Youth Nicotine Pouch Use Inches Up, Raising Public Health Concerns – FDA & CDC Issue Renewed Warnings
Washington D.C. – New data released today by the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Management (FDA) reveals a slight increase in nicotine pouch use among U.S.middle and high school students in 2024, prompting renewed calls for vigilance from public health officials. While overall youth tobacco use remains relatively stable, the growing popularity of thes discreet, flavored products is raising alarms about potential long-term health consequences and a new avenue for nicotine addiction among young people.
the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey data shows that 2.1% of U.S. middle and high school students (approximately 1.17 million students) currently use e-cigarettes, a decrease from 3.2% in 2023. However, nicotine pouch use rose to 1.8% in 2024,up from 1.5% the previous year. This translates to nearly half a million students currently using the products.
Understanding the Rise of Nicotine Pouches: A New Generation of Nicotine Delivery
Nicotine pouches, small pre-portioned pouches containing synthetic nicotine, are placed under the upper lip for absorption. Unlike conventional smokeless tobacco, they are tobacco-leaf free, and do not require chewing or spitting. This discreet delivery method, coupled with appealing flavors, is a key driver of their popularity among youth.
The FDA has been grappling with regulating these products, notably concerning their marketing and flavors. while the agency has the authority to regulate tobacco products, the legal landscape surrounding synthetic nicotine – initially unregulated – has been evolving. In march 2022,the FDA gained authority over products containing synthetic nicotine,allowing for stricter oversight. However, enforcement and the sheer volume of new products entering the market remain significant challenges.Key Findings from the 2024 Data:
Daily Use: 22.4% of the nearly half a million students using nicotine pouches report daily use, indicating a potential for rapid nicotine dependence.
Brand Preference: Zyn dominates the market, with 68.7% of users reporting it as their preferred brand.Other popular brands include on! (14.2%), Rogue (13.6%),Velo (10.7%), and Juice Head ZTN (9.8%).
Flavor Appeal: Flavored products are overwhelmingly popular, with 85.6% of users choosing flavored pouches. Mint (53.3%) is the most common flavor, followed by fruit (22.4%) and menthol (19.3%).Public health experts consistently cite flavored products as a major contributor to youth initiation of tobacco use.
E-cigarette Use Declines: While nicotine pouch use is increasing, current e-cigarette use among youth has decreased from 3.2% in 2023 to 2.1% in 2024. This decline may be attributed to ongoing FDA enforcement efforts and public health campaigns targeting vaping.
Public Health Response & Resources
“Youth use of tobacco products in any form-including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches-is unsafe,” stated Dr. Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, Director of the CDC’s Office on smoking and Health.”It’s essential that we remain vigilant and committed to public health efforts to ensure all youth can live healthy, tobacco-free lives.”
The FDA and CDC are emphasizing the importance of education and prevention. FDA officials, including Brian King, are closely monitoring sales trends and the evolving tobacco product landscape.
Resources Available:
FDA Vaping Prevention and Education Resource Center: https://therealcost.betobaccofree.hhs.gov/vapes – reaches approximately 90% of U.S. teens with effective prevention messages.
CDC Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/protecting-youth.html – Provides a suite of resources to protect youth from the harms of vaping and other tobacco product use.
CDC “Empower Vape-Free Youth” Campaign: [https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/empower-vape-free-youth-campaign.html](
