They may taste like bubble gum and look like candy, but flavored nicotine products are anything but harmless.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is now urging governments worldwide to take bold action and outlaw all flavored tobacco and nicotine products to protect young people from addiction and long-term health consequences.
Sweet Flavors Make Dangerous Products Seem Harmless
Fruity, minty, and sugary flavors disguise the harshness of tobacco and nicotine, making them more appealing—especially to younger users.
Nicotine Disguised as Candy
From colorful packaging to dessert-like aromas, many nicotine products are designed to mimic treats, luring in teens and young adults.
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Flavors Increase the Risk of Addiction
Studies show that flavors not only encourage first-time use but also make it harder to quit—particularly for adolescents with developing brains.
Social Media Marketing Targets Youth
Nicotine brands are using TikTok aesthetics, influencer culture, and bright visuals to market directly to a younger audience.
Click-On Capsules and Drops Exploit Loopholes
Some products are sold with flavor capsules or drops that users add themselves—an intentional strategy to sidestep regulations.
WHO Calls It Manipulation, Not Innovation
The organization argues that these marketing tactics aren’t harmless creativity, but calculated manipulation of vulnerable consumers.
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Vaping on the Rise Among Teens
In some regions, especially across the Americas, teen use of e-cigarettes is nearly equal to that of traditional cigarettes.
Gender Gap in Use Is Shrinking
New data shows that boys and girls are using nicotine at similar rates—an alarming trend that signals growing normalization across all youth.
Countries Are Starting to Push Back
Several nations in North and South America have already implemented advertising bans and even prohibited the sale of flavored nicotine products.
WHO’s Goal: Stop Addiction Before It Starts
The organization hopes that by removing flavors and appealing designs, the industry’s grip on youth can finally be broken.
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This article is based on information from News Medical