Recent research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, in collaboration with Action on Smoking and Health, indicates that approximately 1% of both adults (aged 18 and over) and youths (aged 11-17) in Great Britain currently use nicotine pouches. The study also reveals that the lifetime usage of these pouches has doubled over the past four years, reaching 5.4%.
Nicotine pouches, which are placed between the lip and gum to release nicotine without involving tobacco combustion, have been available in the UK market since 2019. Their use is predominantly observed among younger and middle-aged men who have a history of smoking and currently use other nicotine products. Despite their growing popularity, the overall prevalence of nicotine pouch use remains relatively low.
The UK government is considering regulatory measures to address the increasing use of nicotine pouches, especially among youths. Health campaigners have called for a ban on the sale of these products to individuals under 18, highlighting concerns about potential health risks and the lack of age restrictions.
