Oral Nicotine Pouches: A Quiet Shift in Nicotine Consumption

Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are an emerging nicotine product with rising use in the United States, especially among adolescents and young adults. Many nurse practitioners may have limited familiarity with ONPs or see them as safer than combustible tobacco. This report highlights ONP characteristics, including tobacco-free composition, discreet use, and flavor variety, and summarizes evidence on use patterns, harm perceptions, and public health concerns. Although ONPs may offer harm-reduction potential for adults who smoke, uncertainties remain regarding long-term effects, addiction risk, and youth initiation. Nurse practitioners play a key role in screening, counseling, and supporting evidence-based cessation and prevention.

Duke Scholars

Author Devon Noonan School of Nursing