Potential for Nicotine Pouches to Reduce Tobacco-Related Harm

As discussions continue among lawmakers and public health professionals regarding the safety of nicotine pouches, recent research from Rutgers University suggests these products may serve as a harm reduction tool for adult tobacco users. The study highlights that most adult users of nicotine pouches have a history of tobacco consumption and might be using these products as a step toward quitting or cutting down on more harmful nicotine sources.

The investigation, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022–2023 Tobacco Use Supplement, which surveyed over 110,000 adults nationwide. Findings reveal that only about 2.5% of adults reported using nicotine pouches, with the highest usage among non-Hispanic white men. Importantly, nicotine pouch use among individuals who have never used tobacco remains virtually non-existent.

A notable observation is that current and daily users tend to be those with a history of tobacco use who have recently quit, implying that these products might assist in smoking cessation efforts. While nicotine does not cause cancer, it is highly addictive and can impact cardiovascular health by elevating blood pressure, raising concerns about long-term health risks.

The popularity of nicotine pouches appears to be increasing, particularly among youth, with the CDC’s 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey indicating a rise to 1.8% use among middle and high school students—from 1.1% in 2022. This trend underscores the importance of regulatory oversight to prevent youth initiation, as emphasized by experts from Rutgers.

In January 2025, the FDA authorized the marketing of ZYN, marking the first nicotine pouch to receive official approval. Nevertheless, these pouches are not marketed as smoking cessation aids despite their potential utility for adult harm reduction.

Researchers emphasize that while nicotine pouches might support smokers in transitioning away from more harmful tobacco products, non-users should avoid initiating use. The ongoing study of long-term health effects is vital, given nicotine's addictive properties and cardiovascular impacts. Overall, when used by current tobacco users as a substitute, nicotine pouches could represent a beneficial step towards reducing tobacco-related health risks.