Beware Sweet-Flavoured Nicotine Pouches, Addictive Products Trending Among Young People

Jakarta — The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of rising addiction risks from nicotine pouches that are being marketed aggressively to children and young people. In a recent report, WHO said the global market for nicotine pouches is developing very rapidly and could cause addiction from an early age.

Nicotine pouches are small sachets containing nicotine that are used in the mouth. The product typically contains synthetic nicotine or nicotine derived from tobacco, as well as other additives such as cellulose powder, sweeteners, flavours, and alkaline agents.

WHO warned that these products are highly addictive and urged countries to implement comprehensive regulation of all tobacco and nicotine-related products. ‘The use of nicotine pouches is spreading rapidly, while regulations struggle to keep pace. Governments must act now with strong, evidence-based protections,’ said Vinayak Prasad, head of WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative, reported by Euro News on Monday (18 May 2026).

Nicotine pouch products on the market are available in a range of flavours such as fruit, mint, sweet, and even bubble gum. Some brands even offer flavours resembling alcoholic drinks such as beer, mojito, martini, and bourbon.

‘The variety of flavours in tobacco and nicotine products can enhance product appeal, encourage early experimentation, and spur prolonged consumption,’ Prasad said.