Will The Nicotine Pouch Trend Catch On In New York?
There’s always plenty to do in New York. From the tourist spots, cultural landmarks and entertainment, to countless bars and restaurants, it’s a place of tradition as much as it is of change. The Big Apple is also a city when a new trend can take hold any minute. An example of this is the popularity of Cafe Cannal, New York City's first CBD Café & Lounge, which has now become a place to smoke, meet friends, and hold events like Pride with a Love is Lit. Yet, while cannabis is now legal and becoming increasingly popular, cigarette smoking is on the decline. One smoking trend to replace this in New York could be the nicotine pouch. We think they will, so let’s take a look at the reasons why.
Convenience
Nicotine pouches are small fiber pouches that fit subtly under your upper lip. Over a period of time, the nicotine in the pouch is absorbed into the bloodstream through the soft tissue of your gums. The upside? Nicotine pouches are discreet so you can use them under your mask in public indoor settings that require them. You can also use them in places where smoke, including vape vapor, isn’t allowed since there’s literally no smoking involved. They’re legal and easy to buy, which isn’t the case for other nicotine alternatives and cannabis products, reports The City.
Market
An article on Prilla examining the state of the nicotine pouch trend more broadly highlighted how retailers are keeping their eye on nicotine pouches and expecting the market to accept them with open arms. In fact, a chain of 108 convenience stores saw a growth of more than 40% as compared to other years. It’s suspected that past social distancing regulations had something to do with this since nicotine pouches are also much easier to find and purchase from legitimate sellers online. Today, even as foot traffic resumes in brick and mortar stores, consumers are far from letting go of the convenience of online shopping, which is why nicotine pouches are still gaining popularity.
Wellness
Tobacco users are starting to move away from tobacco products and look for tobacco alternatives while still enjoying nicotine. As it turns out, tobacco alternatives are proving to be better options. Nicotine pouches do not cause tooth staining, for example, so users don’t end up going to the dentist more often than normal (which should be about every six months according to the American Dental Association, in case you were wondering). Nicotine pouches are also smokeless, which is great news for those who can’t deal with smoke - either due to illness or simply because smoke irritates the eyes, nose, and respiratory lining in general.
Ease-Of-Use
If you live in New York, you’re probably busy 25 hours a day. Between work, school, and other activities, sometimes finding the time for a simple smoke break just isn’t possible. With options like nicotine pouches, you don’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to find a suitable place to smoke. Pouches are also extremely easy to use and transport: they’re lightweight, affordable, and they don’t require spitting - putting it in a napkin as you would a piece of gum is just fine.
With the city just starting to rebound back into full normalcy according to CNN, there are some new habits like the nicotine pouch which seem here to stay. While they’re not yet at the same classic level as cigarettes or the same cultural token as vapes, nicotine pouches are proving to be a burgeoning new product. You heard it here, better keep your eyes peeled for pouch options popping up in stores near you.
