This Post: ZYN and Teens: Why This Nicotine Trend is Gaining Ground in High Schools
Written By: Nancy Reynolds
First, it was cigarettes, then came vaping, and now there’s something new that’s wreaking havoc on our teen’s health. It’s called ZYN – a small white pouch filled with nicotine powder. And, according to experts, teenagers are being drawn in at an alarming rate. Here’s what you need to know, parents.
ZYN and Teens: Why This Nicotine Trend Is Gaining Ground in High Schools
It’s exhausting, isn’t it parents? Staying on top of every new trend that might affect your teen can feel like a full-time job, especially when it relates to their health and safety. One trend that’s gaining traction with teenagers is the use of nicotine pouches, particularly a brand called ZYN.
Understanding what these products are, why teenagers are drawn to them and the potential health risks involved in using them can help you stay informed and lay the foundation for conversations with your teen. Here’s the lowdown, parents:
What Are ZYN Pouches?
ZYN is a brand of nicotine pouches that are smoke-free, spit-free, and hands-free. The small, white pouches are placed between the upper lip and gum, kind of like chewing tobacco, but without the mess or spit. The nicotine is then absorbed through the lining of the mouth giving the user a buzz or feeling of alertness.
ZYN pouches don’t contain tobacco leaf; instead, they contain nicotine extracted from tobacco, along with flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers.
According to the ZYN website, ZYN pouches are available in two sizes: Mini Dry and Slim. Mini Dry nicotine pouches contain 3 or 6 mg of nicotine, while the Slim pouches come in 9 mg, 9.5, 11, and 12.5 mg options.
Why Are Teens Attracted to ZYN?
Honestly, it’s not hard to see why ZYN pouches are showing up in teen backpacks, hoodie pockets, and sports duffle bags.
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They’re Small
According to Yale Medicine, ZYN pouches are small rectangles about the size of a piece of Chiclet® gum.
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They’re Discreet
There’s no smoke, smell, or obvious cloud of vapor (like vaping), so teens can pop one in virtually anywhere – during class, at sports practice, on the bus, or even while sitting at the dinner table without raising any red flags. It’s easy and totally discreet, which is part of the appeal. Plus, the packaging looks sleek and harmless – not much different from a tin of mints.
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They Come in a Variety of Appealing Flavors
Remember why teens were (and still are) drawn to vaping? The array of fun flavors was definitely a draw and ZYN pouches are no different. They come in a variety of appealing flavors like cool mint, menthol, cinnamon, citrus slim, lemon spritz, and black cherry, just to name a few. (No matter what flavor or strength a user chooses, they will receive 15 nicotine pouches per container.)
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They’re Advertised as “Cleaner” and “Healthier” Than Smoking or Vaping
There’s a whole other side to the appeal. ZYN advertises that it’s a “cleaner” and “healthier” option than smoking or vaping because the product is tobacco-free, which can make it feel less risky for teenagers. However, make no mistake about it, ZYN products still pack a powerful nicotine punch that teenagers may not be fully aware of.
“For many, especially teens, the absence of smoke or vapor can mistakenly signal a safer way to consume nicotine,” says Hayley Nelson, PhD, a neuroscientist, psychology professor at Delaware County Community College, and founder of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. “However, the primary function remains the same: to satisfy nicotine cravings, which can lead to dependence, especially in young, developing brains.”
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The “Buzz” Allure
Let’s face it, teenagers are also drawn to the buzz they get – the quick jolt of energy that comes from a nicotine hit.
According to Yale Medicine, “The buzz doesn’t last long; it’s like a head rush where you feel lifted. But after using nicotine regularly, your body gets used to it, and you don’t get that buzz any more. Once you become dependent on it, you just feel normal when you have it. And when you don’t have it, you start having cravings, headaches, or other withdrawal symptoms that indicate, ‘Hey, it’s time for another one.'”
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“Zynfluencers” Are All Over TikTok
And, there’s a social media element too. Some teens think it makes them look chill or cool, especially since it’s become popular on TikTok or among certain friend groups. Popular Zynfluencers are popping up everywhere glamorizing the use of nicotine pouches and portraying them as trendy and socially acceptable. Although there are several brands on the market, including On! and Velo, ZYN has gained the biggest following mainly, experts feel, due to “Zynfluencers” who promote the product as an easy way to get a buzz.
Here’s the thing, parents. At the end of the day, ZYN products are creating the perfect storm – they’re easy to hide, trendy, they have an alluring state and it’s being marketed as “no big deal.” But, behind all that?
Still nicotine. Still addictive. Still, something parents, teachers, school administrators, and health professionals need to be talking about.
According to the American Lung Association, “Marketing messaging claims that these nicotine pouches are intended for individuals aged 21+ to help them quit using traditional tobacco products. However, they are not an FDA-approved quit medication, and currently research shows that the biggest increase in users is among young people.”
