Contextualising an increase in the use of oral nicotine pouches

The sale of oral nicotine pouches across the world has substantially increased since 2018.1 Like snus (oral pouches containing tobacco), nicotine pouches deliver nicotine via the mouth when placed between the gum and lip or cheek. Snus is associated with lower mortality rates than combustible tobacco.2 Unlike snus, nicotine pouches contain no tobacco, so they are sometimes described as “tobacco free” or “white snus,” and are thought to be less harmful than snus.3 However, evidence is currently limited, and many existing studies have been conducted by nicotine pouch manufacturers.