What’s Next in Cannabis Vape Flavor Trends: Flavor-Forward Vape

As cannabis vape manufacturers navigate an ever-evolving market, one trend continues to stand out: flavor-forward vapes. With nearly 60% of vape consumers prioritizing flavor in their purchasing decisions, the opportunity to innovate with bold, creative, and nostalgic flavors has never been more exciting—or important (Headset).

Take a look into what’s trending now and what’s next in flavor-forward cannabis vape innovation and check out the products that will help you target the flavor-focused consumer.

Who Is Purchasing Flavor-Forward Vapes?

Flavor-forward vapes are most popular with consumers in the largest and fastest-growing demographics: Gen Z and Millenials. Together, Gen Z (21-27) and Millennials (28-43) make up 70.8% of all vape pen sales (Headset). Gen Z is also the fastest-growing cannabis consumer group (Headset) and the first group to show a preference for vape pens (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: Younger consumers are drawn to unique and diverse flavor profiles, seeking experiences that go beyond traditional cannabis flavor profiles.
3. Emotional Connection: Nostalgic and indulgent flavors resonate with consumers, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity.

In contrast, older generations tend to prefer cannabis-forward products that emphasize the authentic flavor and aromas of the cannabis plant. This distinction highlights the importance for cannabis brands to create a diverse portfolio to meet the preferences of different demographics.

Current Flavor Trends Driving Growth

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 (BDS Analytics). What’s more, Strawberry is one of the few flavors that did not experience a 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: Vanilla, 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: These niche flavors are growing quickly, 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 Pink Lemonade and Cherry Limeade will gain traction.
• Drivers:
  • The growing “flavor fusion” trend in food and vape industries
  • Offers a balance of tartness and sweetness, appealing to a wide audience and reducing decision fatigue

Product Concepts to Target the Flavor-Forward Vape Consumer

[use Pineapple Whip product concept from e-book]

Ready to expand your reach with an elevated take on a Flavor-Forward Vape?

Differentiate with a Live Resin-infused take on the trend.

[use Rainbow Zelato product concept from e-book]

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.