The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday announced that 20 different Zyn nicotine pouch flavors — including cool mint and cinnamon — can carry language stating that using the pouches instead of smoking cigarettes puts users at a lower risk of mouth cancer, stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The authorization makes Zyn the first nicotine pouch to receive such a marketing distinction, the agency said.
Zyn is a product of Swedish Match USA, which is owned by Philip Morris International. The pouches resemble small tea bags and are filled with nicotine, salt, flavorings and wood pulp; they generally do not contain tobacco. Zyn was granted permission to remain on the U.S. market in early 2025, becoming the first nicotine pouch to receive that authorization.
Philip Morris International said the decision allows the company to share FDA-authorized evidence about the reduced health risks of switching from cigarettes to Zyn with consumers.
Zyn has become an important driver of revenue for Philip Morris International. In recent years the company has invested in manufacturing facilities across the U.S. to produce the pouches, following consumer shortages.
The nicotine pouches are not the first product to receive this type of authorization. Eight General Snus products — pouches that contain tobacco — also owned by Philip Morris International were granted similar modified-risk rights previously.
Jefferies analysts said the news was a “slight positive” for Zyn’s manufacturer but broadly a more positive development for the larger oral nicotine category.