Core Viewpoint - The rise of kale-based beverages marketed as "slimming" or "light" by major tea brands in China is misleading, as these drinks do not provide direct weight loss benefits despite their marketing claims [1][3][14]. Group 1: Marketing Strategies - Major tea brands like Heytea and Nayuki are promoting kale drinks with terms like "slimming" and "light," creating a perception of health benefits [3][17]. - Disclaimers are often hidden in product details, clarifying that terms like "slimming" refer to the bottle design rather than the drink's effects [3][10]. - The use of terms such as "superfood" and "dietary fiber" is prevalent, but these claims are often not substantiated by scientific evidence [1][7][14]. Group 2: Nutritional Content - Despite being marketed as healthy, drinks like Nayuki's "Slimming Green Bottle" contain significant calories, with a 500ml serving having 183 calories, comparable to a bowl of rice [10][13]. - Many kale drinks are mixed with fruits and other ingredients to improve taste, which can increase sugar and calorie content [11][13]. - Experts indicate that kale itself does not directly contribute to weight loss, and the processing of kale into juice can lead to a loss of dietary fiber and minerals [13][18]. Group 3: Legal and Ethical Concerns - The use of suggestive language in marketing may mislead consumers into believing these drinks have weight loss properties, potentially violating advertising laws [14][15]. - Previous instances of misleading advertising have led to penalties for brands, highlighting the risks associated with such marketing practices [15]. - Legal experts emphasize the importance of transparency in labeling ingredients and nutritional information to protect consumer rights [14][18]. Group 4: Industry Trends - The popularity of kale drinks surged after successful product launches by brands like Heytea, prompting a wave of imitation across the industry [17][18]. - The low barriers to entry in the tea beverage market have led to a homogenization of products, with many brands offering similar kale-based drinks [17][18]. - The focus on health-related marketing strategies reflects a broader trend of brands leveraging consumer health anxieties for competitive advantage [18].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of kale-based beverages marketed as "slimming" or "light" by major tea brands in China is misleading, as these drinks do not have proven weight loss effects and often contain high calories [1][10][12] Group 1: Product Marketing and Consumer Perception - Major tea brands like Heytea and Nayuki are promoting kale drinks with terms like "slimming" and "light," creating a perception that these products aid in weight loss [2][13] - Despite the marketing, disclaimers on product pages clarify that terms like "slimming" refer to the bottle design rather than any functional benefits [2][10] - The actual calorie content of these drinks can be high; for instance, a 500ml kale drink from Nayuki contains 183 calories, comparable to a bowl of rice [9][10] Group 2: Industry Trends and Competition - The popularity of kale drinks surged after the launch of the "Kale Slimming Bottle" by Heytea, which sold over 3.5 million cups in its first month [13] - The tea industry is experiencing a trend of product homogeneity, with many brands quickly replicating successful products, leading to a saturated market [13][14] - The low technical barriers and mature supply chains in the tea industry facilitate rapid imitation of popular products, resulting in a competitive landscape focused on health claims [14] Group 3: Regulatory and Ethical Considerations - Legal experts highlight that the use of terms like "slimming" may mislead consumers into believing these drinks have weight loss benefits, potentially violating advertising laws [10][11] - Previous instances of misleading advertising in the industry have led to penalties, indicating a need for brands to ensure truthful marketing practices [12]