Background:
Flavor improves palatability of smokeless tobacco products (SLT) and attracts youth. There is limited evidence on flavored SLT use in India and Bangladesh, the two high SLT consuming countries in the world. This study maps the use of flavored SLT in India and Bangladesh.

Methods:
Tobacco products assessed in the first Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) of India and Bangladesh were analysed to identify flavored SLT product use and map it. Tobacco product specific assessment as well other tobacco products assessed for daily and less than daily users were considered. Operationally, any additional ingredient (except slaked lime) that alters or modifies the taste of plain tobacco, was considered as flavored one. SPSS used to assess the weighted prevalence estimates

Results:
The flavored SLTs used in India and Bangladesh were Betel quid with tobacco or Zarda, gutkha, pan masala, Zarda, gul or gudakau, snuff, bajjar, kiwam, and dentifrice with tobacco. Prevalence of flavored SLT use in India and Bangladesh were 17% and 27% respectively. Overall use of SLTs in India and Bangladesh were 24% and 27% respectively. Zarda(18%), and Betel quid tobacco (10%) were commonly used flavored SLTs in Bangladesh. In India, Gutkha (8%) and betel quid(7%) were commonly used flavored SLTs.

Conclusions:
Most SLTs are flavored one and this may aid in continuation of tobacco epidemic in India and Bangladesh. However there is an opportunity to limit SLT use by implementing legislation targeting the attractiveness of tobacco products.