November 29/London/Daily Maily -- According to researchers, cranberry-flavoured Aspire burns 209 calories within three hours of drinking it. Scientists at Leeds Metropolitan University found that when caffeine and green tea were combined with amino acid and ginger, there was a thermogenic effect , whereby the body generates more heat to digest food and temporarily stimulates metabolism.

However, the drink was tested on only 20 subjects -- 11 men and nine women.

Each can has 12.5 calories. Aspire said that while there are no known side-effects, it was not advisable for those sensitive to caffeine.

A spokesman said, "Thermogenic products have been used by athletes for many years. Yet, what we've managed to create with Aspire is to bring those calorie-burning properties to many more people in a unique and convenient drink with proven functional benefits."

In 2006, Coca-Cola and Nestle developed a green-tea drink which claimed to burn calories, but it was never launched in Britain.  

From the December 1, 2010, Prepared Foods' Daily News
For more of the latest news from the food and beverage industry, visit Prepared Foods' Daily News