A new laboratory analysis found that neotame, a highly potent artificial sweetener, may be present in most disposable e-cigarettes sold in the United States in 2024.
The study analyzed 73 vaping products and detected neotame in 57 of them, including products containing nicotine analogues and those marketed as nicotine free.
Researchers tested 11 popular disposable brands (27 devices), 12 FDA-approved cartridge devices, 2 JUUL devices, 20 nicotine analogue products, and 8 nicotine-free products. The products were selected based on 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey and Empty Packs Survey USA-NY data and were purchased online in 2024. The researchers analyzed additional samples from 2021 to assess earlier neotame use.
Neotame concentrations in vaping products were higher compared with in the reference food product, mint candy. In e-cigarettes, neotame content averaged 1.75 µg/mg (standard deviation [SD] = 2.49 µg/mg), about 4.6 times higher compared with the 0.38 µg/mg (SD = 0.06 µg/mg) found in mint candy. The highest levels appeared in products containing 6-methylnicotine, with a mean concentration of 2.69 µg/mg (SD = 3.91 µg/mg). Popular disposable products averaged 1.12 µg/mg (SD = 0.84 µg/mg), whereas nicotine-free products averaged 1.79 µg/mg (SD = 0.77 µg/mg).
Among products from 2021, neotame was detected in two of the four devices, indicating its presence in earlier products. FDA-approved cartridge products, including Vuse and NJOY, and JUUL devices contained no detectable neotame.
The analysis also measured other ingredients. No nicotine was detected in nicotine-free or nicotine analogue products. Synthetic cooling agents were frequently present. WS-23 was found in 50 of 63 devices, menthol in 28 devices, and WS-3 in eight devices.
Neotame is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than table sugar and 35 to 65 times sweeter than aspartame, differing from aspartame by a single molecular feature. It is FDA-approved for food use, but its effects when heated and inhaled through e-cigarette aerosol remain unknown.
Prior research has shown that flavorings and sweeteners can increase the appeal of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth and young adults. Other studies have demonstrated that additives such as sucralose and menthol can enhance product preference and abuse potential.
The researchers noted that while neotame’s heat stability may make it suitable for vaping, its safety profile for inhalation exposure is unclear. Further research is needed to evaluate its potential respiratory and systemic effects.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. The funders didn't participate in the study design, conduct, or reporting.
Full disclosures can be found in the published study.
Source: JAMA
