95% of vaping products sold in Ireland are non-tobacco flavoured. Several factors support the effectiveness of vaping in helping quit smoking, including the range, availability and cost of devices, and the wide range of vape flavour choices. There is overwhelming evidence of the essential role vape flavours play in helping smokers reduce or quit smoking for good.

A 2021 study found that smokers who also used vaping products with “sweet flavours” were 44% more likely to quit smoking for good than those who used tobacco flavoured vaping products, while being no more likely to continue vaping long-term. A 2022 literature review by the Cochrane network of independent scientists found that people who vape to quit smoking do not tend to stick to a single vape flavour but switch as their preferences change, highlighting the importance of vape flavour variety when quitting. A further 2023 study by London South Bank University found that tailored advice on vape flavour choice increased the odds of quitting smoking for good by 55% among participants who quit using vaping products.

Research by the Tholos Foundation found bans on vape flavours in vaping products result in an immediate shift among vapers back to smoking combustible cigarettes, and an increase in black market sales.

The continuing availability of e-liquids in a wide range of flavours is critical to the effectiveness of vaping in quitting smoking. The RRPA opposes any measures that could limit access to vape flavours and potential harm the 87% of vapers who are current or former smokers and those who use vaping to quit smoking.