What Is the Role of Flavors in Nicotine Products?
Flavors are controversial.
Some policymakers and public health advocates argue that flavored products should be banned because they may increase appeal to youth.
At the same time, many adults who have moved away from cigarettes say flavors help them tolerate noncombustible nicotine products. For some, removing flavors could increase the risk of returning to smoking.
Understanding this trade-off is essential. Policies that address youth appeal must also consider how flavor availability affects adults who are trying to reduce their health risks.
To understand how flavored products fit into the broader spectrum of nicotine risk, see the Nicotine Risk Continuum.
To learn how the FDA evaluates and authorizes nicotine products, including flavored products, see FDA-authorized products.