Health hazard or tool to quit smoking? Northeastern expert weighs in on Zyn pouches

Northeastern University addiction specialist Robert Leeman says more data are needed to tell whether nicotine pouches do more harm than good. Getty Images by Michael M. Santiago

They have sparked lawsuits, a “new nicotine gold rush,” and even support groups for those looking to quit using them.

But are Zyn pouches the latest health hazard promoted by “Zyn-fluencers” — or a promising smoking cessation device?

Northeastern University addiction specialist Robert Leeman says it’s too soon to tell.

Robert Leeman professor of public health and health sciences. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

“There’s a potential smoking cessation benefit, but more data are needed,” says Leeman, professor and chair of the Department of Health Sciences at Northeastern University. Leeman is also head of the Ethanol, Drug and Gambling Experimental (EDGE) Lab at Northeastern.

“One has to be vigilant because of the tobacco industry’s involvement in the product,” Leeman continues, noting that the industry “hasn’t earned the benefit of the doubt.”

“But there is some reason for the belief that this is a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes,” Leeman says.

Zyn pouches are a smokeless tobacco product in the form of a nicotine pouch that you place between your lip and gum to deliver nicotine to the bloodstream. The pouches are more subtle than traditional combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes or chewing tobacco — no smoke plumes are produced or spitting is necessary — and since entering the market in 2014, Zyn has “gained TikTok-fueled popularity,” according to the American Lung Association. One study found a 641% increase in sales of the products between 2019 and 2022. In fact there was even a shortage of Zyn pouches last summer.