Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 hrs ago
Nicotine pouch use rises among US tobacco users
A study of nearly 4,800 people found that nicotine pouch use rose among US tobacco users between 2021 and 2024.
In 2024, about one in 10 tobacco users used the pouches, up from 3% in 2021.
The pouches hold nicotine powder and are placed between the lip and gum, where nicotine is absorbed into the body.
Overall, 10.2% of Americans had tried a pouch, and nearly one-third of tobacco users had tried one.
Use was more common among men, adults aged 21 to 45, and people who use smokeless tobacco.
Many pouch users also use other tobacco products, a pattern researchers say is a concern.
Nicotine can affect brain development, which continues until about age 25, but the long-term health and addiction risks are not yet known.
Researchers say they will continue studying whether young people who start using pouches become dependent or move to other products, while public health officials should monitor new nicotine products.
Nicotine pouch use among US tobacco users more than tripled from 2021 to 2024, according to a study.
About 1 in 10 tobacco users was using nicotine pouches in 2024, up from 3% in 2021.
Overall, 10.2% of US adults had tried a nicotine pouch, and 31% of tobacco users had tried one.
Use was more common among men and adults aged 21 to 45, the researchers found.
Researchers said the long-term health effects and addiction potential of nicotine pouches are not yet known.
- Who
- US tobacco users, including people who smoke, vape or use chewing tobacco.
- What
- Nicotine pouch use rose, with about 1 in 10 tobacco users using the products in 2024.
- When
- The study compared data from 2021 and 2024 and was reported on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Researchers said tobacco users are turning to pouches as an alternative; the sources do not establish why use is increasing.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
About 3% of tobacco users used nicotine pouches, and 16% had tried them.
About 1 in 10 tobacco users used nicotine pouches, and 31% had tried them.
The study was reported in the journal Addiction.
- Tobacco users using pouches in 2024
- About 1 in 10
- Tobacco users using pouches in 2021
- 3%
- US adults who had tried pouches
- 10.2%
- Tobacco users who had tried pouches in 2024
- 31%
- Study sample
- Nearly 4,800 people
- Survey panel
- YouGov
What people are saying
Our data show that what was once considered a niche nicotine product is becoming a common product among adult tobacco users in the United States
Nicotine pouch use is increasing rapidly
Smokeless tobacco users were the most likely to use nicotine pouches, indicating overlap between traditional oral tobacco products and new nicotine pouch products
We still do not know the long-term health consequences, and we also do not know the potential for long-term addiction