What Is Green Tea EGCG?

Green tea extract concentrates the polyphenols of Camellia sinensis leaves, of which the catechins – and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in particular – are the most studied. EGCG is a potent antioxidant with documented roles in thermogenesis and metabolic rate, and green tea catechins are among the best-evidenced botanicals for weight-management support and cardiovascular markers. Extracts are standardized to guarantee EGCG content, from 50% to 98%, because leaf material alone cannot deliver consistent doses. Core Nutrix also supplies a decaffeinated grade.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Active content: EGCG 50%-98% | Polyphenols 95% (HPLC)
• CAS number: 989-51-5
• Appearance: Light yellow-brown fine powder
• Decaf: Decaffeinated grade available
• Caffeine: Standard grade carries natural caffeine
• Typical serving: 300-500 mg extract per day, with food
• Packaging: 25 kg drum (custom formats available)
• Shelf life: 24 months in sealed, cool, dry storage

Origin & Sourcing

Extracted from green tea leaves sourced in major tea-growing regions, with harvest-time selection of young leaves for high catechin content. Leaves are extracted with water or water-alcohol, purified, and spray dried, then standardized by HPLC to the target EGCG strength. Pesticide screening is part of release testing, and the decaffeinated grade removes caffeine while preserving the catechin profile. COA, MSDS and residual-solvent documentation ship with every batch.

Key Benefits

• Potent antioxidant catechin profile
• Supports thermogenesis and metabolic rate
• Studied for weight-management support
• Studied for cardiovascular and glucose markers
• Skin and healthy-aging antioxidant applications
• 50% to 98% EGCG grades for every label claim

Applications

Weight-management capsules, thermogenic pre-workouts, antioxidant complexes, cardiovascular-support formulas, beauty-from-within products and functional beverages. The decaf grade suits evening and sensitive-caffeine formats, while the standard grade’s natural caffeine pairs with L-theanine and caffeine in energy and focus lines. Beyond capsules, the extract appears in functional teas, ready-to-drink fat burners and beauty beverages, with decaf grades serving evening formats. Standardized EGCG claims are the on-pack differentiator in thermogenic and antioxidant lines.

Why 2026 Matters

Green tea extract remains one of the best-evidenced botanical ingredients in weight management, a category re-energized by GLP-1-adjacent positioning and body-composition marketing. Its dual identity – antioxidant and thermogenic – spans three growth categories at once: weight management, healthy aging and sports. For brands, EGCG standardization level is the on-pack differentiator, which favors a supplier that can deliver 50% through 98% from one source. Weight management remains the anchor demand, but the ingredient’s spread across antioxidant, cardiovascular and beauty categories smooths its demand curve. The supply-side story is also compelling: catechin extraction technology has matured, decaffeination is routine, and grades from 50% to 98% let brands ladder their product lines. For OEM customers, green tea is the rare botanical that fits both value capsules and premium beverage formats.

Science Snapshot

EGCG is the most abundant and active catechin in green tea. Human trials report modest increases in energy expenditure and fat oxidation – around 4% in pooled analyses – plus improvements in LDL oxidation and glucose markers. Bioavailability is limited, which is why dosing and timing matter, and safety guidance exists for very high fasted doses. EGCG also inhibits the same pathways targeted by several healthy-aging and cardiovascular ingredients, making it a frequent backbone of combination formulas. Beyond thermogenesis, green tea catechins be studied for cardiovascular markers through LDL-oxidation protection and endothelial function, and decaffeinated grades retain these effects without the stimulant. Dermal research has extended EGCG’s positioning into photoprotection and skin health. The key quality parameters are catechin profile, caffeine content and polyphenol purity – three measurements that separate true standardized extract from commodity leaf powder.

Quality & Specifications

• Actives: EGCG 50%-98% | Polyphenols 95% (HPLC)
• Decaf: Decaffeinated grade available
• Appearance: Light yellow-brown fine powder
• Packaging: 25 kg drums (custom formats available)
• Shelf life: 24 months in sealed, cool, dry storage
• Testing: HPLC catechins, caffeine, pesticides, heavy metals, ethylene oxide (EtO), aflatoxins, PAH, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)
• Compliance: Pesticide residue screened to EU MRLs (EC) 396/2005; Proposition 65 (Prop 65) statement and full contaminant documentation on request
• Note: Business-to-business ingredient information only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Safety & Regulatory

Well tolerated at standard doses taken with food. Very high single doses of EGCG on an empty stomach have been associated with rare liver reactions – keep servings moderate and instruct consumption with food.

Formulation Notes

Green tea extract is bitter and astringent, with a light yellow-brown color, so capsules are the workhorse format and drinks need flavor masking. The decaf grade removes caffeine for evening products, while the standard grade contributes natural caffeine to energy blends. Pairs with caffeine and L-theanine for focus, with capsaicin and L-carnitine in thermogenics, and with collagen and vitamin C in beauty formulas.

How It Compares

• EGCG 50% vs 98%: 50% is the cost-effective workhorse; 98% maximizes actives per capsule for premium dosing claims.
• Green tea extract vs matcha: matcha is whole-leaf powder with culinary positioning; standardized extract guarantees EGCG content for label claims.
• Decaf vs standard: decaf keeps catechins without caffeine for evening and caffeine-sensitive formats.
• EGCG vs green coffee: both support metabolic positioning through different actives – catechins versus chlorogenic acid – and are frequently combined.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What EGCG strengths do you supply?

EGCG from 50% to 98% with 95% total polyphenols, verified by HPLC.

Can you provide a COA and third-party test report?

Yes. Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis, and third-party testing is available on request.

What is the MOQ and packaging?

Standard packaging is a 25kg drum. Please contact us for current MOQ and sample availability.

Is a decaffeinated version available?

Yes. A decaffeinated grade preserves the catechin profile while removing caffeine.

What caffeine level is in the standard grade?

The natural caffeine content varies by batch and grade; we report it on the COA so you can dose energy blends accurately.

What is the typical serving?

Common extract doses run 300-500 mg per day, taken with food.

Should it be taken with food?

Yes. Taking it with food is standard practice and avoids the rare liver concerns linked to very high fasted doses.

How to Get Started

1. Tell us your format and target dose – capsules, powders, tablets, gummies or beverages.
2. We confirm the matching grade, send the specification sheet and a free sample.
3. Approve the sample and run a trial batch; we lock the COA and lead time.
4. Scale to full production with batch-to-batch consistency guaranteed.