Polly, while I've never used Ballerina Tea, I took a look at its ingredients. Basically, it's green tea with a few other herbs added.

The manufacturers of Ballerina Green Tea are correct when they say that there is clinical research that supports fat burning/weight loss properties of not only green teas, but also black teas. In fact, a recent study showed that women who drank black tea regularly over a ten year period had lower abdominal fat levels (and were leaner overall) than those who didn't consume black tea.

That said, I have to be honest and say that there is very little about Ballerina Tea that is unique, with the exception of the addition of some herbs like senna. You could probably achieve similar effects by drinking plain ol' Lipton Green or Black Tea. So I would consider opting for that instead, which is a fraction of the cost of Ballerina Tea, and I suspect would have a similar effect.

Also, realize that any fat burning properties tea might have are minimal compared to the overall fat loss and health benefits associate with eating clean, exercising regularly and performing some weight training as part of an overall exercise and diet program.

In otherwords, there are no magic teas out there (despite the marketing hype and "science" the manufacturers of these products wrap around them). The only proven way to have lasting fat loss is through diet and exercise. I know people don't like to hear that, but it is the truth. Supplements can sometimes help, but you have to take care of basics first -- which is always exercise and diet.

My manta: Beware of products bearing quick fixes.

Best of luck ... Matt