Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research article that examines trends in unit sales of cooling flavored e-cigarettes in the USA from 2017-2021. The article uses retail sales data from Information Resources, Inc and identifies cooling flavors using six descriptors (menthol, ice, cool, chill, freeze, frost). The study also categorizes cooling flavors by characterizing flavor and product type.
Key points:
* During the study period, unit sales of cooling flavored e-cigarettes increased by 693.0% and the percentage of sales from total sales increased from 26.4% to 54.9%.
* Among cooling flavors, the percentage of menthol sales decreased from 94.5% to 73.0%.
* Among menthol cooling flavors, the percentage of prefilled cartridges increased from 67.2% to 96.6%.
* Among non-menthol cooling flavors, the percentage of disposable e-cigarettes increased from 5.2% to 99.2%.
* There were no significant price differences between cooling and non-cooling flavored disposable e-cigarettes.
* Sales of non-menthol cooling disposable e-cigarettes experienced the highest percentage increase.
* Cooling flavored e-cigarettes are important to consider when developing strategies to address flavored e-cigarette use among youth.
Main message:
The study highlights the significant increase in sales of cooling flavored e-cigarettes, particularly disposable non-menthol varieties, and the importance of considering these products when addressing flavored e-cigarette use among youth. The lack of price difference between cooling and non-cooling disposable e-cigarettes suggests that taste preferences may be driving the increase in sales. Overall, the study underscores the need for continued surveillance and research into the various categories of cooling e-cigarette products and their health impacts, particularly among young people.
Citation
Ali FRM, Seaman EL, Diaz MC, Ajose J, King BA. Trends in unit sales of cooling flavoured e-cigarettes, USA, 2017-2021. Tobacco control. Published online July 15, 2022. doi:10.1136/tc-2022-057395
