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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.
It’s exhausting, isn’t 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 help 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.
According to Yale Medicine, ZYN pouches are small rectangles that are about the size of a piece of Chiclet® gum.
There’s no smoke (like vaping), no smell, and no obvious cloud of vapor 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.”
