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Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and the evolution of synthetic coolants in cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in the context of the recent ban on characterising flavours in these tobacco products including the menthol-flavoured ones in the European Union (EU).Methodology A list of synthetic coolants was set up. A data search was conducted in the EU Common Entry Gate for cigarettes and HTPs registered in the period 2017 to 2023 containing one or more of these synthetic coolants. Within this timeframe, the prohibition of menthol as a characterising flavour, in cigarettes and HTPs, entered into force in 2020 and 2023 respectively.Results Seven synthetic coolants (n= 7) were identified in cigarettes and HTPs: WS3, WS23, WS5, WS27, isopulegol, menthyl lactate and monomenthyl succinate. WS3 and WS23 were the predominant coolants in cigarettes and HTPs. WS27 and monomenthyl succinate were mainly applied in cigarettes, while isopulegol was strongly present in HTPs. WS5 and menthyl lactate were the least applied substances. With some exceptions, menthol has been increasingly removed from cigarettes containing synthetic coolants. A significant increase in the number of cigarettes and HTPs containing synthetic coolants was recorded for 2022, with products being marketed in almost all EU Member States.Conclusions From 2020 onwards, a trend towards the addition of synthetic coolants was observed. In more and more EU Member States, industry has been steadily bringing more products containing synthetic coolants onto the market. The compatibility of these products with the provisions of EU tobacco legislation is being questioned.