Study Finds Concerning Trends Among E-cigarette Users in UK

Sep.30.2024
Study Finds Concerning Trends Among E-cigarette Users in UK
A study of 1,020 e-cigarette users found 39% may buy from unregulated sources, raising concerns about safety.

According to a report by Internewscast on September 29th, a study conducted on 1,020 e-cigarette users found that 39% of them admitted that they may purchase e-cigarettes from unregulated channels that have not been officially safety-checked.


The research results also show that one-third of the respondents believe that their nicotine consumption will increase. However, 22% of people believe that the upcoming law will motivate them to quit their e-cigarette habit.


A study commissioned by the nicotine pouch brand Übbs and retailer Haypp, carried out by OnePoll.com, aimed to respond to the UK government's commitment to achieve a "smoke-free Britain". Earlier this year, the UK government announced legislation that will restrict the sale and use of disposable e-cigarettes by 2025.


According to the survey, since the ban on e-cigarettes was announced, 24% of respondents have attempted to quit using them. 26% of respondents have switched to other alternatives, such as traditional cigarettes (36%), nicotine pouches (26%), and gum (25%).


The study also found that 85% of the respondents had smoked before switching to e-cigarettes, with 52% of them expressing concern about reverting to smoking habits after the ban is implemented.


The spokesperson for the Übbs brand, Steve McGeough, stated that,


Hearing e-cigarette users say they will seriously consider switching to smoking after the ban is implemented is really concerning. Additionally, research also shows that some people may even seek unregulated e-cigarettes, which is very worrying in terms of quality and safety. Our research suggests that while disposable e-cigarettes may be gradually phased out, there are still many safe and regulated alternatives available now or when the ban comes into effect. Nicotine pouches are a popular choice, providing support for the UK's goal to become a smoke-free nation.


The study also found that 73% of e-cigarette users have not tried any e-cigarette alternatives. However, among them, 28% are most likely to try traditional cigarettes, 21% are willing to try gum, and 25% are open to trying nicotine pouches.


Additionally, 30% of respondents are "very aware" of the risks of using unregulated e-cigarettes. The most familiar features of such devices among respondents include the lack of nicotine warning labels (41%) and the absence of emissions testing information (30%). When looking for alternatives, 52% of people prioritize the smell and taste of the product, followed by considerations of safety and quality assurance (50%), and the product's discreteness (33%). 30% of individuals prefer products that are "readily available," while 24% believe that open system e-cigarettes are too complicated.


The study also revealed that running out of battery is the most annoying thing when using e-cigarettes (32%), followed by not being able to use them freely anytime and anywhere (30%). Another major concern is having to leave social gatherings to smoke and missing out on time with friends (23%), and the issue of not being able to use e-cigarettes on airplanes (21%).


Haypp spokesperson Markus Lindbald stated,


From a positive perspective, it is a good phenomenon that before the ban is implemented, so many people are trying to quit e-cigarettes or explore other low-risk alternatives, such as nicotine pouches, instead of turning back to smoking. Based on the nearly smokeless experience in Sweden, nicotine pouches can play an important role in reducing smoking rates and improving public and personal health.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
DOJO launched the BLAST10K Fresh in the UK on September 4, 2026, introducing its INSTA-JUICED™ technology and a new 0+10ml structure that keeps e-liquid separated from the coil before activation. The device features a 1000mAh rechargeable battery, COREX BLAST dual-mesh technology and SSS leak-resistant technology, with a manufacturer-rated capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. It also retains compatibility with existing 2+8ml pods across the BLAST ecosystem. The launch introduces eight new flavors, including Matcha Strawberry, which DOJO describes as an industry first.
Market
Sep.04
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
Dragos Constantinescu has officially taken up his role as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at British American Tobacco (BAT). He previously spent 16 years at BAT across finance and general management roles in Europe before joining Asahi in 2019 and becoming CEO of Asahi Europe & International in 2025. His return comes as BAT continues to advance its “A Better Tomorrow” transformation.
BAT
Sep.01
Product | JT Expands Vote-Winning EVO Cacao Mint Crystal to Nationwide Retail in Japan, Adds 22-Stick Limited Pack at Same Price
Product | JT Expands Vote-Winning EVO Cacao Mint Crystal to Nationwide Retail in Japan, Adds 22-Stick Limited Pack at Same Price
Japan Tobacco (JT) will expand EVO Cacao Mint Crystal from limited channels to nationwide retail in Japan from October 6, 2026. The Ploom tobacco stick ranked first in the brand's first consumer voting campaign for new tobacco-stick SKUs held earlier this year. JT will also introduce a limited 22-stick pack at the same JPY 620 price as the standard 20-stick pack. The capsule-format product combines menthol with sweet, bittersweet cacao notes and adds a berry nuance when the capsule is crushed.
Sep.09
Bret Koplow Takes Permanent Charge of FDA Tobacco Center After Pushing Faster PMTA Reviews, as HHS Emphasizes Innovation and Access to Lower-Risk Alternatives
Bret Koplow Takes Permanent Charge of FDA Tobacco Center After Pushing Faster PMTA Reviews, as HHS Emphasizes Innovation and Access to Lower-Risk Alternatives
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named Bret Koplow permanent director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, ending his period as acting chief. Koplow has spent years working on tobacco regulation, law and policy inside the FDA and, while serving as acting director, pushed for faster PMTA reviews and nicotine pouch review pilots. HHS also said CTP will prioritize innovation and access to less harmful alternatives for adult smokers while continuing efforts to protect youth.
Sep.09
From Nicotine Pouches to Soft Candy Forms: China Tobacco Hubei explores adjustable-release oral nicotine products
From Nicotine Pouches to Soft Candy Forms: China Tobacco Hubei explores adjustable-release oral nicotine products
China-based China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application covering an oral nicotine product and its preparation method. The patent proposes a soft candy-shaped oral nicotine product containing nicotine ingredients, gelling agents, sweeteners and alkaline pH regulators. Through formulation adjustments and homogeneous or dual-layer structures, the technology aims to achieve different nicotine release profiles. The filing reflects exploration of new oral nicotine product formats and controlled nicotine delivery approaches.
Aug.06
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
One year after the UK disposable vape ban came into force, local authorities continue to seize illegal and non-compliant vaping products. FOI data compiled by nicotine retailer Northerner shows more than 1.3 million products were seized between June 2025 and May 2026, with Bolton recording the highest number of seizures and Swansea reporting the highest estimated value.
Jul.21