Fact Sheet for Parents: What to Know About ZYN Nicotine Pouches
Aaron Hunt, Gabriella Murza, and Alyssa Ferrin
What Is ZYN and How Does It Work?
ZYN is a brand of nicotine pouches that are placed between the lip and gum (ZYN, n.d.; Truth Initiative, 2023). The pouches are small, discreet, and do not produce smoke or vapor, making them easy for teens to use without detection (Robichaud et al., 2020; MacMillan, 2024). These pouches do not contain tobacco but do contain nicotine, which is the addictive substance found in cigarettes and other tobacco products (Editorial staff, 2024; Truth Initiative, 2023).
The product comes in various flavors and nicotine strengths, including mint, coffee, citrus, cinnamon, and unflavored (Figure 1; ZYN, n.d.). ZYN is the top-selling brand of nicotine pouches, but other brands include Rogue, Lucy, Juice Head, VELO, and On! (MacMillan, 2024; Truth Initiative, 2023). ZYN is often promoted on social media platforms, where teens may be exposed to peer use.
ZYN pouches release nicotine into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth (American Dental Association, n.d.; Editorial staff, 2024). This can produce effects similar to smoking or vaping, such as a quick release of nicotine leading to a feeling of relaxation or stimulation (University Health Center, n.d.; Rodenburg, 2024).
Figure 1. Two Different Flavors and Strengths of ZYN Nicotine Pouches
Photo credit: Truth Initiative, 2023
Health Risks of ZYN
Nicotine is highly addictive, and even small amounts can lead to dependence. Teens are especially vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder due to their developing brains (MacMillan, 2024; Thomas, 2024). Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the parts of the brain responsible for attention, learning, mood, and impulse control (McGrathMorrow et al., 2020; MacMillan, 2024). Nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure and lead to other health issues (University Health Center, n.d.). There is also limited research on the long-term effects of using nicotine pouches (Back et al., 2023).
Signs Your Teen Might Be Using ZYN
Signs to watch for:
• Changes in mood
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Small round tins containing white, rectangular and gumlike pouches
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
Look for changes in mood, irritability, or restlessness, which could be signs of nicotine withdrawal (Figure 2; Editorial staff, 2024; Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2023). Finding small, round containers (similar to those used for mints or chewing tobacco) or something resembling a piece of white, rectangular gum could indicate ZYN use (Truth Initiative, 2023). Watch for symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or nausea, especially if your teen has no other apparent cause for these issues (MacMillan, 2024; CDC, 2023).
How to Talk to Your Teen
About ZYN
Approach the topic calmly and without judgment. Ask your teen what they know about nicotine pouches like ZYN. Share facts about the health risks associated with nicotine, particularly during adolescence. Let your teen know your expectations about nicotine and substance use. Discuss the importance of making healthy choices. If your teen is using
Source: Adapted from Cleveland Clinic, 2024
Figure 2. Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
ZYN or another nicotine product, offer support. Consider seeking resources such as counseling or nicotine cessation programs designed for teens.
What Can Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers Do?
Keep up-to-date on emerging nicotine products and trends among teens. Be aware of your child’s online activity and social media use, where they might be exposed to promotional videos, ads, and links to buy nicotine products. Demonstrate a tobacco-free lifestyle and discuss the reasons to avoid nicotine products. If you suspect your teen is using nicotine products and struggling to stop, consult your healthcare provider for advice and possible treatment options.
Additional Resources
Utah State University (USU) Extension offers an innovative youth vaping prevention program in several counties called Be Epic, Escape the Vape. Please check the website to see if it is available in your area.
Often, states offer free “quitline” services that provide counseling and support for those trying to quit nicotine, including teens. See the following for Utah quitline services.
• Call the Utah Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or text “START” to 36072 to sign up for coaching via text messaging, or visit Way to Quit for more information.
• Visit My Life My Quit for resources specifically designed to help Utah teens ages 13–17 or text “Start My Quit” to 36072 to talk to a coach via text message.
• Utah Medicaid offers a free program to quit smoking. Visit the Tobacco Cessation Program to learn more.
Many schools have programs in place to help students with substance use issues. Check with your teen’s school counselor for more information about which options are available.
References
American Dental Association. (n.d.). Zyn nicotine pouches can have adverse health effects. ADA News. https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/zyn-nicotine-pouches-can-have-adverse-health-effects/
Back, S., Masser, A. E., Rutqvist, L. E., & Lindholm, J. (2023). Harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in two novel nicotine pouch products in comparison with regular smokeless tobacco products and pharmaceutical nicotine replacement therapy products (NRTs). BMC Chemistry, 17. Springer Link. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-023-00918-1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). 7 common withdrawal symptoms Tips From Former Smokers® https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/7-common-withdrawal-symptoms/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Nicotine withdrawal. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21587-nicotine-withdrawal
Editorial staff. (2024, July 31). ZYN 101: What to know about big tobacco's latest addiction [Web log post]. Each Breath Blog, American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/blog/zyn-nicotine-addiction
MacMillan, C. (2024, July 22). What parents should know about nicotine pouches. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/nicotine-pouches
McGrath-Morrow, S. A., Gorzkowski, J., Groner, J. A., Rule, A. M., Wilson, K., Tanski, S. E., Collaco, J. M., & Klein, J. D. (2020). The effects of nicotine on development. Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-1346
My Life My Quit. (n.d.). Join thousands of teens who are taking their lives back. National Jewish Health. https://ut.mylifemyquit.org/en-us/
Robichaud, M. O., Seidenberg, A. B., & Byron, M. J. (2020). Tobacco companies introduce 'tobacco-free' nicotine pouches. Tobacco Control, 29(e1). BMJ Journals. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055321
Rodenburg, M. (2024, March 8). Nicotine pouches are growing in popularity. Are they safe? Hub, Johns Hopkins University https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/03/08/zyn-nicotine-pouch-tory-spindle/
Thomas, S. P. (2024). Counseling adolescents about Zyn. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 45(5). Taylor & Francis Online. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2024.2346425
Truth Initiative. (2023, May 23). What is Zyn and what are oral nicotine pouches? Truth Initiative Research and Resources. https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/what-zyn-and-what-are-oral-nicotinepouches
University Health Center. (n.d.). Nebraska University Health Center nicotine pouches: Are they safer than chewing, smoking, or vaping? University of Nebraska - Lincoln. https://health.unl.edu/nicotine-pouches-are-they-saferchewing-smoking-or-vaping
Utah Department of Health and Human Services Integrated Health. (n.d.). Tobacco cessation program https://medicaid.utah.gov/tobacco-cessation-program/
Way to Quit. (n.d.). Free & confidential tools to quit tobacco. https://waytoquit.org/
ZYN. (n.d.). Still have questions? https://us.zyn.com/questions/
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April 2025
Utah State University Extension
Peer-reviewed fact sheet
Suggested citation:
Hunt, A., Murza, G., & Ferrin, A., (2025). Fact sheet for parents: What to know about ZYN nicotine pouches. Utah State University Extension.