What’s Next in Flavor-Forward Vape Trends

As manufacturers navigate an ever-changing market, one trend stands out: flavor-forward vapes. Nearly 60% of today’s vape consumers prioritize flavor in their purchasing decisions. That means innovating with flavor has never been more important (Headset).

Who Is Purchasing Flavor-Forward Vapes?

Flavor-forward vapes are most popular with the largest and fastest-growing consumer groups: Gen Z and Millennials. Together, this group (roughly aged 21-43) makes up 70.8% of all vape pen sales (Headset). Gen Z is the fastest-growing cannabis consumer group (Headset). They are also the first to prefer vape pens over other applications (Green Market Reports).

Here’s why these groups are seeking out flavor-foward vapes:

1. Approachability: Bold, fun flavors like Strawberry Jelly or Cotton Candy make cannabis less intimidating for new users.
2. Desire for Novelty: These consumers choose unique flavors over traditional cannabis flavor profiles.
3. Emotional Connection: Nostalgic and indulgent flavors resonate with this culturally-conscious group.

Other generations, on the other hand, prefer products that emphasize the authentic flavor of the cannabis plant. This difference highlights the importance of creating a diverse portfolio to reach all customer types.

Current Flavor Trends

According to Mintel, flavored vapes now account for nearly 70% of all vape sales. Here’s what’s trending now in flavor-forward cannabis vapes:

1. Fruity Favorites

• Top Flavors: Strawberry, Mango, Blueberry, and Pineapple
• Market Insight: Strawberry-flavored vapes are the best-sellers, making up 18% of the flavored vape market (BDSA). What’s more, Strawberry is one of the few flavors with no year-over-year dip in sales in any market.

2. Citrus Flavors

• Top Flavors: Lemon, Orange, and Grapefruit
• Market Insight: Limonene-dominant flavors account for 15% of flavored vape sales

3. Sweet, Dessert, and Nostalgic Flavors

• Top Flavors: Sugar Cookie, Cotton Candy, Ice Cream Cake
• Market Insight: Dessert-inspired flavors have seen 22% year-over-year growth

4. Exotic and Novel Flavors

• Top Flavors: Dragon Fruit, Lychee, and Passionfruit
• Market Insight: Niche flavors are showing rapid growth, with a 30% increase in sales over the past year (Headset).

What’s Next in Flavor-Forward Vapes?

Looking forward, cannabis vape flavor trends are being shaped by insights from the food, beverage, and nicotine vape industries. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Tropical and Exotic Flavors

• Prediction: Mango, Pineapple, Guava, and Passionfruit will dominate.
• Drivers:
  • Popularity of tropical flavors in the ready-to-drink beverage market
  • Consumer desire for novelty and escape
  • High appeal to younger demographics

2. Nostalgic and Fantasy Flavors

Prediction: Flavors like Cereal Milk, Atomic Pop, Pineapple Whip, and Cotton Candy will continue to rise in popularity.

• Drivers:
  • Expect continued demand for sweet, nostalgic flavors, particularly those with a modern twist (Food Business News)
  • Sweet flavors have a nostalgic and comforting appeal, encouraging repeat purchases

3. Dessert & Indulgent Flavors

• Prediction: Sweet flavors like Sugar Cookie, Churroz, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake will have a seat at the table.
• Drivers:
  • Growing demand for sweet, comforting flavors
  • Crossover trends from the nicotine vape space
  • Ideal for evening and recreational use

4. Citrus + Berry Blends

• Prediction: Blended flavors like Strawberry Lemonade and Cherry Limeade will gain traction.
• Drivers:
  • The growing “flavor fusion” trend in food and vape industries
  • Blends offer a balance of tartness and sweetness that appeals to a wide audience and reduces decision fatigue

Product Concepts to Target the Flavor-Forward Vape Consumer

The Flavor-Seeker

• Infuse Distillate With: Flavor-Forward Botanical Terpenes like Pineapple Whip, Strawberry Jelly, Cotton Candy, Lychee Dream, Churroz, Atomic Pop
• Market As: Max Flavor + Strain Specific. Include strain name, flavor notes, and terpene education to connect flavor to the consumer experience

Ready to expand your reach? Differentiate with a Live Resin-infused take on the trend.

The Flavor Trailblazer

• Infuse Distillate or Extract With: Live Resin Terpenes + Infused Strains or Flavors. Suggested Blends: Super Lemon Haze + Lemonade Kush; Jack + Strawberry Jelly; Papayaz + Papaya Punch
• Market As: Live Resin Infused + Max Flavor. Include strain name, flavor notes, and terpene education to connect flavor to the consumer experience. Include terpene percentage for the live resin consumer looking for a full spectrum experience

What flavors will lead your next launch? Now’s the time to get inspired and explore bold new possibilities.

To learn more about how you can start creating your next winning product, contact us to get started today.