Effects of expanded tobacco on acceptability and reported consumption of low-tar cigarettes

Experimental cigarettes designed for the low-tar band were made from one of two blends of tobacco and either 10% or 25% of expanded tobacco. They were smoked over a 7-day period by 24 habitual smokers of cigarettes in the middle-tar band. Sensory characteristics and acceptability of the cigarettes were assessed at first presentation, after 3 days and again at the end of the trial. The expanded-tobacco cigarettes were judged to be weaker than the smokers' own usual brands, and the 25% weaker than the 10% expanded. However, perceived strength increased over the 7-day trial. No effect of blend was detected. Smokers given cigarettes with 10% expanded tobacco smoked considerably more of them than was predicted from their reported normal consumption, but this sign of some compensation for reduced nicotine yield did not appear with 25% expanded tobacco. The implications are discussed for persisting smokers switching to the low-tar band, as officially advised to reduce health risks.