Contact Info

Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Control

651-201-3535

866-901-8316 (toll-free)

tobacco@state.mn.us

Commercial Tobacco Use
Nicotine Pouches and Other Emerging Products

The tobacco industry has expanded its offerings to include e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco devices. The industry’s aggressive marketing, particularly toward young people, raises concerns about nicotine addiction and long-term health effects. These products are often marketed as “tobacco-free” or “less harmful,” despite lacking independent verification of their safety, and nicotine is highly addictive and harmful to the developing brain – no amount of nicotine is safe for youth.

Many states and local communities have implemented restrictions on flavored nicotine products to curb youth use. However, stronger regulations and public awareness are needed to address the growing public health concerns surrounding these products.

On this page:
Nicotine pouches
Nicotine strips
Heated tobacco products
Nicotine-free products
Get free help to quit smoking or vaping

Nicotine pouches

Nicotine pouches are small, smokeless products placed between the gum and lip. Unlike conventional smokeless products like chew, they do not contain tobacco leaves but instead use synthetic or extracted nicotine. Pouches can also be used more discretely as they don’t require the user to spit. Popular brands include Zyn, On!, and Velo.

Most nicotine pouches are flavored and come in a variety of strengths. They contain high levels of nicotine, in some cases many times higher than the level of nicotine in cigarettes.

Tobacco companies often promote these products through influencers on social media, and many brands offer rewards programs that encourage continued use. These industry marketing tactics can make them especially appealing to young people. Despite marketing claims, they are not FDA-approved for commercial tobacco use treatment.

Get help to quitting with free support like coaching, text and email support, and medications like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit quitpartnermn.com.

In Minnesota, 5.2% of high school students report ever trying nicotine pouches, according to data from the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey. Nationally, nicotine pouch sales increased by 207.0% between January 2023 and April 2025. Few are "tobacco" flavored – as of April 2025, mint flavor accounts for 62.1% of sales, followed by other flavors (e.g., fruits, candy, drinks) at 23.2%, and flavors marketed as "smooth" or "original" at 10.6%.

Learn more

Nicotine strips

Nicotine strips, previously removed from the market, have resurfaced under new branding. These flavored strips dissolve quickly in the mouth, delivering nicotine discreetly. Their youth appeal and misuse potential have raised concerns among researchers and clinicians.

Heated tobacco products

Heated tobacco products, such as IQOS, heat tobacco to a lower temperature, instead of burning it, which produces an inhalable aerosol. While tobacco companies claim these products are safer than cigarettes, independent research has not confirmed reduced health risks.

Learn more: Talking heated tobacco devices with UMN | University of Minnesota

Nicotine-free products

Nicotine-free products may include vaping liquids, herbal cigarettes, and smokeless products like chew and snuff substitutes. Some of these products contain chemicals that react similarly to nicotine in our brain that simulate the effects of nicotine without being chemically identical. While marketed as safer options, some may still contain harmful chemicals, and their health effects are not well studied. Many also fall outside FDA regulatory authority, making it difficult to monitor their safety and marketing claims.

Public health experts are concerned that these products, especially flavored varieties, may appeal to young people and potentially lead to nicotine use. Some companies promote them as quitting aids, despite lacking FDA approval for commercial tobacco use treatment. Stronger regulations and consumer awareness are needed to prevent misleading claims and ensure these products do not encourage new commercial tobacco use.

Learn more: Nicotine-Free Products: An Overview | Public Health Law Center (PDF)

Get free help to quit smoking or vaping

Most people who smoke, vape, or use other commercial tobacco and nicotine products want to quit. Quitting has both immediate and long-term health benefits. It also helps protect family and friends who may be exposed to secondhand smoke or aerosol, especially infants and those who may have asthma or other chronic health issues.

Free help is available to all people who live in Minnesota. People who use phone coaching and quit medications are twice as likely to successfully quit.

Learn more: Get Help Quitting | Commercial Tobacco Use