Nicotine Pouches May Lower Likelihood of Adolescent Vaping

A study found that nicotine pouch use increased substantially over the 2.5-year period but was not linked to increases in vaping. The study, “Oral Nicotine Product Use and Vaping Progression among Adolescents,” published in the June 2025 Pediatrics (published online May 19), followed a cohort of approximately 700 southern California adolescents who vaped from fall 2021 until spring 2024 and tracked their nicotine consumption habits. Nearly a quarter of those studied reported using both e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products such as pouches, gum, or lozenges. At the start of the study, approximately 8% of those included were using both e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. This climbed to 25% by the end of the study. Use of other oral nicotine products, including gums and lozenges, remained steady throughout the study starting at 22% and ending at 23%. Adolescents who used nicotine pouches were less likely than those who did not use pouches to continue vaping over follow-up. Authors stated that it may be possible that youth who vape are intentionally replacing e-cigarettes with nicotine pouches. But they caution this could lead to prolonged nicotine dependence and an increased risk of vaping relapse and stated that any nicotine exposure during adolescence is concerning due to potential adverse effects on brain development, addiction, and neurocognitive functioning. Authors conclude that further research is needed to track youth nicotine pouch use and understand its impact on health and other nicotine use behaviors. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.