A systematic review of consumer preference for e-cigarette attributes: Flavor, nicotine strength, and type

Introduction:
This article is a systematic review of research examining consumer preference for the main electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) attributes namely flavor, nicotine strength, and type. The review includes 66 articles that meet the inclusion criteria of being peer-reviewed, written in English, and addressing consumer preference for one or more e-cigarette attributes.

Key Points:

* Consumers preferred flavored e-cigarettes, and such preference varied with age groups and smoking status.
* Several flavors were associated with decreased harm perception while tobacco flavor was associated with increased harm perception.
* Some flavor chemicals and sweeteners used in e-cigarettes could be of toxicological concern.
* Consumer preference for nicotine strength and types depended on smoking status, e-cigarette use history, and gender.
* Adolescents could consider flavor the most important factor trying e-cigarettes and were more likely to initiate vaping through flavored e-cigarettes.
* Young adults overall preferred sweet, menthol, and cherry flavors, while non-smokers, in particular, preferred coffee and menthol flavors.
* Adults in general also preferred sweet flavors (though smokers liked tobacco flavor the most) and disliked flavors that elicit bitterness or harshness.
* Weak evidence exists regarding a positive interaction between menthol flavor and nicotine strength.

Main Message:
The review highlights the importance of flavored e-cigarettes in consumer preference, particularly among adolescents and young adults. However, there are concerns about the potential harm associated with some flavor chemicals and sweeteners used in e-cigarettes. The review also suggests that nicotine strength and type are important factors in consumer preference, with smokers and experienced e-cigarette users preferring higher nicotine strength and advanced systems. Overall, the review provides valuable insights into consumer preference for e-cigarette attributes, which can inform regulatory decisions and public health interventions.

Zare, Samane, Mehdi Nemati, and Yuqing Zheng. “A Systematic Review of Consumer Preference for E-Cigarette Attributes: Flavor, Nicotine Strength, and Type.” Edited by Estelle Cormet-Boyaka. PLOS ONE 13, no. 3 (March 15, 2018): e0194145. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194145.