may cause liver damage if taken long-term. Researchers believe this is due to genetic variations some people have. That said, GTE is also liver protective in some cases.

We’re passionate about health at RFS, but we don’t claim to be medical professionals. Before taking GTE, talk to your healthcare provider – especially if you have a liver condition or are on any medication.

Is Green Tea Extract Worth Taking?

Green tea extract is a promising longevity supplement. A ton of clinical studies suggest it benefits heart health, blood sugar regulation, metabolic health, skin health, exercise performance, and cancer prevention.

While it’s not a replacement for a whole-food diet, regular exercise, and good quality sleep, taking GTE can complement a healthy lifestyle.