Coke’s New Green Tea Drink, Enviga, Will Burn Calories

Enviga, the new beverage from the Coca-Cola Co., will hit the market in the northeast United States next month, and then will be launched nationwide in January. Coke said that the creation of the new drink has been a joint venture with Nestle, and it will be unlike any other energy drink on the market.

Coca-Cola, based in Atlanta, said that the drink contains caffeine, calcium, and a green tea extract known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). That last ingredient has been shown to speed up metabolism and increase energy use, especially when combined with caffeine. The manufacturers say that Enviga could burn as many as 60 to 100 calories with three 12-ounce servings. EGCG is a naturally occurring antioxidant in tea, including green tea. Coke said that its new drink provides 90 mg of EGCG in each serving, along with 20 percent of the daily value for calcium.

"Enviga increases calorie burning. It represents the perfect partnership of science and nature," said Dr. Rhona Applebaum, chief scientist, The Coca-Cola Company. "Enviga contains the optimum blend of green tea extracts (EGCG), caffeine and naturally active plant micronutrients designed to work with your body to increase calorie burning, thus creating a negative calorie effect. It makes this product stand out as unique. Enviga brings the benefits of green tea to the forefront in a convenient and accessible, great tasting beverage."

The company says that when EGCG and caffeine are consumed in the amounts contained in three cans of Enviga, "healthy subjects in the lean to normal weight range can experience an average increase in calorie burning by 60 to 100 calories." The drink will be available in three flavors—green tea, berry, and peach—and will sell for about $1.29 to $1.49 a can.

"We've seen a shift in consumers' attitudes toward diet and health and wellness, with more consumers seeking product choices that support active lifestyles, rather than just eliminating things from their diet," said John Hackett, a Coca-Cola senior vice president. "Enviga is a great tasting beverage that invigorates your metabolism to gently burn calories, and it's a positive step people can take as part of a balanced lifestyle—like taking the stairs."

Of course, until Enviga hits the market you can take the stairs. And it won’t cost you a penny.