Tobacco-free Nicotine Pouches- Are they really safe?

The popularity of tobacco-free nicotine pouches(TFNPs) has surged in recent years. Several brands have bet big on Zolt, On!, VELO, and Rogue launching these smoke-free, tobacco-void products. Notably, the sales of these products have increased from 126M units between August and December 2019 to more than 808M between January and March 2022. In 2022, tobacco conglomerate, Philip Morris International, acquired Swedish Match, the parent company of Zyn, as part of its push into smokeless products. Zyn and other oral nicotine products are expected to bring $2B in revenue in 2024.

Despite their popularity, the only question that remains is whether tobacco-free nicotine pouches are safe, or not. This blog will discuss what makes these long-lasting nicotine pouches so popular and explore if they can adequately contribute to tobacco harm reduction(THR) strategies.

But first, what’s making TFNPs so popular?

Matt wasn’t a regular tobacco user when a friend introduced him to nicotine pouches. “I’d convinced myself because there wasn’t any tobacco, and they seemed pretty safe,” said X. “I liked how it made me feel. It tasted good. And so I was hooked.”

The 32-year-old admitted he became addicted to nicotine, finishing up to 20 pouches a day. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are oral products that contain nicotine and do not combust or contain tobacco leaves. Available in 03 or 06mg doses, these dry nicotine pouches can be placed between a user’s lip and gum, thus making way for the convenient absorption of nicotine through the oral mucosa rather than the lungs.

Moreover, these pouches are available in a variety of flavors including peppermint, coffee, citrus, and more which makes them appealing to kids. With popular brands highlighting flavors and using catchy one-syllable names, nicotine pouches come off more like gum rather than an actual nicotine product, which leads to more and more people adopting these products.

Now, are they safe?

The debate over whether TFNPs can contribute to tobacco harm reduction (THR) is ongoing. While some argue that they offer a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, others express concerns about their potential risks and the need for more research.

On the surface level, Nicotine pouches can be considered safer compared to other nicotine products since they don’t use tobacco leaves and therefore have fewer carcinogens. But, there indeed are unknowns with their long-term effects, and nicotine consumption leading to other product use.

Compared to traditional cigarettes, TFNPs do not contain tobacco leaves and therefore eliminate exposure to harmful chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide. However, they still deliver nicotine, which is the primary addictive substance in tobacco products. Although long-term studies on the health effects of tobacco-free nicotine pouches are limited, there is growing concern about the potential risks associated with prolonged nicotine exposure. Some studies have suggested potential links between nicotine use and cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, mouth lesions, and increased risk of certain cancers.

The potential impact of TFNPs on public health is a complex issue. On one hand, they could help reduce the overall harm caused by tobacco use by providing a less harmful alternative for smokers. On the other hand, there’s a fear of inadvertently attracting a bunch of new people and making them addicted to nicotine who otherwise would have never touched products like that.

Finally, the regulatory landscape for TFNPs varies across different countries and regions. Some countries have implemented stricter regulations on the sale and marketing of these products, while others have taken a more lenient approach. So to say, these long-lasting nicotine pouches are a completely safer alternative to traditional tobacco products would be unjust.

The Final Verdict

The safety of tobacco-free nicotine pouches remains a subject of ongoing debate. While they may offer a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco products, they still pose significant health risks due to nicotine addiction and the potential for long-term negative effects.

Individuals considering using dry nicotine pouches should be aware of these risks and weigh them against the potential benefits. It is also important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health implications of these products.

Ultimately, the decision to use TFNPs is a personal one. Individuals should consult with healthcare professionals and carefully consider the potential risks and benefits before making an informed choice.