NO SURPRISES –
June 10, 2026 – Nicotine pouches are small, microfiber satchels containing a pre-portioned powder doped with nicotine — a highly addictive chemical — flavorings and other ingredients. When held in the mouth between the lip and gum, the nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Retail sales of nicotine pouches grew by more than 50% from 2023 to 2024. Last year, the global market for nicotine pouches was nearly $7 billion, with almost 80% of the revenue share in the United States.
The pouches are among the “emerging nicotine delivery systems,” including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, introduced by tobacco companies as cigarette sales wane, said Robert K. Jackler, MD, an emeritus professor of otolaryngology and principal investigator of Stanford Research Into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising. “It’s about introducing young people to nicotine,” he said, “and sustaining the addiction in adult.
