The good news is that teens (and adults, too) aren’t reaching for cigarettes as much as they used to. Overall, smoking rates continue to decline. The bad news is that the tobacco industry keeps finding new ways to provide a nicotine fix.
E-cigarettes, vaping, pouches and other delivery systems continue to attract new users — many of them teens. While these products are technically available only to adults 21 and older, many of those using them are underage.
What are nicotine pouches?
Nicotine pouches are small, lozenge-shaped packages you slip in your mouth and hold between your teeth and gums. They’re filled with powdered tobacco (either synthetic or extracted from tobacco leaves).
Unlike traditional chewing tobacco, pouches can be used very discreetly. There’s no telltale wad of tobacco in your mouth and no need to spit while using it. And unlike smoking or vaping, there’s no detectable odor or smoke. That means they’re easy to use at school and other places you don’t want the use to be noticed.
Why nicotine pouches appeal to teens
Zyn, maker of the only FDA-approved nicotine pouches on the market, has become a social media darling. An army of young, aptly named “Zynfluencers” regularly promote the product on TikTok and other platforms. Their message — that using nicotine pouches is a safe way to improve your focus and confidence — speaks directly to a teenage audience.
Those promises, plus fun flavors (such as citrus, cinnamon and mint), are helping drive an alarming increase in the number of teens using nicotine pouches. According to a recent study, use by high school students nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024. And the average user is going through as many as eight to 12 pouches a day. At those levels, they’re consuming about the same amount of nicotine as they would by smoking up to 1½ packs of cigarettes.
Are nicotine pouches addictive?
Despite what your kids may be seeing online or on social media, nicotine pouches are not a safe alternative to smoking or vaping. It’s true that users aren’t inhaling tobacco smoke, or cancer-causing chemicals in vaping liquids. But that doesn’t make pouches harmless.
Each little pouch packs a highly concentrated amount of nicotine. Some may also contain other potentially harmful chemicals such as ammonia, nickel and formaldehyde.
Nicotine is an extremely addictive substance. Teens who start using nicotine pouches may be setting themselves up for a lifetime of nicotine addiction. And once addicted, quitting — whether it’s smoking, vaping or pouches — can be very difficult.
There are also concerns about how nicotine affects the brain, especially in teens whose brains are still developing. Nicotine use in teens has been shown to have a negative effect on learning, impulse control, mood and focus.
How to talk to your kids about nicotine pouches
Start by asking what they know about them, especially what they’ve heard or seen on social media. If they believe information that’s inaccurate, don’t just tell them it’s wrong. Show them how to find reputable sources of information about nicotine and its effect on brain health.
Try not to lecture. Instead, provide well-researched evidence that shows them the dangers of nicotine use. Helping your kids understand why nicotine pouches are harmful can help them make smarter choices for their own health.
