One in eight teenagers aged 14 to 17 in Great Britain have used nicotine pouches, according to a new survey that has intensified health experts' concerns about addiction risks. The poll of 500 adolescents in England, Scotland and Wales found that 13% have tried the small, flavoured sachets held in the mouth, with 30% of those using them at least once a week.
The pouches, also known as 'snus', do not carry the same cancer risk as smoking, but experts warn they can lead to nicotine addiction and oral health issues such as gum lesions, receding gums and mouth blisters. The survey, conducted by Deltapoll for the Future Health consultancy, also revealed that most teenagers obtain the products from friends or buy them in shops, which currently face no age restrictions on sales.
Seven in ten respondents supported the UK government's planned crackdown, including the tobacco and vapes bill that will outlaw selling pouches to under-18s, restrict packaging and flavours, and limit nicotine content. Former public health minister Steve Brine criticised the industry, stating: 'These unregulated products are being heavily pushed at young people, whether it be through shop displays, social media or in partnerships with UK music festivals.'
Almost half of the teenagers surveyed had seen nicotine pouches advertised, mainly in shops and on social media, and 73% want restrictions on promotion and sale. Separate research published in The Lancet Public Health estimated that more than 500,000 people in Britain now use nicotine pouches, with the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds rising from 0.7% in 2022 to 4% this year.
Industry representatives defended the products, with a spokesperson for Zyn noting that '96% of teenagers have never tried nicotine pouches' according to Ash, and highlighting their role in helping adult smokers quit. However, health experts in the European Heart Journal warned that 'nicotine is toxic to the heart and blood vessels, regardless of how it is consumed.'
