Japan’s Suntory Food & Beverage has launched Tokusui under the Tokucha brand, a zero-calorie functional product that claims to help reduce abdominal (visceral) fat in people with high BMI. The product is classified as a “functionally labeled product” (FOSHU/FFC) rather than a medicine.
According to the manufacturer and industry publications, the drink contains the plant polyphenol HMPA (3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid), obtained from the fermentation of rice bran; the label states that the ingredient “helps reduce internal fat in people with high BMI.” The drink is colorless, almost tasteless and odorless, and is available in 600 ml PET bottles.
A number of publications and social media posts refer to the new product as “water with the Ozempic effect,” but the press releases and product pages do not mention GLP-1 or semaglutide analogues. Tokusui is positioned as an over-the-counter functional beverage, not a medical weight loss product.
The Tokucha line is Japan’s most recognizable brand of beverages with “fat” claims; the introduction of “water” (rather than tea) expands the audience due to its neutral taste. The ingredient HMPA has already appeared in the group’s products (including claims about reducing visceral fat), which is also reflected in online retail listings.
