In the United States, an oral nicotine pouch product referred to as ZYN is trending among Gen Z (those born in the mid-1990s to early 2000s). With 340 million cans being sold last year alone, its popularity is soaring within the U.S.
ZYN comes in a round can with 15 pouches smaller than a tea bag and contains refined pure nicotine.
The pouch is placed between the gum and the lip, or between the gum and the cheek, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed into the body through the gums. ZYN has the unique feature of not producing smoke or smell, unlike regular cigarettes. The average price is around $5, which is cheaper than regular cigarettes that are sold in the market for $8.
ZYN gained popularity through TikTok, the global short-form video platform. On TikTok, you can find numerous videos of people using ZYN while working or exercising, as well as videos of piles of ZYN.
Although tobacco companies are promoting nicotine pouches as having a lower risk of respiratory diseases, the evidence for their safety is unclear. Also, there are concerns about nicotine addiction as the nicotine in the pouches is absorbed into the body.
There are warnings that excessive nicotine intake through ZYN is no different from smoking, and there is a need to be cautious about the risk of diseases such as oral cancer.
In an interview with the YouTube channel SBS News, the Head of the Korea Tobacco Regulation Research and Education Center Lee Sung Kyu said, “There is already a product called Snus that uses nicotine pouches.” Lee further explained, “The occurrence rate of oral cancer is about four times higher than regular cigarettes with this product.” He also expressed concern by stating, “The variety of ZYN flavors and tastes preferred by teenagers could increase the smoking rate among them.”
