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Youth

Flavored Nicotine Gummies: The Next Public Health Crisis?

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the FDA renews its efforts to clamp down on vaping, another nicotine product is gaining popularity among young adults: flavored, nontobacco oral nicotine products, including gummies, gums, lozenges, and tablets. Sold in flavors like "Blue Raz," "Cherry Bomb," and "Fruit Medley," these products resemble candy and can be easily concealed, making them a concern for public health experts. A new study published in Pediatrics found that among high school students in Southern California, flavored oral nicotine products were the second most popular nicotine product, after e-cigarettes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has issued a warning letter to nicotine candy company Krave Nic, arguing that the company did not seek or receive required authorization from the FDA to legally market their products.
  • Flavored oral nicotine products are considered "new tobacco products" and are required to receive marketing authorization from the FDA to be manufactured and sold legally in the United States.
  • A Pediatrics study found that among high school students in Southern California, 4% reported having ever used flavored oral nicotine products, making them the second most commonly used nicotine product after e-cigarettes.
  • Hispanic youth, female youth, and LGBTQIA youth are more likely to have used flavored oral nicotine products.
  • Use of flavored oral nicotine products is more common among students who have used other nicotine products like e-cigarettes and cigarettes.
  • The FDA has proposed banning Juul Labs' products from the US market, but has temporarily suspended the order to conduct further review.

Statistics:

  • 2 million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2021 (estimated).
  • 4% of high school students in Southern California reported having ever used flavored oral nicotine products (Pediatrics study).
  • 3,516 high school students participated in the Pediatrics study.
  • 7 school districts in Southern California partnered with the study.
  • 4% of participants reported using flavored oral nicotine products among Hispanic youth, female youth, and LGBTQIA youth.

Sources:

  • Pediatrics journal: "Adolescent Use of Flavored Non-Tobacco Oral Nicotine Products: A Prospective Cohort Study" (2022) [1]
  • Boston University: "Nicotine Gummies: The Next Public Health Crisis?" (2022) [2]
  • FDA: "Warning Letter to Krave Nic" (August 2022) [3]
  • Center for Tobacco Products (CTP): Establishment (2009) [4]

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