E-cigarette use is declining, but nicotine pouch usage is on the rise.
Dae Hee Han, researcher associate in the department of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, delves into why.
Faculty Bio:
As a behavioral scientist, Dr. Dae-Hee Han specializes in investigating the behavioral and health-related consequences of substance use among vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents and young adults. With multidisciplinary training and extensive experience conducting research within collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams, he employs a range of methodological approaches to connect individual-level studies of addictive behaviors with macro-level analyses of substance use regulatory policies.
Transcript:
Nicotine pouches – small, tobacco-free sachets containing nicotine, flavors, and other ingredients – are becoming increasingly popular among young people in the U.S. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco, these products don’t require spitting and can be used discreetly, making them especially appealing to youth and young adults.
In a recent study, we examined how nicotine pouch use has changed among adolescents over the past year. Using data from a large, nationally representative survey, we found that lifetime and past 30-day use of nicotine pouches among U.S. youth nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024. Specifically, lifetime use rose from 3.0% to 5.4%, while current use increased from 1.3% to 2.6%. This surge was observed across nearly all demographic groups but was particularly notable among boys and students living in rural areas.
At the same time, we observed a decline in e-cigarette use, while nicotine pouch use continued to rise, indicating a shifting landscape of youth nicotine consumption patterns. However, these products still deliver nicotine, a highly addictive substance, and their growing popularity raises concerns about potential long-term health impacts and nicotine dependence.
As nicotine pouches continue to gain market share, it is critical for public health surveillance, prevention efforts, and regulatory policies to keep pace with these shifting patterns of use. Understanding who is using these products and why can help inform targeted interventions to protect youth and prevent nicotine addiction.
Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring emerging nicotine products and ensuring that public health strategies address the evolving landscape of youth nicotine use.
