Nicotine Pouch Use Trends: Why Young Men Are Swapping Smokes
Recent data reveals that young men are driving the rapid growth of nicotine pouches in Great Britain. About 7.5% of men aged 16 to 24 now use these small sachets. In contrast, only 1.9% of young women and 1% of all adults use them. These white pouches fit discreetly under the top lip for a quick hit.
Most of the half a million users in the country also smoke or vape. However, many people now use pouches to help them quit cigarettes. Researchers from University College London are studying if these products actually aid in quitting. Because pouches contain synthetic nicotine instead of tobacco, some consider them a cleaner option.
Targeted Marketing Strategies:
The study suggests that aggressive marketing has fueled this sudden rise. For example, brands often sponsor Formula 1 teams or music festivals. In addition, influencer marketing frequently targets male audiences on social media. Consequently, use among young men jumped from under 1% in 2022 to 4% by 2025.
Furthermore, professional footballers have been seen using these colorful tins. This high visibility makes the products appear trendy to younger fans. Therefore, experts believe the marketing specifically reaches men more effectively than women. While adult use remains low, the youth market continues to expand quickly.
New Regulations and Risks:
The government plans to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill soon. This law will ban sales to anyone under 18 years old. It will also restrict how companies advertise and package their products. Scientists hope these rules prevent young people from starting a new addiction.
However, we must balance these rules carefully. We do not want to push current users back to harmful cigarettes. Although pouches lack tobacco, they still carry certain health risks. For instance, high nicotine levels can affect your heart and damage your gums.
