Research Reveals Potent Sweetener Found in Flavored Vapes Targeting Teens

A recent scientific investigation has uncovered the presence of a highly potent artificial sweetener, neotame, in illegal flavored electronic cigarettes popular among adolescents. Neotame is known for being up to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar and is commonly added to products like ice cream and lip gloss. However, researchers have now identified this chemical in various disposable vapes sold across the United States, raising concerns about youth addiction.

The study, published on June 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), examined 11 brands of flavored e-cigarettes, including well-known names such as Elf Bar, Breeze, and Mr. Fog. Remarkably, all tested products contained neotame, even those labeled as "zero nicotine." Despite their illegal status, these products continue to be available through gas stations, retail stores, and online platforms.

Importantly, the study did not detect neotame in the four e-cigarette products officially authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor in Juul, which is currently awaiting approval. Experts suggest that the inclusion of neotame may significantly contribute to the appeal of these flavored vapes among teenagers, driven by their pronounced preference for sweet taste sensations.

"The presence of neotame likely plays a crucial role in making these products attractive to youth," explains Sven Jordt, a professor at Duke University School of Medicine. Adolescents tend to crave sweet flavors more intensely than adults, increasing their likelihood of experimenting with these products.

Flavored e-cigarettes account for approximately 86% of retail e-cigarette sales in the U.S., most of which are imported from China, where flavored vaping products faced bans in 2022, prompting manufacturers to shift their distribution abroad. Current FDA approvals are limited to 34 e-cigarette products, primarily in tobacco or menthol flavors, representing only a small fraction of the market.

The regulatory landscape is complicated by the use of nicotine analogs—chemicals similar to nicotine but with different structures—that some brands employ to circumvent existing regulations. Even products with zero nicotine might still contain neotame, potentially misleading consumers and evading oversight.

The inhalation of neotame and similar sweeteners poses unknown health risks, as FDA approval only permits their use in foods, not inhaled products. Experts express concern about the long-term effects of breathing in these chemicals, noting that while sugar in cigarettes can mask bitterness, burning sugar increases the formation of harmful chemicals.

The rise in illicit vapes underscores the importance of stricter enforcement and regulation to protect youth from nicotine addiction and other health hazards. The FDA has recently seized millions of dollars worth of illegal vaping products, emphasizing the ongoing effort to combat this issue.

Overall, the discovery of neotame in youth-targeted vaping products highlights the urgent need for regulatory action and further research to understand the implications of inhaling artificial sweeteners in these new vaping formulations.