How Much Nutrient Intake Do We Really Need

June 10, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

TH Group, a Vietnamese beverage company, has launched TH True Tea, a zero-sugar green tea product, amid growing consumer demand for healthier alternatives to sugary drinks. The company announced the release on June 8, 2026, positioning it as a solution to rising concerns about metabolic disorders linked to high sugar consumption.

Key Clinical Takeaways:

  • TH True Tea uses stevia and monk fruit as sweeteners, avoiding artificial additives common in low-calorie beverages.
  • Initial clinical trials reported no significant adverse effects, though long-term safety data remains pending.
  • Public health experts caution that sugar-free labeling does not inherently guarantee nutritional benefits without additional dietary context.

The launch follows a 2025 World Health Organization (WHO) report highlighting that 60% of Vietnamese adults consume more than the recommended daily sugar intake, contributing to a 22% rise in type 2 diabetes cases over the past decade. TH Group’s product aims to address this trend by offering a “nutrient-dense” alternative, though the term lacks standardized definition in regulatory frameworks.

How the Product Compares to Existing Sugar-Free Beverages

TH True Tea’s formulation includes green tea extract, which contains catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound associated with modest metabolic benefits in double-blind placebo-controlled trials. However, the concentration of these bioactive compounds in TH True Tea remains unspecified, limiting direct comparisons to established green tea products. A 2024 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that daily consumption of 400–800 mg of EGCG over 12 weeks improved insulin sensitivity by 15% in prediabetic individuals, but the study’s sample size (n=210) was limited to participants with a BMI ≥30.

The product’s sweeteners, stevia and monk fruit, are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), but their long-term effects on gut microbiota remain under investigation. A 2023 meta-analysis in Nutrients noted that while these sweeteners do not elevate blood glucose, they may alter microbial diversity in a manner that requires further study.

Funding and Regulatory Transparency

TH Group disclosed that the product’s development was funded through a private equity partnership with GreenTech Ventures, a firm specializing in sustainable food innovation. The company also cited collaboration with the Vietnam Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy (VIMP) for quality control, though no peer-reviewed studies on TH True Tea itself have been published as of June 2026.

Public health officials emphasize that sugar-free labeling does not equate to “healthy.” Dr. Lan Nguyen, a nutritionist at Hanoi Medical University, stated, “

Products labeled as zero-sugar may still contain high levels of sodium or artificial preservatives. Consumers should scrutinize the full nutritional profile, not just the sugar content.

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Public Health Implications and Unanswered Questions

While the shift toward sugar-free products aligns with global efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases, the absence of independent efficacy testing raises concerns. The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has not yet issued guidelines specific to TH True Tea, leaving regulatory oversight to existing frameworks for functional beverages.

From Instagram — related to True Tea, Minh Tran

Experts also highlight the need for clarity on the product’s “nutritional density” claims. “Without standardized metrics, such terms risk misleading consumers,” said Dr. Minh Tran, an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology. “A sugar-free drink could still contribute to poor dietary patterns if it displaces more nutrient-rich foods.”

For consumers seeking alternatives to sugary beverages, consulting with registered dietitians may help navigate these choices. Clinics specializing in metabolic health, such as the Hanoi Metabolic Disease Center, offer personalized assessments to align dietary habits with individual health goals.

Next Steps for Research and Regulation

The next phase of evaluation will depend on independent studies and regulatory scrutiny. TH Group has pledged to publish data from its ongoing trials by 2027, but no timeline has been provided for submitting the product to the Vietnam Food Administration for formal approval.

Public health advocates urge caution, noting that even sugar-free products must be part of a broader dietary strategy. “A single product cannot offset the impact of a

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