Guwahati: In the lush tea heartland of Golaghat, Assam, something extraordinary is steeping — and it’s not your average cup of chai.
For the first time, GABA tea has been crafted in Assam, thanks to a small but ambitious venture: Gaba Tea Pvt. Ltd. The company has developed what may be one of the world’s most potent GABA teas, with lab tests confirming a remarkable 810mg of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) per 100g. This could also mark the first instance of GABA tea being produced in India.
That’s not just a number — it’s a breakthrough. More importantly, it signals that Assam, long celebrated for its bold black teas, is now ready to lead the next wave: functional, wellness-driven teas.
GABA tea, also known as Gabaron in Japan, contains a high level of gamma-aminobutyric acid — a compound linked to a range of health benefits, from easing insomnia and high blood pressure to reducing stress and anxiety. The secret lies in its processing: the tea is crafted under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen), which significantly boosts its GABA content.
What is GABA?
GABA — short for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid — is an amino acid naturally produced by the human brain. It acts as a neurotransmitter, helping brain cells communicate while calming neural activity. This can promote relaxation, reduce stress levels, and even aid in better sleep.
Interestingly, GABA is also found in certain foods and beverages, but GABA tea contains the highest natural concentration of it.
“I am proud to share that our venture, Gaba Tea Pvt. Ltd., is adding real value to Assam’s tea ecosystem by introducing high GABA tea — a functional tea known for its natural benefits in reducing stress, insomnia, and migraines,” says Ganesh Gupta, CEO of Gaba Tea Pvt. Ltd.
“We couldn’t compete in the orthodox tea segment due to intense market saturation, and value addition was nearly impossible. So, we began experimenting with GABA tea, attracted by its medicinal properties. Eventually, we identified cultivars that worked beautifully,” he explains.
Today, the startup is incubated at CSIR-NEIST BioNest, where it focuses on science-backed, health-oriented tea innovations. Their tea is already available in the market.
“We use a small vacuum apparatus to remove oxygen and infuse nitrogen — a key step in GABA processing. It’s a pilot project for now, but we’ve started procuring machines to scale up. Our next goal: launching GABA CTC,” says Gupta.
Since there’s no GABA tea testing facility in India, the company had its samples tested at Eurofins Vietnam, where results showed 810 mg of GABA per 100g — far exceeding the Japanese government’s minimum standard of 150mg per 100g.
With over two decades of experience as a small tea grower, Ganesh sees huge international potential.
“Countries like Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, and parts of Europe and North America already have established markets for GABA-enriched teas and functional beverages. These consumers are actively seeking health-oriented products with scientifically proven benefits.”
And the economic opportunity is just as exciting.
“GABA tea typically fetches 2 to 5 times the price of conventional green tea in international markets. It opens a new, high-value revenue stream for Assam’s tea growers and processors,” he adds.
The company’s long-term goal? Position Assam as India’s first organised GABA tea supplier, stepping into a market currently dominated by Japanese and Taiwanese producers.
Backed by Science
Multiple studies support the health benefits of GABA tea:
Stress Reduction: GABA-fortified oolong tea has been shown to significantly reduce stress levels and improve heart rate variability, suggesting improved autonomic nervous system function.
Blood Pressure Management: GABA-enriched teas can help lower blood pressure, particularly beneficial for individuals with hypertension.
Sleep Improvement: Regular GABA tea consumption has been associated with enhanced sleep quality and relief from insomnia.
The world is ready for GABA tea. And Assam is ready to lead.
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