Produced by Swedish Match (subsidiary of Phillip Morris International), Zyn is a brand of nicotine pouches designed to be placed into the gum and inner lip of your mouth. It is similar to widely popular snuss in that you place it into your mouth, but differs in that Zyns do not contain tobacco. Marketed as an smokeless alternative to cigarettes, Zyn and other nicotine pouch companies have skyrocketed in popularity in the last decade. This popularity is especially prevalent with younger audiences, stemming almost directly from social media inlfuencers (coined as “Zynfluencers”), and also being promoted from celebrities such as the likes of famous podcaster Joe Rogan and TV personality Tucker Carlson.

However, with any drug (especially nicotine) there are side effects that can cause harmful mental and physical problems to the human body — addiction, cardiovascular issues, gum disease, and even Gastrointestinal complications. These side effects are serious concerns to your health and should not be take lightly.

The Benefits of the Zyn Shortage

According to Bloomberg, in May 2024, numerous retailers and wholesalers were completely out of stock of Zyns, causing an outcry from the “Zynfluencers” in the social media world, phrasing this shortage as the “Zyndemic.” The company faced production challenges amongst the explosion of Zyn popularity with their single manufacturing factory in Owensboro, Kentucky.

While this is obviously a set-back for Zyn, this is also an unexpected opportunity that can help those struggling with nicotine addiction (either to cut back on nicotine dependency or altogether). However, this appears to be a time sensitive window as Philip Morris International themselves recently announced they are” Investing $600 Million in an Aurora, Colorado Manufacturing Facility.”

Health Risks Associated with Zyn Use

As with other addictive/harmful drugs, there are many health risks associated with Zyn use. According to an NBC News article, an NYU public health professor revealed some of the negative health effects from Zyns and other nicotine pouches to include:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea
  • Gum soreness and ulcers
  • Cardiovascular risks like elevated heart rate

These health risks are not going unnoticed however, with multiple lawsuits being filed against Zyn in 2024 for marketing their products to youth and other consumers as a “nicotine cessation device.”

Additionally, company made marketing campaigns such as the viral “Zyn rewards” may encourage nicotine addiction, especially with younger audiences. Truth Initiative says this type of rewards system is a “cause for concern” and that the “highly sought after rewards” (notes iPads, Dyson Airwraps, KitchenAid mixers, and Tory Burch tote bags all as potential rewards) can influence current and new users such as teens — who have never tried nicotine in their life — to purchase Zyns.

Healthy Alternatives to Zyns

If you or someone you know is addicted to Zyns or any other forms of nicotine, know that there are many healthy alternatives to either help you quit slowly or quit altogether. One option to slowly phase out nicotine addiction can be to use nicotine-free pouch alternatives, with brands such as GR1NDS offering a caffeine based pouch. However, caffeine is another addictive drug and while it may stop you from putting nicotine into your body, you will have to endure side effects from excessive caffeine use.

There are also ways you can mitigate side effects of quitting nicotine altogether. The National Cancer Institute has provided some tips to manage nicotine cravings:

  • Remind yourself that cravings will pass.
  • Avoid situations and activities that you used to associate with using tobacco products.
  • As a substitute for smoking, try chewing on carrots, pickles, apples, celery, sugarless gum, or hard candy. Keeping your mouth busy may stop the psychological need to smoke.
  • Try this exercise: Take a deep breath through your nose and blow out slowly through your mouth. Repeat 10 times.

The NCI also heavily advises those who quit nicotine to engage in physical activities such as walking/running, going to the gym, playing sports, or exercising in general.

Zyn Use May Be Growing in Popularity, But It Poses Significant Risks

The supply problem Zyn has faced due to their shortage of stock in recent times has brought about the perfect opportunity for those yearning to quit nicotine altogether. While “Zynfluencers” may still be promoting the product, you or a loved one can take advantage of this window of opportunity opened by Zyn’s misfortune and take steps to quit this harmful drug.

Yes, quitting nicotine is hard, there is no getting around that, just like any other addictive drug, but it is definitely achievable. All that matters is you following the right steps which can help you or someone you know to stop abusing it and take back control of your life!