Natural Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is a concentrated form of compounds found in green tea leaves. It is typically made by steeping green tea leaves in hot water or a solvent, then removing the solids and evaporating the liquid to create a powder or liquid concentrate.

Manufacturers use green tea extract for its antioxidant properties and as a natural flavoring agent. It is often found in beverages, dietary supplements, and sometimes in processed foods like smoked fish for its flavor and potential preservative qualities.

In the US, green tea extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a food ingredient. It is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG, which are known antioxidants. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated green tea extracts, noting their antioxidant activity. While generally considered safe, high doses of concentrated green tea extract supplements have been linked to liver issues in rare cases, though this is not typically associated with consumption from food products.