Younger Australians at risk of using nicotine pouches

A new survey led by the University of Melbourne has found that 70% of Australians aged between 16–39 may be at risk of using nicotine pouches. The study is published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

Michelle Jongenelis, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, surveyed 817 adolescents and adults who had never used nicotine pouches.

Nicotine pouches are small, pre-filled bags containing nicotine, sweeteners, and flavorings. They are placed between the lip and gum, where their contents dissolve in the mouth and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Respondents were asked how curious they were about using the products, how willing they were to use nicotine pouches, and whether they intended to try a nicotine pouch in the next six months.

Worryingly, susceptibility to nicotine pouch use was observed in 70% of respondents, with 66% curious about nicotine pouches, 55% willing to try a nicotine pouch if offered by a friend, and 46% intending to try nicotine pouches in the next six months.

Those who had a positive attitude towards the products and who did not believe they were addictive were more likely to be at risk. Those who had friends who used the products and those who currently vaped or vaped in the past were also at risk.

“Given susceptibility to product use is a strong predictor of subsequent uptake, efforts are urgently needed to protect young Australians from these addictive products,” Associate Professor Jongenelis said.

“With the government cracking down on vapes, the industry and its retail sector allies have pivoted and are now selling nicotine pouches as they need to addict a new generation to nicotine to maintain shareholder profits.

“These highly addictive products are illegal, yet readily—and cheaply—available in a variety of flavors. Enforcement efforts for vapes should include nicotine pouches.”

Nicotine pouches, which are largely invisible once placed in the mouth, can be difficult to detect.

“Protecting young people from nicotine products is important to preventing long term addiction,” Associate Professor Jongenelis said. “These products also contain other chemicals that can be carcinogenic so it is critical to address industry activities to protect public health efforts.

“Given that susceptibility to nicotine pouch use was in large part determined by current or past use of e-cigarettes, we also need to consider programs that take a multi-pronged approach to prevention and target use across a range of nicotine products, rather than focusing on only cigarettes or vapes.”