Study Shows Flavors Entice Teens to Try—and Stick With—Vaping

Teens who first try flavored e-cigarettes, cigar or smokeless tobacco are much more likely to still be using that product a year later, compared with those who try a non-flavored product, a new study finds.

Researchers found twice as many teens and young adults who first try a flavored e-cigarette are still vaping one year later, compared with those who first try a tobacco-flavored e-cigarette, HealthDay reports.

“Children and youth prefer sweet flavors. We know that flavors increase appeal to young or inexperienced users,” said lead researcher Andrea Villanti of the University of Vermont’s Center on Behavior and Health. “Something that tastes like candy is more palatable to a young person than tobacco flavor on its own.”