Nicotine Pouches Gain Popularity Among Youth Despite Health Concerns and Regulatory Pushback

Nicotine pouches, known as "snus," have rapidly grown in popularity, especially among young people, despite health risks and their addictive nature. These white pouches are placed between the gum and lip, releasing nicotine without the need for smoking. Originally common in Northern Europe, the trend has expanded, with companies like British American Tobacco (BAT) projecting industry revenues to reach $15 billion by 2030. Philip Morris reported that gross profits from nicotine pouches in the U.S. are eight times higher than those from traditional cigarettes, according to Reuters.

While the product thrives in the U.S. and Scandinavia, companies face challenges introducing it to countries without a culture of oral nicotine use, as many consumers still prefer inhalation. Health authorities, including the World Health Organization, have expressed concerns about aggressive marketing and high nicotine levels attracting youth. France has already banned sales of nicotine pouches, and countries like Finland and the United Kingdom are considering stricter regulations.

Industry leaders argue that nicotine pouches offer diverse alternatives for adult consumers. BAT's CEO described the product as a growth engine with potential to replace cigarettes in the long term, while Philip Morris emphasized the varied preferences among adult smokers. In Israel, nicotine pouches are increasingly available in kiosks and vape shops, indicating growing demand despite ongoing health debates.