Higher Nicotine Pouch Use Among US Soldiers Revealed

Jan.13.2025
Higher Nicotine Pouch Use Among US Soldiers Revealed
A new study by 29News on Jan 9 shows US soldiers are ten times more likely to use nicotine pouches like ZYN than civilians.

According to a report from 29News on January 9th, a recent study has shown that American soldiers are ten times more likely to use nicotine pouches like ZYN compared to the general population.


A survey conducted at the largest military base in the United States, Fort Bragg, found that 23.8% of service members reported using nicotine pouches at least once in the past 10 days. In contrast, a study of American adults in 2022 found that only 2.9% had used them in the same time period.


The study's co-author, Melissa Little, director of the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Center at the University of Virginia, pointed out that these nicotine pouches are not regulated by the FDA like tobacco products. While some believe that synthetic nicotine may be safer than tobacco, doctors warn that it is too early to draw any conclusions.


Littrell stated that addiction is more common among young and white male soldiers. Despite nicotine and tobacco use historically being a part of military culture, these nicotine pouches are particularly difficult to regulate.


Unlike cigarettes, soldiers can use these nicotine pouches anytime in the field and during training. Littrell says she is not against soldiers choosing to use nicotine pouches, but she hopes they can fully understand the health information and potential risks. She points out that it will take time to determine the specific extent of these risks.


For public health professionals, solving this issue will be particularly challenging, especially among young people and military personnel.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

FDA Authorizes Four More Nicotine Pouches as Review Pilot Expands Beyond Initial Decisions
FDA Authorizes Four More Nicotine Pouches as Review Pilot Expands Beyond Initial Decisions
The FDA has authorized four additional on! nicotine pouches, bringing the U.S. total to 30. The decision marks another outcome of the agency’s nicotine pouch review pilot, whose communication and review practices are now being applied more broadly across the category. It also extends Helix’s authorized portfolio from on! PLUS to the earlier on! line. Yet all FDA-authorized nicotine pouches still come from subsidiaries of PMI or Altria, underscoring how concentrated U.S. regulatory access remains.
Aug.05
Australia’s TGA Places Nicotine Pouches Under Therapeutic Goods Rules From July 24, Blocking Imports of Unapproved Products
Australia’s TGA Places Nicotine Pouches Under Therapeutic Goods Rules From July 24, Blocking Imports of Unapproved Products
Australia is strengthening controls on nicotine pouches under its existing therapeutic goods regulatory framework. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), nicotine pouch products must meet regulatory requirements, and unapproved products cannot be legally imported. The move follows Australia’s broader approach of maintaining strict oversight of nicotine products, including nicotine-containing vapes. As nicotine pouches expand globally, Australia’s regulatory approach highlights growing differences in how countries manage emerging smoke-free nicotine products.
Regulations
Jul.27
Philip Morris Italia Invests €1 Million to Upgrade Retail Network, Supporting 45,000 Tobacco Shops in Smoke-Free Shift
Philip Morris Italia Invests €1 Million to Upgrade Retail Network, Supporting 45,000 Tobacco Shops in Smoke-Free Shift
Philip Morris Italia has launched the Trade Academy program, investing €1 million to provide training and development support for approximately 45,000 tobacco retailers in Italy. The initiative aims to strengthen retailers’ capabilities in heated tobacco products, digital tools and consumer services. The move reflects how nicotine companies are increasingly investing in retail networks and frontline capabilities as new nicotine products become more important in the market.
Jul.28
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
The Scottish Government plans to remove business rates relief from vape shops from April 1, 2027, saying the measure is intended to ensure vape retailers contribute to the high street and align rates relief with public health commitments, while the impact on convenience stores that sell vaping products remains unclear.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | OXVA Launches ONEO Pro in France, Upgrading Its Open-Pod Platform
Product | OXVA Launches ONEO Pro in France, Upgrading Its Open-Pod Platform
Vape brand OXVA has introduced the ONEO Pro, a refillable open-pod system that entered the French market in July 2026. The device features a 2,100mAh battery, up to 40W output, a 4ml refillable cartridge, multiple coil options and a 0.96-inch color TFT display. The launch reflects continued performance upgrades within the refillable open-pod segment, with brands adding higher capacity, adjustable output and smarter device interaction.
Aug.03
Adani’s Mumbai Airport Duty-Free Shops Face Scrutiny Over Nicotine Pouch Sales in India
Adani’s Mumbai Airport Duty-Free Shops Face Scrutiny Over Nicotine Pouch Sales in India
An Indian investigation found that duty-free shops at Mumbai international airport operated by billionaire Gautam Adani’s business group sold nicotine pouches in breach of the law, Reuters reported, in a case that could shape how India regulates sales of new nicotine products at airport retail outlets.
Jul.08