Teen Nicotine Pouch Use Rises in Sweden Amid Anti-Tobacco Efforts

Nicotine consumption trends are shifting notably among younger generations and consumers globally. In the U.S., Gen Z is embracing Diet Coke as a cultural substitute for traditional smoking breaks, dubbed 'fridge cigarettes,' symbolizing a shift away from tobacco while still craving ritualistic nicotine-like experiences. Concurrently, the oral nicotine pouch market, particularly in Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, and West Virginia, is rapidly expanding as consumers transition from traditional smokeless tobacco products to modern, perceived lower-risk alternatives, boosting overall tobacco category sales. In Sweden, nicotine pouches, or snus, have become a normalized social accessory among youth, complicating public health efforts to reduce nicotine use despite educational initiatives targeting teens. Meanwhile, companies like Airis are innovating within the vaping industry by launching advanced disposable devices designed to provide premium and long-lasting vaping experiences, reflecting ongoing diversification in nicotine delivery methods. These trends highlight a complex landscape where new nicotine products are gaining popularity amid evolving cultural attitudes and regulatory challenges.