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New research indicates that the flavor of nicotine pouches may play a crucial role in their addictiveness, with some flavors leading to much higher nicotine consumption than others, particularly among young people. The study, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, used rats to investigate the effects of various sweeteners and flavorings on nicotine preference.
The research, titled “Effects of Sweeteners and Cinnamon Flavor on Oral Nicotine Choice Behaviors,” comes at a time when the popularity of oral nicotine products, including pouches, is rapidly increasing. This trend is particularly concerning among young people, who may perceive these products as less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use remains a major global health threat, responsible for 8 million deaths annually. While cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use, the rise of alternative products like nicotine pouches presents new challenges. US sales of nicotine pouches saw a dramatic increase of over 600% between 2019 and 2022.
An American national online survey has previously shown that flavored nicotine products are preferred among youth. Although flavors do not directly impact nicotine absorption, they significantly influence user satisfaction and increase the likelihood of continued use.
In the recent study, researchers from the Yale School of Medicine examined the effects of sweeteners (sucrose and saccharin) and cinnamon flavoring (cinnamaldehyde) on nicotine preference in rats. The findings revealed significant differences in preference between male and female rats.
Both male and female rats preferred sweet solutions, particularly saccharin. However, when nicotine was introduced, female rats showed the highest preference for nicotine combined with sucrose, while male rats preferred nicotine combined with cinnamon. When given multiple choices including saccharin and cinnamon, saccharin increased nicotine preference in females, but not in males.
“The study examined the choice behaviors between sweetened and flavored solutions,” said lead author Deniz Bagdas. “Females rats showed the highest preference for nicotine when combined with sweeteners, while males showed highest nicotine preference when combined with cinnamon. Understanding the role of sweeteners and flavorants in oral nicotine product appeal can inform regulatory policies and harm-reduction strategies.”
The researchers suggest that sweeteners may play a more significant role in nicotine preference for females, while flavors are more influential for males. This aligns with previous research indicating that menthol flavoring increases oral nicotine intake and preference in male rats but not in females.
The findings highlight the potential for certain flavors to enhance the addictive properties of nicotine pouches, raising concerns about their impact on public health, especially among youth.
More information: Deniz Bagdas et al, Effects of Sweeteners and Cinnamon Flavor on Oral Nicotine Choice Behaviors, Nicotine & Tobacco Research (2025). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntaf037
Journal information: Nicotine & Tobacco Research
Disclaimer: This article is based on research conducted on rats, and its findings may not be directly applicable to humans. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of different flavors on nicotine addiction in humans. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.1 If you are concerned about nicotine addiction or tobacco use, please consult with a healthcare professional.
