Majority of U.S. Adults Using Nicotine Pouches Have Quit Tobacco, Rutgers Study Reveals

A Shift Toward Smarter Nicotine Choices

A new study conducted by Rutgers Health provides the first nationally representative estimates of nicotine pouch use among U.S. adults and the results highlight a significant trend.
Most users have a history of tobacco use and appear to be turning to nicotine pouches as a less harmful alternative to smoking or vaping.

Published in JAMA Network Open, this study draws from the 2022–2023 U.S. Census Bureau’s Tobacco Use Supplement, analyzing responses from more than 110,000 adults nationwide.

Key Findings at a Glance

The data revealed some fascinating insights into who’s using nicotine pouches and why.

• Overall prevalence remains low but measurable:
• Ever used nicotine pouches: 2.65%
• Current use (some days or daily): 0.42%
• Daily use: 0.18%
• Demographics with higher usage:
• Males compared to females
• Non-Hispanic White adults
• Individuals living in the Western U.S.

Most daily users were former smokers or e-cigarette users who recently quit other tobacco products. Meanwhile, adults who had never used tobacco were the least likely to report daily pouch use.

What These Results Suggest

According to lead author Cristine D. Delnevo, Director of the Center for Tobacco Studies at Rutgers:

“Our results suggest that adults may be using nicotine pouches for harm reduction, given that use is highest among those that have recently quit another tobacco product or e-cigarettes.”

In simpler terms, nicotine pouches are primarily attracting adults transitioning away from cigarettes or vapes, not those who’ve never used nicotine before.
This supports the growing perception that pouches could play a role in harm reduction strategies for adult users seeking smoke-free alternatives.

Why This Study Matters

Rutgers’ findings provide a crucial snapshot of how nicotine pouches fit into the broader U.S. nicotine landscape.
The insights are valuable for:

• Regulators: Evaluating how to allow access while maintaining responsible oversight.
• Public health officials: Balancing adult harm reduction with youth prevention.
• Manufacturers: Informing ethical marketing and product innovation.
• Adult consumers: Understanding how these alternatives compare to traditional tobacco.

For responsible adult users, nicotine pouches offer a cleaner, tobacco-free experience without smoke, odor, or vapor.

What It Means for the Future of Nicotine Alternatives

Although nicotine pouches remain a relatively small segment of the U.S. nicotine market, their potential is undeniable.
As more adults move away from combustible and vapor based products, nicotine pouches could become the next major step in harm reduction bridging the gap between quitting and satisfaction.

Explore Nicotine Pouches at Only Vapez

If you’re an adult user looking for smoke-free, convenient nicotine options, explore our selection of premium nicotine pouches available at Only Vapez

We carry top brands and flavors designed for adult consumers seeking modern alternatives to smoking or vaping always fresh, authentic, and responsibly sourced.

The Rutgers Health study underscores a positive evolution in nicotine consumption: a move toward harm reduction and smarter choices.
As research continues, nicotine pouches may play an even greater role in helping adults manage their nicotine intake safely and effectively.