Are Zyns bad for you?
The connection between smoking and cancer has been known for decades. But it may take years to know how dangerous newer products, such as nicotine pouches, may be. Here's what's actually established today, summarized from the American Cancer Society.
The honest answer
Not harmless. In its 2025 review, the FDA found that specific nicotine pouches have fewer risks for serious health conditions than other tobacco products — which is why it allowed certain pouches to be marketed in the United States. But the FDA also warns that these products can be addictive, may include other harmful chemicals, and carry serious health risks.
"Just because the FDA authorizes a product does not mean it's safe. Nicotine should be avoided," said Kedar Kirtane, MD, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and medical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Tobacco and nicotine: the basics
Tobacco is a plant. Nicotine is the drug inside it. The tobacco plant has very large leaves, and its dried leaves are used to make cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Some e-cigarettes and other products also include tobacco, nicotine, and additional harmful chemicals.
Nicotine is one of the harmful chemicals naturally found in the tobacco plant. It can be extracted from tobacco plants or made in a lab. It's widely considered the major addictive substance that makes people use tobacco products. Nicotine causes the release of dopamine, a chemical our brains send out when we feel pleasure; dopamine can also improve focus and help someone feel more alert. Nicotine is highly addictive in any form, including pouches.
Products containing nicotine often include other harmful substances that can cause serious health issues. Products that contain nicotine are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "tobacco products" — the exception being when a company claims their product can prevent or treat a health problem, in which case the FDA follows a different regulation process.
What are nicotine pouches?
Nicotine pouches are small, dissolvable packets about the size of a piece of gum. They contain nicotine powder and are placed between the gums and the lip. As the powder dissolves, it's absorbed into the lining of the gums and cheek, then enters the bloodstream.
"Nicotine pouches don't have tobacco leaf in them. But they do have nicotine, which is addictive. They may also contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, or heavy metals like nickel or chromium," Dr. Kirtane said.
The amount of nicotine in each pouch varies by brand and strength. In the United States, nicotine pouches typically contain between 1.5 and 12 milligrams of nicotine. Because they don't actually contain tobacco, they may be viewed as safer than smoking cigarettes, using smokeless tobacco, or vaping — but research has shown that a pouch with 6 milligrams of nicotine can deliver more nicotine to the blood after 30 minutes than smoking just one cigarette.
Who uses nicotine pouches?
Though most users are adults over 25, studies show that use of pouches is rising quickly among teens and young adults. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, nicotine pouches are the second most used tobacco product among high school students. Flavored options may be one reason younger users like them.
Overall use is fairly low. Among U.S. adults, only 2.9% report having ever tried a nicotine pouch. Former and current tobacco users are most likely to use pouches. Research also shows higher usage among males and non-Hispanic White people.
Do nicotine pouches help people quit smoking?
No nicotine pouch product has been FDA-approved as a way to stop smoking or quit other tobacco products. Current and former tobacco users might report using nicotine pouches when trying to cut back on other nicotine products, but Dr. Kirtane cautions against using pouches as a tool to quit smoking.
Do they increase cancer risk?
The short answer is that we don't know yet. Because nicotine pouches are newer products, there is limited research on their effects. What's certain is the negative impact of nicotine on oral and dental health, cardiovascular disease risk, and cancer risk. Nicotine pouches could also act as a gateway to smoking or using other tobacco products with known links to cancer.
For the full breakdown of symptoms and risks, see Zyn side effects.
Measure it, then pace it
The G1 Tracker logs every Zyn with a press on the tin, and the L1 Lockbox keeps the lid shut until the interval you set is up.
American Cancer Society, "What to Know About Nicotine Pouches and Cancer Risk," featuring Kedar Kirtane, MD, medical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center and a member of ASCO's Patient Information Advisory Committee. Read the original article. Youth usage figures cited from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey.