Overview
- Nicotine pouch use among U.S. high school students nearly doubled from 3.0% in 2023 to 5.4% in 2024, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open.
- The study highlights increased past-month, past-year, and dual use of nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, even as overall vaping rates among teens declined slightly.
- Male, non-Hispanic white, and rural teens were identified as the most likely demographic groups to use nicotine pouches, mirroring patterns seen with traditional smokeless tobacco products.
- The FDA’s authorization of flavored Zyn nicotine pouches for adults 21+ has drawn scrutiny due to rising youth uptake and the role of social media influencers in promoting these products to younger audiences.
- Researchers emphasize the need for continued monitoring, stricter flavor regulations, and tailored prevention strategies to address the unknown long-term health effects and growing normalization of nicotine use among teens.