Nicotine Pouch Use Nearly Doubles Among US Teens

Nicotine pouches, small sachets placed between the gum and lip, have seen a significant increase in use among U.S. high school students, nearly doubling from 2023 to 2024, raising public health concerns similar to those once posed by flavored e-cigarettes. Social media has played a key role in popularizing these products, with many influencers portraying them as trendy and linked to confidence and mental sharpness, contributing to their appeal among adolescents. While marketed as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes and recently authorized by the FDA for adult use, studies reveal that their actual adult usage remains low, prompting questions about their primary consumer base. The pouches are often flavored, discreet, and smokeless, making them attractive to young users, though health experts warn of potential oral health risks such as tissue irritation and gum recession, even in the absence of sugar. Organizations like the American Heart Association have called for increased regulation, emphasizing the need for public health attention as these products become more mainstream among youths. The surge in popularity marks a shift in nicotine consumption habits, with pouches often perceived as a safer and more socially acceptable option than traditional tobacco products.