United States: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the sale of Zyn nicotine pouches, enabling them as a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes. The decision allows ten Zyn flavours, including mint, coffee, cinnamon, and menthol, to remain on the market.
Manufactured by tobacco giant Philip Morris, Zyn pouches have been available to U.S. adults for over a decade while the FDA conducted a formal review. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco products, Zyn pouches hold no actual tobacco. Instead, they deliver nicotine through a pouch between the gum and lip, similar to approaches like nicotine patches or gum.
The FDA stated that data provided by the company showed many adult smokers and smokeless tobacco users completely switched to Zyn. However, the agency emphasised that this authorisation does not mean the products are “safe” but less harmful than cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Nicotine pouches have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, yet they differ significantly from snus—a smokeless tobacco product popular in Norway and Sweden. Unlike snus, which includes tobacco and is illegal across most of the EU, Zyn is tobacco-free and legally sold in the U.S.
The FDA highlighted that youth usage of nicotine pouches remains low, with fewer than 2 percent of American students reporting use last year. This contrasts with e-cigarettes, which were initially authorised for smoking cessation but later became popular among teens.
The FDA also clarified that while Zyn is permitted for legal transactions, it is not “FDA approved.” The agency reiterated its stance that no tobacco product is safe, advising youth to avoid tobacco use altogether. Separately, the FDA has proposed a new rule to restrict the amount of nicotine allowed in cigarettes, cigars, and rolling tobacco.
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