Teen nicotine pouches use rises as UK health experts warn parents

Published: 22 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A growing proportion of teenagers across Great Britain are experimenting with nicotine pouches, raising fresh concerns among health professionals, policymakers, and parents about addiction risks and long-term wellbeing. New survey data suggests that one in eight young people aged between 14 and 17 has tried these products, highlighting how rapidly nicotine habits are changing among adolescents.

Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the gum and lip, where nicotine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Often flavoured and discreet, they resemble tiny teabags and are marketed as smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes. They are sometimes referred to as snus, although traditional snus remains banned in the UK. While pouches do not involve combustion and therefore avoid many cancer-related risks associated with smoking, experts warn they are far from harmless.
The survey, conducted among 500 teenagers across England, Scotland, and Wales, found that 13 percent had used nicotine pouches at least once. Among those who had tried them, nearly a third reported using them weekly or more often. Health specialists argue that this frequency indicates a risk of dependency, particularly given the developing brains of adolescents.

Unlike cigarettes or vapes, nicotine pouches currently face fewer regulatory controls. Shops can legally sell them without age verification, which has made access easier for underage users. Many teenagers surveyed said they obtained the products from friends, while others purchased them directly from retail outlets. This lack of restriction has intensified calls for urgent legislative action.

Public concern appears to be reflected in young people’s own attitudes. Around seventy percent of respondents supported the UK government’s proposed crackdown on nicotine pouches. Planned measures under the tobacco and vapes bill include banning sales to under-18s, limiting nicotine strength, restricting flavours, and introducing plain packaging alongside health warnings. The aim is to reduce their appeal to children and young people while still allowing regulated adult use.

Steve Brine, a former public health minister, has voiced strong warnings about the direction of the market. Writing in a foreword to a new Future Health report, he argued that unregulated nicotine products are being aggressively promoted to younger audiences. He highlighted prominent in-store displays, social media marketing, and sponsorship links with music festivals as key channels driving youth awareness.

Brine also drew attention to the role of major tobacco companies, noting that many leading pouch brands are produced by firms historically associated with cigarettes. He warned that the industry has a long track record of reinventing products to secure future consumers. In his view, nicotine pouches risk becoming another pathway through which a new generation becomes dependent on nicotine.

Advertising exposure among teenagers appears widespread. Almost half of those surveyed said they had seen nicotine pouches promoted, most commonly in shops and online platforms. Social media, in particular, was cited as a major influence, reflecting how quickly trends can spread among younger users. Three quarters of respondents said they wanted tighter controls on how these products are marketed, sold, and used.

Support for regulation was also strong regarding age limits and warnings. Nearly two thirds of teenagers surveyed believed it should be illegal for under-18s to buy nicotine pouches. A majority also supported prominent health warnings, suggesting young people are not indifferent to potential risks but feel exposed by the current regulatory gap.

The survey was commissioned by Kenvue, the manufacturer of Nicorette, a well-known nicotine replacement therapy used by adults trying to quit smoking. The research was carried out by Deltapoll on behalf of the Future Health consultancy, led by Richard Sloggett, a former adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care. While the involvement of industry-linked organisations has drawn scrutiny, the findings align with broader independent research trends.

Health concerns linked to nicotine pouches have traditionally focused on oral effects. Reported issues include dry mouth, gum irritation, blisters, jaw discomfort, and receding gums. Dentists have expressed worries that prolonged use could worsen oral hygiene and contribute to long-term dental damage, particularly among younger users who may lack awareness of proper care.

Emerging evidence suggests deeper risks may exist. Some studies indicate that high-strength pouches, containing up to 30 milligrams of nicotine, can result in greater nicotine absorption than cigarettes. Researchers have also observed signs of increased arterial stiffness, which is associated with cardiovascular strain. These findings challenge the perception that smoke-free automatically means safe.

Sales of popular brands such as Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn have risen sharply in recent years. Their growth mirrors wider shifts in nicotine consumption, especially among younger adults and teenagers seeking alternatives to smoking or vaping. Packaging, flavours, and discreet usage have all contributed to their appeal in social settings.
International health experts have added to the warnings. Writing in the European Heart Journal, researchers stressed that nicotine itself is toxic to the heart and blood vessels, regardless of delivery method. They expressed concern about the rapid rise of vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches among adolescents and young adults across Europe.

Further evidence has come from research published in Lancet Public Health, which found that more than half a million people in Britain now use nicotine pouches or similar products. The increase has been driven largely by generation Z, with young men showing the sharpest rise. Among 16 to 24-year-olds, usage jumped from under one percent in 2022 to four percent in 2025.

Dr Harry Tattan-Birch of University College London, who led the Lancet study, acknowledged that nicotine pouches pose substantially lower health risks than cigarettes. He also noted they are likely less harmful than e-cigarettes. However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasising that reduced harm does not equate to no harm, especially for young users.

Industry representatives have defended nicotine pouches as tools for harm reduction. A spokesperson for Zyn, produced by Philip Morris International, argued that smoke-free products have helped millions of adults quit cigarettes. They pointed out that most teenagers have never tried nicotine pouches, urging policymakers to consider the broader public health benefits.

British American Tobacco echoed similar sentiments, noting that recent research shows more smokers are using pouches to stop smoking. The company warned that overly strict advertising bans could undermine efforts to encourage safer alternatives. Japan Tobacco International, which produces Nordic Spirit, said it supports banning sales to minors but expressed concern that excessive regulation could damage an emerging category.

The government has signalled determination to act. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said the aim is to protect young people from nicotine addiction. Officials emphasised that nicotine pouches are currently far less regulated than vapes, a situation the tobacco and vapes bill seeks to correct by introducing clear age limits and controls.

As debate continues, health experts stress the importance of balanced policy. Protecting teenagers from addiction remains a priority, while recognising the potential role of harm reduction for adult smokers. The challenge lies in preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on nicotine, even as society moves away from traditional smoking.