5 Facts Young People Should Know About Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches have become another way people consume nicotine without smoking cigarettes or using e-cigarettes. These small pouches are placed between the lip and gum, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
Because nicotine pouches don’t produce smoke or vapor, some young people may assume they’re harmless. However, these products still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can affect the developing brain.
According to the FDA, nicotine pouches were the second most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students in 2025, behind e-cigarettes.
Understanding what’s inside these products and how they affect the body can help young people make more informed decisions.
Here are five facts young people should know about nicotine pouches.
1. Nearly Half a Million Young People Use Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouch use has become a public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
According to the FDA’s 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey, approximately 460,000 U.S. middle and high school students (1.7%) reported using nicotine pouches within the previous 30 days.
While that percentage may seem relatively small, it represents hundreds of thousands of young people who are being exposed to nicotine through these products.
Nicotine pouches were also the second most commonly used tobacco product among students surveyed, following e-cigarettes.
The FDA reported that overall youth tobacco use declined between 2022 and 2025, while nicotine pouch use remained relatively stable between 2024 and 2025.
These findings highlight why education about nicotine pouches remains important.
Source: FDA — Results from the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey
2. Some Nicotine Pouch Users Develop Daily Habits
Nicotine is highly addictive, and repeated use can lead to dependence.
In 2025, 17.6% of young people who currently used nicotine pouches reported using them every day. Additionally, 26.3% reported using nicotine pouches on at least 20 of the previous 30 days.
These findings show that for some young people, nicotine pouch use is a frequent habit rather than an occasional activity.
According to the CDC, young people can begin showing signs of nicotine addiction quickly, sometimes even before they start using nicotine products regularly or daily.
As nicotine dependence develops, someone may experience cravings or find it difficult to stop using nicotine.
What begins as experimentation can become a pattern that is challenging to break.
Sources: FDA — National Youth Tobacco Survey and CDC — Nicotine Pouches
3. Tobacco-Free Doesn’t Mean Nicotine-Free
One of the biggest misconceptions about nicotine pouches is that products labeled “tobacco-free” don’t contain nicotine.
Nicotine pouches generally do not contain tobacco leaves, but they still contain nicotine.
Some products use nicotine extracted from tobacco plants, while others contain nicotine produced in a laboratory. Both forms can be addictive.
According to the CDC, nicotine pouches can contain high levels of nicotine, and the amount varies between products.
When someone places a pouch between their lip and gum, nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and enters the bloodstream.
Although nicotine pouches don’t expose users to smoke or vapor, that doesn’t eliminate the risks associated with nicotine exposure.
Tobacco-free does not mean nicotine-free, addiction-free, or risk-free.
Source: CDC — Nicotine Pouches
4. More Than 90% of Young People Who Use Pouches Choose Flavored Products
Flavors are a major feature of nicotine pouches, and research shows that flavored varieties are especially common among young people who use them.
According to the FDA’s 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 90.8% of young people who currently used nicotine pouches reported using flavored products.
Mint was the most commonly reported flavor, followed by fruit.
Nicotine pouches are available in a variety of flavors, including mint, citrus, cinnamon, and coffee.
The CDC notes that flavoring and marketing strategies used for nicotine pouches can appeal to young people.
Flavors may make these products seem less intimidating or more appealing, but they don’t remove the nicotine or its potential effects on health.
Understanding the role flavors play in nicotine product use can help young people recognize how product design and marketing may influence their decisions.
Sources: FDA — National Youth Tobacco Survey and CDC — Nicotine Pouches
5. Nicotine Can Harm the Developing Brain
The effects of nicotine extend beyond addiction.
According to the CDC, brain development continues until approximately age 25, making adolescence and young adulthood particularly important periods for brain health.
Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm areas of the brain responsible for:
- Attention
- Learning
- Mood
- Impulse control
Nicotine can also affect the way connections form between developing brain cells.
Because nicotine pouches deliver nicotine directly into the body, they raise concerns about exposure during these important developmental years.
Although researchers are still studying the long-term health effects of nicotine pouches specifically, the risks associated with nicotine exposure during adolescence are well established.
Source: CDC — Nicotine Pouches
Why This Matters
Nicotine pouches may look different from cigarettes or e-cigarettes, but they still deliver an addictive substance into the body.
Their small size, variety of flavors, and lack of smoke or vapor may make them seem less harmful than other nicotine products.
However, the absence of smoke doesn’t mean the absence of risk.
Young people can develop nicotine dependence, and nicotine exposure during adolescence can affect important areas of the developing brain.
Learning these facts isn’t about judging someone who uses nicotine. It’s about understanding the potential consequences and making informed decisions.
Outreach’s Commitment to Young People
At Outreach, we understand that adolescents and young adults may face challenges related to nicotine and other substance use.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, individualized support that helps young people understand their options and take steps toward healthier lives.
Our services include:
- Substance use treatment
- Mental health services
- Individual and group counseling
- Family involvement and support
- Recovery support programs
- Specialized services for adolescents and young adults
Whether someone is questioning their nicotine use or experiencing difficulties related to substance use, reaching out for support can be an important first step.
Explore Outreach Services
Nicotine pouches may not involve smoking or vaping, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
Understanding the risks of nicotine exposure, addiction, and its effects on the developing brain can help young people make informed decisions about their health.
If nicotine or other substance use is becoming difficult to control, support is available.
Visit opiny.org to learn more about Outreach’s substance use treatment and recovery services for adolescents, young adults, and families.