Definition of terms.

<div> In the Philippines, the regulation of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches under Republic Act 11900 or the Vape Law is crucial as their use continues to rise. As e-cigarettes are rapidly gaining popularity due to their social appeal, perceived novelty, ever-changing flavors, and sensations that are attractive to consumers, HTPs and nicotine pouches are continuously developing as well. This study aims to characterize e-cigarette, HTP, and nicotine pouch flavor descriptors in the Philippines and to assess the regulatory implications of existing policies regulating these products. We adapted the Tobacco Pack Surveillance System (TPackSS) data collection protocol developed by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control and employed both inductive and deductive thematic analyses to categorize flavor descriptors from 278 e-cigarette, HTP, and nicotine pouch products. We identified 11 categories of flavor descriptors: colors (18.08%), fruits (15.07%), codes or acronym-like descriptors (13.70%), concept descriptors (12.05%), menthol (10.96%), beverages (9.86%), sweet (8.22%), miscellaneous (5.48%), pop culture (3.56%), tobacco (2.47%), and nuts (0.55%). We also examined the flavor imagery, marketing tactics, and promotional strategies on these products. To effectively regulate e-cigarettes, HTPs, and nicotine pouches, we recommend streamlining their governing policies. Establishing a complete flavor ban on appealing flavors, descriptors, and imagery is crucial to curbing use. Additionally, increasing taxation and implementing plain packaging can reduce the marketing appeal of these products, thereby enhancing prevention and control efforts. </div>

Publication Details

Journal
Figshare
Published
2025-02-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0004248.s002
Primary Topic
Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Definition of terms.

Figshare
Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
article

Definition of terms.

article en

Abstract

<div> In the Philippines, the regulation of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches under Republic Act 11900 or the Vape Law is crucial as their use continues to rise. As e-cigarettes are rapidly gaining popularity due to their social appeal, perceived novelty, ever-changing flavors, and sensations that are attractive to consumers, HTPs and nicotine pouches are continuously developing as well. This study aims to characterize e-cigarette, HTP, and nicotine pouch flavor descriptors in the Philippines and to assess the regulatory implications of existing policies regulating these products. We adapted the Tobacco Pack Surveillance System (TPackSS) data collection protocol developed by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control and employed both inductive and deductive thematic analyses to categorize flavor descriptors from 278 e-cigarette, HTP, and nicotine pouch products. We identified 11 categories of flavor descriptors: colors (18.08%), fruits (15.07%), codes or acronym-like descriptors (13.70%), concept descriptors (12.05%), menthol (10.96%), beverages (9.86%), sweet (8.22%), miscellaneous (5.48%), pop culture (3.56%), tobacco (2.47%), and nuts (0.55%). We also examined the flavor imagery, marketing tactics, and promotional strategies on these products. To effectively regulate e-cigarettes, HTPs, and nicotine pouches, we recommend streamlining their governing policies. Establishing a complete flavor ban on appealing flavors, descriptors, and imagery is crucial to curbing use. Additionally, increasing taxation and implementing plain packaging can reduce the marketing appeal of these products, thereby enhancing prevention and control efforts. </div>

Figshare
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 52%
Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.