Prevalence of Potent Artificial Sweetener Neotame in Popular US-Marketed Disposable Electronic Cigarettes

Sweeteners are used by tobacco product manufacturers to improve product palatability and appeal. Recently, the high-intensity artificial sweetener, neotame, was detected in nicotine analogue-containing and "zero nicotine" electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The prevalence of neotame in popular US-marketed disposable e-cigarettes remains unknown.

Popular disposable e-cigarette devices were chosen based on 2024 US market surveys and analyzed for neotame using Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). Nicotine, 6-methyl nicotine and cooling compounds were also quantified. Contents of FDA-approved e-cigarettes, nicotine analogue-containing, "zero-nicotine" disposables and a candy product were compared.

Neotame was detected in all 57 tested popular disposable e-cigarette devices, zero-nicotine, and nicotine analogue products, but not in 13 FDA-approved nor Juul products. 2 disposable products marketed in 2021 also contained neotame. The synthetic coolant WS-23 was detected in the large majority of tested products, with menthol and WS-3 less prevalent.

The high prevalence of the artificial sweetener neotame in disposable e-cigarettes raises concerns about its effects on appeal and abuse potential of these products, especially in combination with cooling and sweet-associated flavors (fruit, candy) known to be preferred by youth. While more heat-stable than other artificial sweeteners, the degradation of neotame in e-cigarettes needs to be investigated and assessed for potential toxicity.