Enviga (alone) doesn’t promote weight loss

Under the deal between the companies and 26 states and the District of Columbia (DC), future marketing of Enviga must reflect the fact that the product can only benefit weight loss if exercise is also engaged in. The companies also must pay $650,000 to the states.

The main issue was the use of phrases such as "the calorie burner"​ or "negative calories"​ or "drink negative"​ which will now have to be accompanied by statements that clearly and conspicuously state Enviga does not produce weight loss without exercise.

"These were misrepresentations based on insufficient scientific evidence that doesn't support the weight-loss claims,"​ said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. “This agreement will require full disclosure and, ultimately, help to raise consumer awareness of this product’s health effects.” ​

Voodoo nutrition​

Enviga's claims have courted controversy in its short life. In 2007, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal suggested the product was relying on "voodoo nutrition."​

Groups like the Washington DC-based Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) have been more than vocal in criticizing the drink for irresponsible and misleading marketing. In February, 2007, they sued the drink giants over the claims they were making for Enviga.

Green tea​

Enviga has made much of the ability of the green tea compound EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) to speed up metabolism and energy use when combined with caffeine.

Tests at the time showed that drinking three cans of Enviga everyday could burn an extra 60-100 calories in thin to normal weight people, the firms announced.

Responding to such criticisms and less than buoyant sales, Coke and Nestle pre-empted the settlement by moderating it on-pack statements.

“We maintain, as we always have, that Enviga burns calories, but by itself is not a guarantee of weight loss,”​ said Coke spokesperson, Ray Crockett said.

Sued​

When sued by CSPI, the companies stated: "CSPI has their sound bites, we have sound science. We will vigorously dispute CSPI's unsupported allegations and will energetically oppose this meritless lawsuit."​

At the time, Coke scientist Rhona Applebaum, said it was the optimum combination of Enviga's green tea, caffeine and plant micronutrient content, that created the 'negative calorie effect'.

The formula was made possible through access to decades of research of green tea by the Nestlé Research Center in Switzerland. It found EGCG, which could speed up metabolism and energy use when combined with caffeine.

Tests indicated drinking three cans of Enviga​ everyday could burn an extra 60-100 calories in thin to normal weight people, the firms announced.