Nicotine pouches have made a significant impact among U.S. nicotine users, but their rich heritage is deeply rooted in Scandinavian culture. Originating in Sweden in the 19th century, snus pouches were initially moist tobacco products placed under the upper lip. Fast forward to the modern era, and we witness the emergence of tobacco leaf-free nicotine pouches, offering a convenient and discreet nicotine experience. This article takes a journey through the brief history of these innovative smokeless products that have revolutionized the way people enjoy nicotine.

The Origins of Nicotine Pouches

Swedish snus has been around for centuries, but the first pre-portioned pouches were launched in the 1970s. Previously, users only had the option of loose tobacco snus. As modern technology developed and the understanding of smoking risks improved, it was only a matter of time before a tobacco leaf-free alternative to oral tobacco products was created. Nicotine pouches, which are small white pouches containing nicotine without tobacco leaf, dust, or stem, were first registered in 2008 under the name “Zonnic” in Scandinavia. Developed by Niconovum, a brand focusing on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, these pouches aimed to help smokers quit smoking. In 2009, RJ Reynolds (now British American Tobacco) acquired Niconovum, and the product category began to spread globally.

2014: The U.S. Introduction

ZYN, a brand from Swedish Match, was one of the first to launch nicotine pouches in the U.S. in 2014. Invented in Sweden, ZYN pouches quickly gained popularity, prompting other major tobacco and nicotine companies to enter the market. ZYN tailored a specific range for the U.S. market, and its products are now made in both Sweden and Kentucky.

2019: The Rise of New Brands

In 2019, brands such as On!, VELO, and Lucy introduced their nicotine pouches to the U.S. market. These brands offered a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths, catering to diverse consumer preferences. The sales of nicotine pouches online skyrocketed, with an average of 80,000 cans being sold each month.

2020: Innovations and Growth

The year 2020 saw significant growth in nicotine pouch sales, particularly online. New products continued to enter the market, with brands becoming more innovative. For example, FRE Nicotine Pouches, launched in 2020, used synthetic nicotine, making them entirely tobacco-free. Prior to FRE, most nicotine pouches contained nicotine extracted from the tobacco leaf. FRE offered stronger nicotine levels of 9mg and 12mg, providing a more potent option for users.

2021: Increased Awareness and Acceptance

In 2021, the nicotine pouch sector experienced even greater growth in the U.S. market. Increased visibility and acceptance of nicotine pouches led to more users switching from traditional oral tobacco products. Many well-established brands expanded their ranges, introducing new flavors and strengths. The availability of pouches, both online and in physical stores, continued to grow, further boosting their popularity.

2023 and Beyond: The Future of Nicotine Pouches

The future of nicotine pouches looks promising, with manufacturers becoming increasingly creative. New brands like L!X and Juice Head are entering the market with innovative products. L!X offers a range of soft and long-lasting pouches, while Juice Head introduces the first “fruit-forward range.” The nicotine pouch market is expected to continue evolving, with more brands launching, greater availability, and potentially more products made with synthetic nicotine.