In a remarkable trend, nicotine pouch sales have surged by an astonishing 641% from 2019 to 2022, reflecting a growing interest in smoking cessation alternatives. Despite this spike, recent research indicates that modern oral nicotine products are still not widely adopted for smoking cessation.
According to a study conducted by the University of Southern California, only a small fraction of American adults utilize nicotine pouches. Out of 39,557 surveyed adults, a mere 2.9% reported ever using nicotine pouches, and just 0.4% were current users. Interestingly, among those who attempted to quit smoking in the past year but relapsed, 5.2% used nicotine pouches as part of their cessation efforts.
The rising popularity of nicotine pouches coincides with concerted efforts from both the government and private organizations to promote smoking cessation. In March 2024, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled a new framework aimed at accelerating smoking cessation and reducing smoking-related disparities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to halve the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The framework emphasizes providing American smokers with access to the necessary tools and programs to quit smoking.
Nicotine pouches are one of many oral nicotine alternatives available today. These products deliver microlevels of nicotine without the need for smoke or ignition, allowing users to consume nicotine discreetly. As a result, nicotine pouches have become popular among smokers looking to reduce or quit the habit. The global nicotine pouches market was valued at $5.4 billion in 2023.
One of the most popular brands in this market is On! pouches, which are readily available through online retailers and physical stores such as convenience stores, headshops, and gas stations. On! pouches are marketed as a tobacco-free and discreet way to access nicotine without the adverse side effects associated with traditional products like cigarettes or vapes. These pouches come in various flavors, including Berry, Coffee, Cinnamon, and Mint, and offer a range of nicotine strengths from 2mg to 8mg to suit different needs and preferences.
On! Berry 4MG
A berry flavored tobacco leaf-free nicotine pouch
- Flavor: Berry
- Nicotine Strength: 4mg/pouch
- Number of Pouches per Nicotine Pouches Can: 20
- Pouch Size: Large
- Pouch Feel: Dry
In addition to nicotine pouches, other oral nicotine alternatives such as nicotine gum, gummies, and lozenges are also available. These products provide smokers and ex-smokers with the means to access nicotine without the harmful effects of tobacco. In tandem with the rise of nicotine pouches, more conventional cessation products like nicotine gum have also evolved in their marketing and branding to appeal to a broader audience. For example, startup Blip offers nicotine gum and lozenges in attractive packaging and various flavors, including mint, strawberry, and pumpkin spice, to make these products more accessible and appealing.
The growing popularity of oral nicotine products like nicotine pouches aims to provide smoke-free alternatives to traditional products like cigarettes and vapes. These products eliminate the need for ignition or electric power, addressing health risks associated with cigarette smoking and concerns about air pollution. Previous studies have highlighted the significant impact of air pollution on chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and stroke, particularly in heavily polluted areas.
Promoting alternatives to smoking is a crucial step toward improving public and environmental health. The surge in nicotine pouch sales underscores the increasing interest in such alternatives, even as further efforts are needed to make these products more widely adopted for smoking cessation.
