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

How AI Is Rewriting the Talent Playbook for the Nicotine Industry: JTI’s Case
How AI Is Rewriting the Talent Playbook for the Nicotine Industry: JTI’s Case
AI is moving from a back-office tool to a core organizational capability in the nicotine industry. Based on JTI’s responses, this 2Firsts feature examines how AI is reshaping talent strategy, internal mobility, decision-making and human accountability as global tobacco companies compete in the shift toward new nicotine categories.
Jun.17
Belgian Health Minister Calls Tobacco Industry “Criminal” After Court Undermines Supermarket Sales Ban
Belgian Health Minister Calls Tobacco Industry “Criminal” After Court Undermines Supermarket Sales Ban
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke described the tobacco industry as a “criminal” sector with “no future” during an appearance on VRT’s current affairs program Ter Zake. His comments came after Belgium’s Constitutional Court ruled that a government ban on cigarette and vape sales in supermarkets was discriminatory because it allowed small shops to sell tobacco products while prohibiting larger retailers from doing so.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
AIR Romania Manufacturing Facility Expected to Begin Operations in Q1 2027
AIR Romania Manufacturing Facility Expected to Begin Operations in Q1 2027
AIR Limited announced on May 7, 2026, that it plans to open a new manufacturing facility of approximately 70,000 square feet in Stefanesti, Bucharest North, Romania. The facility is expected to begin operations by the first quarter of 2027. AIR said that once fully operational, the facility is expected to support more than 150 jobs and be capable of producing more than 4,000 tons of flavored shisha molasses each year.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | VELO Launches Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026 as Festival IP Enters Nicotine Pouch Packaging
Product | VELO Launches Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026 as Festival IP Enters Nicotine Pouch Packaging
BAT’s nicotine pouch brand VELO has introduced the Tomorrowland Limited Edition 2026. Public retail-channel information shows the product has appeared across multiple European online platforms, while Haypp UK has listed related SKUs with a “Coming soon” status. The packaging carries the wording “Official Tomorrowland Partner,” indicating that the collection is part of VELO’s official collaboration with the electronic music festival brand.
Jul.02
Canada Vape Enforcement Action Puts VAPME Website, Trademark and China Supply-Chain Links in Focus
Canada Vape Enforcement Action Puts VAPME Website, Trademark and China Supply-Chain Links in Focus
Quebec police seized about 300,000 suspected illegal vape products and froze more than C$1.8 million in funds. Local media said vapme.ca, a website selling flavoured vape products, was shut down during the operation.
Regulations
Jun.18
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea began full enforcement of tobacco-style rules for synthetic-nicotine e-cigarettes on June 24, 2026, with fines of up to 100,000 won for use in non-smoking areas and enforcement focus on online sales, raw nicotine liquids and products falsely marketed as nicotine-free.
MarketNews
Jun.25 by 2Firsts Perspectives