The Basics: What Are Oral Nicotine Products? 

Nicotine pouches and lozenges aren’t harmless — they pack a dangerous punch. These products sit between your gum and lip, releasing nicotine without smoke or spit. Companies claim they’re a “safer” alternative, but here’s what they don’t tell you: 

  • Still addictive. Nicotine rewires your brain, making it harder to focus, learn, and manage stress.1
  • Still risky. The chemicals inside? Not well studied. The long-term effects? Unknown. 
  • Still targeting youth. Bright packaging, fruity flavors, and influencer marketing? These products aren’t made for adults.2
Spot the Oral Nicotine Products Big Tobacco in Disguise Oral Nicotine is Not a Quit Aid

Myth Busters: Can You Spot the Lies?

Spot the Oral Nicotine Products

Big Tobacco in Disguise

The makers of oral nicotine products (the same old Big Tobacco companies that also make cigarettes) don’t target just adults—they target attention. Bright packaging, fruity flavors, and social media make it feel casual. But it’s calculated. 

  • Pouches show up in gaming streams, music videos, and sports sponsorships. 
  • Influencers push these products as trendy, safe, and stress-free. 
  • Some even copy popular candy brands. 

The goal? Create an addiction before you know it’s started. 

Oral Nicotine Isn’t a Quit Aid—Here’s Why

Not all nicotine products serve the same purpose. Even though they share the same active ingredient, some hook new users or maintain addiction, while others help tobacco users quit.    

Oral nicotine products like pouches come in youth-friendly flavors, often with high concentrations of nicotine. As a result, they may attract new users and keep people addicted. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is FDA-approved and intended to reduce nicotine intake over time and help people quit tobacco and other nicotine products.   

NRT is the only product that is proven to help people cut down or quit tobacco and other nicotine products.