Who Uses Nicotine Pouches?
A University of Cincinnati study reveals that nicotine pouch usage among U.S. adults surged significantly between 2021 and 2024. Researchers noted that the product is transitioning from a niche item to a mainstream tobacco alternative, particularly among younger adults and existing tobacco users.
Why it matters
The rapid adoption of nicotine pouches raises public health concerns regarding long-term addiction and the potential for dual-use with other tobacco products.
A national survey study conducted by the University of Cincinnati found that nicotine pouch use increased sharply in the United States between 2021 and 2024 among adult tobacco users.
Nicotine pouch usage among "ever users" - individuals who have used the product at least once - rose from 16.4% to 31.1%, while current nicotine pouch use increased from 3% to 10.2% during the study period.
The lead investigator for the study is Ashley Merianos, PhD, professor in the University of Cincinnati School of Human Services. The study used repeated cross-sectional analysis of 2021 and 2024 YouGov survey data. It included a nationally representative sample of adult tobacco users in the United States.
The study findings were published recently in the scholarly journal Addiction .
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