Tobacco-free Nicotine Pouch Use in Great Britain: A Representative Population Survey 2020-2021

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are products that are placed between the lip and gum, where they deliver nicotine to users. Little is known about nicotine pouch use in Great Britain since they entered the market in 2019.

Methods: Data came from a monthly representative survey of the adult (≥18 years) population in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) between November 2020 and October 2021 (n = 25 698). We estimated the weighted prevalence of pouch use, overall and stratified by demographics, smoking status, and other nicotine use.

Results: Nicotine pouch use was rare among adults, with a weighted prevalence of just 0.26% (95% compatibility interval [CI] = 0.19-0.35). Prevalence doubled from November 2020 to October 2021 (0.14%-0.32%; prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.33-3.70). Pouch use was over four times more common among men than women (0.42% vs. 0.09%; PR = 4.55, 95% CI = 2.27-9.09) but less common in older age groups (p < .001). Pouch use was more prevalent among current smokers (0.87%; PR = 13.60, 95% CI = 5.46-33.89), recent former smokers (0.97%; PR = 15.21, 95% CI = 4.03-57.42), and long-term (>1 year) former smokers (0.24%; PR = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.36-10.15), compared with never smokers (0.06%). Prevalence was also elevated among e-cigarette (1.64% vs. 0.15%; PR = 10.59, 95% CI = 5.74-19.52) and nicotine replacement therapy users (2.02% vs. 0.21%; PR = 9.75, 95% CI = 4.64-20.49).

Conclusions: One in 400 adults in Great Britain use nicotine pouches, but the prevalence increased from 2020 to 2021.

Implications: Tobacco-free nicotine pouches were introduced to the market in Great Britain in 2019. We found that while pouch use is currently rare in Great Britain, these products have become more popular over time. Pouch use is largely concentrated among younger and middle-aged men who use other nicotine products and have a history of smoking. Continued monitoring of nicotine pouch use is needed.