The recent surge in the popularity and demand for nicotine pouches has raised concerns among nicotine use prevention advocates across the country. As e-cigarette use begins to decline, the tobacco industry has shifted its marketing focus to nicotine pouches. First introduced to the U.S. market in 2014, these products have seen a significant rise in sales over the past five years (NikoKick, 2024). But what exactly are nicotine pouches, and why are they becoming a cause for concern?
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches are small, rectangular packets that contain 3 to 13 mg of synthetically or naturally derived nicotine. Each tin typically contains 15 to 20 pouches, which are available in a variety of flavors (Yale Medicine, 2024).
Why Are Nicotine Pouches Concerning?
One major concern is that products like Zyn, a leading brand, may appeal to young people and individuals who have never smoked or used tobacco. Zyn, like many other products aimed at youth, is available in a wide range of flavors. The pouches are discreetly placed between the upper lip and gum, making them difficult to detect once inserted. This ease of concealment may make them especially appealing to teens and young adults (Truth Initiative, 2024).
Additionally, nicotine is highly addictive, and its use can have serious consequences, especially for developing brains. It disrupts the formation of brain circuits that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction, with long-term effects that can impact cognitive and emotional development (Medical News Today, 2021).
Why Has Zyn Gained Popularity?
Social Media Influence: Zyn has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where influencers, known as "Zynfluencers," promote the product through sponsored content.
Smokeless and Spit-Free: Unlike traditional cigarettes or vapes, nicotine pouches like Zyn are smokeless, odorless, and spit-free. This makes them more convenient to use and easier to conceal.
Alternative to Smoking or Vaping: Many young people have turned to nicotine pouches as an alternative to smoking or vaping, citing their ease of use and discretion (NPR, 2024).
Tobacco Industry Marketing: With the decline in smoking and vaping, the tobacco industry is investing heavily in nicotine pouches to attract new users. Philip Morris International has committed over $800 million to expand Zyn production in response to growing demand (Truth Initiative, 2024). According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), nearly half a million students are currently using nicotine pouches, with Zyn being the most popular brand. This number is steadily increasing (FDA, 2024).
How Can We Protect Youth?
To prevent further youth exposure to these products, it is crucial to continue education on the dangers of nicotine use, particularly its impact on developing bodies and brains. Educating young people, community members, and policymakers is key to keeping these products out of the hands of minors.
To learn more about how you can help, visit NoMinorSale.com/Take-Action.
References
NicoKick. (2023, June 13). The History of Nicotine Pouches. NicoKick. Retrieved from https://nicokick.com/us/pouch-perfect/news/brief-history-of-nicotine-pouches
Yale Medicine. (2024, July 22). What Parents Should Know About Nicotine Pouches. Yale Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/nicotine-pouches
Truth Initiative. (2024, September 18). Philip Morris International to Invest Over $800 Million in Nicotine Pouches. Truth Initiative. Retrieved from https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/philip-morris-international-invest-over-800-million?utm_source=Truth+Initiative+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=1045ca3546-Newsletter_2024_09_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-1045ca3546-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D
Medical News Today. (2023, July 1). Effects of smoking on the brain. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/smoking-effects-on-the-brain
NPR. (2024, August 21). What's Zyn, and why there was a shortage this summer. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2024/08/21/nx-s1-5068090/what-is-zyn-nicotine-pouches-fda
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). 2024 Findings on Youth Tobacco Use. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/results-annual-national-youth-tobacco-survey#2024%20Findings%20on%20Youth%20Tobacco%20Use