How 'Natural' Labels on Cigar Packs Influence Young Adults' Views
Prevalence and Effects of “Natural” Descriptors on Cigar Packaging
This work looks at whether 'natural' words and pictures on cigar packs make young adults—especially Black Americans—think cigars are safer or more appealing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248408 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be asked to take part in surveys or brief lab tasks where you view cigar packages with and without 'natural' words and imagery. The team will analyze national cigar sales data and examine purchased packs to measure how common these 'natural' labels are and whether their use is growing. Researchers will measure attention, risk perceptions, product appeal, and intentions to use among young adults, with emphasis on Black/African American communities. The combined results are intended to inform whether labeling rules should be changed to prevent misleading marketing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are U.S. young adults (around age 18 to mid-20s), including Black/African American individuals, who may have used or be open to using cigars.
Not a fit: People well outside the young adult age range, those not exposed to cigar marketing, or longtime former tobacco users may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could support clearer labeling rules that reduce misleading cigar marketing and help lower cigar use and related health risks in young and Black communities.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research on cigarettes has shown that 'natural' descriptors can mislead consumers and led the FDA to restrict such claims, but cigar-specific evidence is limited.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wackowski, Olivia — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Wackowski, Olivia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.