Purpose: To identify how flavor is conceptualized with respect to cigarillos to illuminate areas of concordance and discordance and provide a pathway for the harmonization of tobacco flavor measurement.
Methods: Three methods were used to identify research measuring flavors respective to cigarillo products including: 1) querying research databases using key words 'cigarillo,' 'tobacco' and 'flavor'/'flavour,' 2) sub-sampling of the eligible literature with backwards and forwards reference searching, and 3) a bibliographic search of key experts. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Inclusion criteria required manuscripts to be available in English, published prior to 3/1/2022, be original and peer-reviewed, and include a measure of flavor pertaining to cigarillo products. A total of 163 manuscripts met these criteria and were subsequently evaluated.
Results: Cigarillo flavor determinations were made based on the presence of flavoring agents, sensory characteristics, marketing or package characteristics, pre-defined lists, the absence of any of these, and/or were undefined. Individual flavors and their related classifications were not altogether mutually exclusive due to differences in conceptualization which has evolved over time.
Conclusion: Flavor measures continue to evolve, likely in response to both tobacco control policies and industry shifts. There is a lack of standardization in flavor conceptualization that can be ameliorated through intentional integration of multiple forms of research such as identifying patterns of flavoring agents and/or marketing strategies that elicit a specific flavor profile. By doing this, we may more comprehensively evaluate the impact of flavors, their constituents, and related marketing strategies on broader population health.
Implications: There are discrepancies in the conceptualization of flavor in tobacco and nicotine products. The lack of standardized, definitive language limits our ability to comprehensively evaluate the population-level health impact of flavors in addition to our ability to effectively inform, implement and enforce policies restricting flavors in tobacco and nicotine products.
Keywords: characterizing flavor; cigarillo; concept flavor; flavor; non-cigarette tobacco products; public policy.
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