Do e-liquids still contain them?
Yes, e-liquids contain food-grade flavorings, but they are specifically selected and refined to be safely inhalable. Unlike the flavorings you might find in your kitchen, those intended for vaping are purified to exclude any traces of oils, sugars, or dyes that could prove toxic once vaporized or prematurely gunk up your equipment.
A standard "food" flavoring might contain lipids that are harmless for the stomach but dangerous for the lungs, which is why juice manufacturers use synthetic or natural molecules on a propylene glycol base. This specialization ensures perfect molecular stability during heating, preventing the creation of undesirable compounds. Ultimately, while your e-liquids may smell like the strawberry or vanilla of your childhood, their chemical structure is far more technical than a simple pastry recipe.