Nicotine pouch

Nicotine pouches are a type of tobacco-free snus usually made from plant fibers containing nicotine. They do not include tobacco leaf, dust, or stem.^[1] The nicotine may either be derived from tobacco plants or may be synthetic.^[1][2][3]

To use a nicotine pouch, the user puts a pouch between their lip and gum, and leaves it there while the nicotine and taste is being released.^[4] The nicotine enters the bloodstream via mucous membranes in the gums.^[5] When finished, the pouch is disposed of.^[4] Many brands have a storage area in the top case (a catch lid) where used pouches can be kept if no trash can is readily available. The small pouches differ from chewing tobacco in that the user does not need to spit, since the contents of the pouches stay inside the pouches during use.^[6][1] No combustion is involved during use.^[1]

There is limited independent testing of the constituents, exposure, or biomarkers of effects for nicotine pouches,^[1] although independent research is now emerging.^[7] The pouches are sold in an array of flavors.^[1] Many of the brands of nicotine pouches are made by major tobacco companies (e.g., Swedish Match makes Zyn and Volt, British American Tobacco makes Lyft and Velo, Imperial Tobacco makes Skruf and ZoneX, Japan Tobacco International makes Nordic Spirit, Philip Morris International makes Shiro, and Altria owns 100% of On!).^[8] In December 2020 and April 2021, Altria subsidiaries closed transactions to acquire the remaining 20% of the global On! business for a total of approximately $250 million.^[9][10][11] Since 2021, sales of nicotine pouches have grown exponentially with Zyn as the global leader.^[12] This popularity has led to controversy among government regulators who view the product's appeal to youth as concerning.^[13]