You may be surprised to learn that smoking is extremely prevalent amongst millennials, with these figures stating that 44% regularly light up cigarettes (2023 figures).

Strangely enough, this is not in line with this generation’s love for fitness and well-being – and this article tells us that Millennials value health, well-being and wellness (53%), regularly visiting the gym, taking part in exercise classes, consuming supplements to enhance performance and generally taking care of themselves.

The two don’t quite correlate – yet the figures don’t lie!

Having said that, it’s heartening to see that Millennials do want to quit smoking, and many are seeking smoke-free alternatives that deliver the same pleasures as cigarettes, minus the negative health effects.

We’re talking about nicotine pouches, these small, discreet, convenient, and healthier products are gaining traction, particularly amongst millennials.  Let’s find out more about nicotine pouches and why they’re so appealing.

What Are Nicotine Pouches and Why Are They Gaining Popularity?

Nicotine pouches first appeared on the market back in 2014 and over the past decade, they’ve exploded in popularity.  An entirely modern product to suit today’s needs, they’re smokeless, tobacco-free and eco-responsible.

Nicotine pouches resemble small, perforated sachets that are made out of a cellulose matrix consisting of plant-based fibers, nicotine, flavorings, water, and sweetener.

They do not emit fumes (which is why they’re in the new smoke-free category) and as they don’t contain tobacco, there’s no risk of smoking-related cancers.

Of course, tobacco is the most dangerous ingredient in cigarettes, responsible for deadly illnesses and the deaths of 8 million people every year.

For Millennials, nicotine pouches are quite literally giving them back their health because they don’t contain carcinogenic tobacco.

What’s more, as these products are worn orally, there’s no inhalation involved, so the respiratory system doesn’t suffer (unlike inhaling cigarettes).  It doesn’t end there either.

As these smokeless products are fume-free, they don’t impact other people because there’s no risk of second-hand smoke.

Nicotine pouches are so convenient, they can be worn anywhere anytime, plus as smoking and vaping are both banned in almost all public spaces nowadays, products from the snus are the ideal replacement.

In fact, nicotine pouches are so much more than a smoking cessation product.  Of course, they are outstanding at controlling withdrawal symptoms from cigarettes, but they also manage cravings because of the nicotine content.

Unlike other, far inferior smoking cessation tools nicotine pouches bring pleasure, much like cigarettes.  People describe a “mini high” which is entirely safe, a tingling sensation, and feelings of happiness along with an energy burst.

Some people love them because they make them feel so relaxed.  For Millennials, with often stressful, busy lives, nicotine pouches tick so many boxes, it’s no surprise that they’re worth nearly $4 billion as a category (2024 figures) and that’s predicted to grow by 34% by 2030.

Health-Conscious Living: A Core Millennial Value

We’ve talked about how health-conscious Millennials are, and how nicotine pouches complement a lifestyle focused on wellbeing.

Why?  Well, apart from them being much healthier than cigarettes and not impacting others, they actually have benefits too!  While nicotine is a stimulant, and it’s also addictive, it is not a harmful substance in cigarettes.

In fact, multiple studies herald nicotine as good for cognitive behavior, certainly in terms of alertness, concentration and focus (like any stimulant though, moderation is key and only using the right dose according to your needs).

How Nicotine Pouches Fit a Millennial Lifestyle

Moreover, nicotine pouches are not subject to the same bans as cigarettes and vapes.  Millennials can comfortably wear their pouches at the office, on an airplane, on public transport, out for dinner, at the gym – anywhere at all.

So when a cigarette craving hits, having a nicotine pouch to hand soon quashes any urges and Millennials can get on with their day without worrying about compromising their health.  They’re the ideal lifestyle, adult recreational product.

Breaking Free from Smoking: A Modern Wellness Trend

Over the past couple of decades, governments have worked hand-in-hand with health professionals to try and reduce the impact of smoking on public health and the environment.

The World Health Organization has also committed itself to global campaigns highlighting the dangers of smoking.

Nicotine pouches are leading smoke-free alternatives and are the latest modern wellness trend that aligns itself with government and WHO initiatives. They have already helped millions of people break free from cigarettes, safe in the knowledge that they’ll never rely on them again.

The Convenience Factor: Why Millennials Love Nicotine Pouches

For Millennials, there’s so much to love:

• The convenience factor, wear a nicotine pouch orally anywhere, at any time and as they’re super-small, they go unnoticed.
• The cans are also tiny, so they slip into a purse or a pocket without fuss and there’s no paraphernalia involved, unlike cigarettes (which need a lighter/matches and an ashtray as well as having to carry a bulky packet) and vapes (which are cumbersome, need vape juice, replacement coils and charging accessories).
• They’re infinitely cheaper than smoking and vaping, at around $2.99 for 20 pouches – plus pouches last so much longer than cigarettes!
• As already mentioned, there are no bans associated with nicotine pouches, making them even more convenient.
• They’re kind to the environment (which we’ll discuss next).

Socially Responsible Choices: A Millennial Priority

Did you know that cigarettes take up to 10 years to decompose? Cigarette butts contribute to the global waste problem and threaten marine life, especially because the filters are made up of tiny pieces of plastic, but also because they carry toxic chemicals. Cigarette smoke also pollutes the air, and second-hand smoke is responsible for around 1.3 million deaths a year too.

In contrast, nicotine pouches, as a smoke-free alternative, decompose in a matter of weeks, and they don’t emit smoke, so they don’t harm any person, animal, or marine life.

For Millennials with socially responsible ethics, smoke-free alternatives like nicotine pouches are game-changing.

Flavor and Variety: Customizing the Nicotine Pouch Experience

Nicotine pouches also come in a selection of delectable flavors, including popular fruit varieties, mint and menthol, berry versions, and novelty options such as tropical fruits, cocktails, chocolate and coffee.

This makes them customizable, as users can tailor their nicotine pouch to their mood.  As far as strengths, there are nicotine pouches ranging from 1.5 mg to 10.5 mg+, so there’s something for all users, from beginners (who should opt for low-dose pouches) right up to heavy smokers who need a good kick of nicotine (these users should choose higher doses of 10.5mg+).

The Future of Smoke-free Alternatives in Millennial Culture

With more and more Millennials turning to nicotine pouches to quit smoking for good and integrating them into their day-to-day lifestyles, it is indeed possible that there could be a future without cigarettes.

Certainly, the category is growing and most of the big tobacco industry names (e.g., Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International, and British American Tobacco) have invested in their own, smokeless alternative products.

There is plenty of ongoing research and development in nicotine pouches, to create new, comfortable, spit-free formats, a broader selection of flavors,and strengths and even integrating app technology to help users track their no-smoking progress.

This is a fascinating category that is definitely one to watch, particularly as the world has waited so long for a product that delivers all the thrill of smoking, without the deadly dangers.