Tea polyphenols are among the most extensively studied botanical compounds used in modern food, nutrition, and cosmetic manufacturing. Derived from tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), these compounds are widely incorporated into dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, and personal care formulations as standardized ingredients rather than consumer remedies.
For manufacturers and brand owners, the value of tea polyphenols lies not in marketing claims, but in chemical consistency, documented quality, regulatory suitability, and long-term supply reliability. This guide is written from an ingredient sourcing and evaluation perspective, intended to support procurement teams, formulators, and OEM partners.
What Are Tea Polyphenols?
Tea polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds found in tea leaves. They primarily consist of catechins, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC).
Polyphenols are widely present in plants and are known for their redox-active chemical structures. Tea has been a major focus of polyphenol research due to its long history of consumption and relatively well-characterized composition.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), polyphenols are commonly studied for their antioxidant properties at the cellular and biochemical level, rather than as therapeutic agents.
NIH overview: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Polyphenols-HealthProfessional/
Tea Polyphenols vs. Green Tea Extract
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different ingredient categories in manufacturing.
- Green tea extract is a broad extract that may contain polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, and other tea components.
- Standardized tea polyphenols extract focuses specifically on controlled total polyphenol content, with reduced variability and optional caffeine control.
For B2B manufacturing, standardized tea polyphenols are often preferred because they support repeatable formulation, quality control, and regulatory review.
Key Functional Properties (Non-Medical)
From an ingredient perspective, tea polyphenols are valued for several functional characteristics:
- High antioxidant capacity measured through chemical assays
- Compatibility with multi-ingredient formulations
- Suitability for dry and liquid delivery formats (grade dependent)
These properties are relevant to product formulation and stability, not disease treatment or prevention.
Scientific research on catechins and tea polyphenols is widely available through PubMed.
PubMed reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20359293/
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
Tea polyphenols have a long history of dietary exposure through tea consumption. In concentrated extract form, their use in finished products should be evaluated based on dose, formulation context, and target population, in line with applicable regulations.
United States
In the U.S., tea polyphenols are regulated as dietary ingredients when used in supplements, subject to FDA dietary supplement requirements.
FDA reference: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements
European Union
In the EU, botanical ingredients and related health claims are evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EFSA guidance: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/health-claims
Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that finished products comply with local regulatory frameworks.
Typical Applications Across Industries
Dietary Supplements
Used in capsules, tablets, and powder blends where botanical sourcing and antioxidant positioning are desired. Standardization simplifies dosage calculation and label consistency.
Functional Foods and Beverages
In beverage and food systems, tea polyphenols are selected based on solubility, taste impact, and stability, especially in ready-to-drink and powdered formats.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
In cosmetic formulations, tea polyphenols are incorporated for antioxidant and conditioning functions, with emphasis on documentation, traceability, and formulation compatibility.
Typical Specifications for Bulk Tea Polyphenols
Specifications vary by grade and application, but commonly include:
- Appearance: light yellow to brown powder
- Assay: 40%–90% total polyphenols
- Solubility: water soluble (grade dependent)
- Caffeine: controlled or reduced upon request
- Microbiology and heavy metals: tested to applicable standards
Professional suppliers provide COA, MSDS, and batch traceability to support procurement and quality review.
Sourcing Tea Polyphenols: What Buyers Evaluate
When sourcing tea polyphenols as a raw material, procurement teams typically assess:
- Standardization and assay methods
- Batch-to-batch consistency
- Quality management systems (GMP, ISO)
- Documentation completeness
- Long-term supply capability
Ingredient suppliers focused on manufacturing quality rather than marketing claims are generally preferred for long-term partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What purity levels are available for tea polyphenols?
Common grades range from 40% to ≥90% total polyphenols, depending on application requirements.
Are tea polyphenols suitable for OEM/ODM projects?
Yes. Many manufacturers source tea polyphenols for private label and OEM/ODM production.
What documentation is typically provided?
COA, MSDS, and batch traceability documents are standard for B2B supply.
Is caffeine content adjustable?
Caffeine levels can often be reduced or controlled upon request.
What is the typical MOQ and lead time?
MOQ and lead time depend on specification and volume; typical lead times range from 7–15 working days.
Are tea polyphenols approved globally?
Regulatory status depends on market and application. Finished product compliance is the responsibility of the manufacturer.
Expert Review & Editorial Disclosure
Expert Reviewed By
Dr. Alan Zhou
Senior Technical Consultant – Botanical Extracts
Dr. Zhou has over 12 years of experience in botanical extract manufacturing, quality control, and ingredient standardization. His work focuses on extraction processes, raw material evaluation, and compliance support for dietary supplement, food, and cosmetic manufacturers.
Editorial Policy & Content Standards
This content is intended for manufacturers, brand owners, and product developers and is provided for informational and sourcing evaluation purposes only.
- The information presented does not constitute medical advice.
- No disease treatment or prevention claims are made.
- Scientific references and regulatory guidance are used to support accuracy and compliance.
- Specifications may vary based on application and market requirements.
All ingredient descriptions are reviewed to align with applicable food and dietary supplement regulations in the United States, European Union, and other major markets.
Last reviewed: 2026
Content maintained by: AIHerba® Technical & Regulatory Team
Conclusion
Tea polyphenols remain a widely used botanical ingredient in modern manufacturing due to their documented composition, functional properties, and formulation versatility. For B2B buyers, successful sourcing depends on standardization, quality systems, and supplier reliability, rather than promotional claims.
If you are looking for a bulk supplier or OEM manufacturer of tea polyphenols extract, contact us for specifications, COA, and pricing.