“In fact, recent studies released in 2023 showed 400,000 youth in the U.S. reported currently using nicotine pouches, which is double from 2021. A concerning trend is that nicotine pouches are so addicting that 73% of young people who have tried nicotine pouches are currently still using them. This could be attributed to the fact that the average user consumes ½ can per day or 8-12 nicotine pouches. Depending on the nicotine content of the pouch being consumed, let’s say a 6 mg ZYN pouch, the nicotine ingested through 10 pouches would be equal to smoking 1 to 1 ½ packs of cigarettes or 1 ½ e-cigarette pods of 2% vape juice per day.”
What Are the Health Risks Associated with ZYN?
Despite ZYN marketing its product as a “clean” nicotine product, there are still plenty of health concerns associated with its use – especially for teenagers.
Yale Medicine states, “Nicotine may not contain the chemicals and toxins found in cigarette smoke, but it is highly addictive. It can also negatively affect the entire body, causing lung and stomach problems, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, and narrowing arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. And, while nicotine pouches may be a safer alternative to cigarettes or vaping because they don’t contain the known carcinogens associated with tobacco and are not inhaled in the lungs, they still are not recommended as something people should pick up. And they are especially not meant for youth.”
- Nicotine Addiction: ZYN’s nicotine content is highly addictive, and teens are particularly vulnerable to developing dependence. Research has shown that early dependence can lead to long-term addiction issues.
- Impact on Brain Development: Teens’ brains are still developing. Nicotine use during the teen years can interfere with that development affecting areas responsible for attention, learning, and susceptibility to addictive behaviors.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Nicotine can elevate the heart rate and blood pressure.
But It’s Legal, Right?
Yes — and that’s part of the problem.
The rapid emergence of these products has outpaced regulatory measures. While ZYN is technically a product for adults, teens are getting their hands on it easily, especially online or through older friends. It’s not as tightly regulated as vaping devices (yet), and the marketing is toeing a fine line. (When purchasing ZYN online, the website asks if you’re over the age of 21.)
What Can You Do as a Parent?
Let’s be honest… you can’t lock your teen in a bubble (it’s tempting, though). But there are a few things you can do.
1. Get the Conversation Rolling
Start the conversation with your teen. “Hey, I read something about these things called ZYN pouches. Have you heard of them?” “Are you or your friends using them?” Stay curious, not confrontational. The more relaxed you are talking with your teen, the more likely they are to open up to you.
2. Don’t Assume Your Teen Knows the Risks
Because ZYN advertises their product as “clean” and “healthier” your teen may not realize how harmful they are. A lot of teens also think that nicotine is only harmful if you smoke it. They don’t realize what it’s doing to their bodies and brains – especially long-term.
3. Educate Yourself and Your Teen
The more educated you are, the more you can educate your teen, help them steer clear of the product, and help them debunk myths and clarify misconceptions. Remember, you are your teen’s greatest defense when it comes to helping them avoid caving into peer pressure.
4. Watch for Subtle Signs of Use
For starters, be aware of your teen’s activities, friendships, and online interactions, especially on platforms where ZYN is promoted or available for purchase.
If you suddenly start smelling mint, cinnamon, or another sweet scent when your teen is near you, if they have mouth irritation, if you find a small round tin (that resembles a mint container) in their backpack or bedroom, or if you notice behavioral changes such as irritability or restlessness that’s out of the ordinary, it’s time to start asking questions. (My oldest daughter confessed to trying nicotine pouches with a few of her friends and all of them experienced nausea – another sign, particularly with teens who don’t use nicotine products regularly.)
5. Make Sure Your Kids Know They Can Come to You… No Matter What
Teens mess up. They cave into peer pressure at times. They want to feel cool. All of that adds up to occasionally making poor decisions. It doesn’t mean your teen is a bad kid and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re messing up as a parent. Make sure your teen knows you’re their “safe zone.” If they know they can talk to you without getting slammed with punishment right away, they’re more likely to come to you — before it becomes a real issue.
6. Talk About Healthy Coping Options
A lot of teens turn to nicotine to cope with stress, anxiety, or social pressure. Help them find other ways to manage — through sports, music, hobbies, deep breaths…whatever works.
7. If You Suspect Your Teen is Addicted to Nicotine, Reach Out to Your Family Doctor
Don’t wait. And don’t brush off their use of nicotine pouches (or any tobacco/nicotine product) as “a phase they’ll eventually grow out of.” The sooner they receive medical help and intervention, the easier it will be to kick the habit and get on a more healthy path.
Bottom Line
ZYN might seem like a small thing — a tiny pouch, no smoke, no mess — but it’s a big deal when you look at the impact it can have on a teenager’s overall health and developing brain. If you’ve got a teen, this is one of those “better to talk about it now” kind of moments. No shame. No panic. Just awareness, calm conversations, and a reminder to your kid that their health and future matter. After all, when it comes to ZYN and teens, there’s still so much we don’t know. Let’s keep our kids safe!
If you enjoyed reading, “ZYN and Teens: Why This Nicotine Trend Is Gaining Ground in High Schools,” here are a few other posts you might like:
How to Handle Peer Pressure: 13 Genius Ways Your Teen Can Get Out of a Tight Spot
ZYN and Teens: Let’s chat parents! Tell us what you’ve heard about ZYN! Is it trending in your teen’s middle or high school?