THE BEAST

As cigarettes continue their steady descent from mainstream use amid rising regulations and tobacco taxes, one nicotine alternative is gaining traction: nicotine pouches. These smokeless and odorless products are placed between the gum and the lip, where nicotine and flavorings are absorbed, allowing for a discreet consumption experience that does not disrupt the environment or others. In a Tobacco Prevention & Cessation survey of young adults from six US metro areas, nicotine pouches were viewed as "significantly less addictive and harmful" compared to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and even smokeless tobacco products. These perceptions are reflected in the numbers: a Cureus analysis  found that sales for tobacco-free nicotine pouches rose significantly from 126 million units in August 2019 to 808 million by March 2022. This is thanks to a few bestselling pouches by the industry's leading brands, offering unique variants to provide an exciting flavor experience for nicotine users.

According to the study, these brands are leading in market share: ZYN with 58.8%, on! with 24.6%, VELO with 12.1%, and Rogue with 4.8%. Here are some of their best offerings:

ZYN Spearmint

In 2020, over 40% of cigarette-smoking individuals used menthol cigarettes, according to Tobacco Research data. However, for those who want to transition away from combustible tobacco, weaning oneself off menthol-flavored items can be challenging, potentially resulting in relapse. Hence, some of the most popular products on the market are the menthol-like ZYN spearmint pouches sold by online retailer Prilla. Options like the ZYN Spearmint 6mg are suitable for those who like the taste of menthol but think peppermint or cool mint pouches are too strongly flavored. Another bonus of mint-flavored nicotine pouches is the refreshing and fresh taste that leaves no odor – an improvement from the foul smells that even traditional menthol cigarettes leave behind.

VELO Max Coffee

In our previous review of General Grant cigars , we discussed getting slight hints of pepper and chocolate notes from the product. That said, just because nicotine pouches aren't combustible doesn't mean they don't come with similarly unique and layered flavor experiences. In particular, VELO coffee pouches are like sipping on a creamy cup of java with a neat balance between right and lightly sweet, complete with a slight nicotine kick, making them a popular choice. Heavy smokers moving toward smokeless alternatives could try VELO Max Coffee 7 mg for its robust kick, best suited for a well-versed nicotine user. Coffee-flavored nicotine options could provide an energy boost, though they don't contain a lick of caffeine; an Integrative Medicine Research study found that even the smell of coffee can enhance working memory and stimulate alertness.

Rogue Apple

Fruity and sweet flavors are another well-preferred option for nicotine pouches. Because they mimic the taste of candy, they may make it easier to move away from tobacco and tobacco-flavored items while still maintaining nicotine consumption to avoid withdrawals. Rogue, which was introduced to the US market in 2019, understands this well, which is why Rogue nicotine pouches come in tropical and dessert-like options and are marketed as having "food-grade ingredients." A JMIR study identified Rogue Apple, Rogue Cinnamon Honey Lemon, and Rogue Mango 3mg and 6mg as the most prominent in the brand's advertising materials. Apple-tasting options provide an alternative flavor experience – especially since apple-flavored cigarettes can be rather difficult to find – sans the adverse effects that are explicitly associated with tobacco products.

Nicotine pouches provide additional options to current tobacco users who either want to begin smoking cessation or switch to reduced-risk consumption. Unlike cigarettes, which come in few flavors, the unique formulation of nicotine pouches allows the world's leading brands to create flavors that make nicotine consumption novel and enjoyable.