Vaping, whether it’s through disposable vapes or mods, to some, is a safer alternative to smoking. However, vaping continues to be a subject of controversy due to its health implications and popularity among various demographics. What did this mean for 2023 and where will the trends go in 2024? Let’s dive in.
A Couple of Vaping Stats to Know
Trends Among High School and Middle School Students
Let’s get the most controversial subject out of the way first, kids. Especially high school students. A study released in Nov 2023 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows that, among high school students, current (past 30-day) use of any tobacco product declined during 2022-2023 (16.5% to 12.6%), primarily driven by a decline in e-cigarette use (14.1% to 10.0%).
In the same study, though there were significant increases that occurred during 2022-2023 in the current use of at least one tobacco product, there were no other significant changes that occurred during 2022-2023 for any individual tobacco product type, including e-cigarettes, among middle school students.
What is attracting the under-18 crowd to vaping? Most say it’s the flavors. That is why many states have enacted flavor ban laws, including here in California. Is it curbing the under-18 crowd? So far these laws, among other factors do seem to have an effect but it’s too early to tell.
The Majority of Adult Vapers are Under 30
According to a Gallup Poll in 2018, 9% of all adult Americans say they regularly or occasionally vape. But the rate is 20% among those 18 to 29 years of age compared with 8% among those 30 to 64 years of age, and less than 0.5% among those 65 and older. It’s hard to see this changing too much since we suspect the age number will go up slightly over time.
As to why the majority are young adults, that is not too hard to figure out. They grew up with fewer smoking ads and products around but wanted a substitute. Are there risks involved to one’s health, especially when getting a counterfeit product? Of course there is. But compared to traditional products like cigarettes, there are too many upsides to ignore.
Vape Market Size
The Global E-cigarette and Vape market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2023 and 2030. In 2022, the market is growing at a steady rate, and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon. (precision reports). The US is the largest market in the world for vape products worth US$6.2bn in 20203.
Vaping Trends in 2024
More Flavors
The jury is still out on the effect of the flavor ban on underage vaping. However, most shoppers just moved to shopping online for vape products. A study done after the California ban went into effect found that shopping queries were 162% higher than expected for vape products after the law went into effect.
That being said, vapers like variety. As a result, it’s become a growing trend that many vape brands are taking on board. You’ll now find a variety of flavored products that cater to every type of vape user. From e-liquid flavors that mimic nostalgic desserts and candy to fruit flavors and savory options.
Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes are affordable and easy to use. If someone is looking to get into vaping for whatever reason, these can be the perfect way to start.
Pods and Mods
In the world of vape mods, we are likely to see advancements in terms of power capabilities and customization options. Manufacturers may introduce more powerful chipsets, higher wattage outputs, and improved battery efficiency. Furthermore, we may see increased compatibility with various atomizers and tanks, allowing vapers to experiment with different coil configurations and styles.
With Pods, just like vape pens and disposable devices, there will probably be even more diversified flavors, as we just mentioned
Nicotine Salts
For those looking to get off traditional cigarettes, nic salt has been a great alternative. Nicotine salts provide users with a higher content of nicotine vaping but without the need for that harsh throat hit.
Smaller Size
Incorporation of Smart Connectivity
The incorporation of smart connectivity is gaining momentum. Vaping devices with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities allow users to connect their devices to mobile apps, enabling them to track their usage, receive firmware updates, and access a wealth of vaping-related information.
Conclusion
We, like many others in the industry, advocate for vaping responsibly and do not condone underage vaping. For all others, the vape industry, just like any other industry, is going through changes with the advancement of technology. With that in consideration, vapers are going to have more choices than ever before. We think in the end, 2024 is going to be about expanding the amount of choices vapers have.
