Characterization of Total and Unprotonated (Free) Nicotine Content of Nicotine Pouch Products

Abstract Introduction Nicotine pouch products, oral smokeless products that contain nicotine but no tobacco leaf material, have recently entered the US marketplace. Available data indicate sales of these in United States increased since 2018; however, extent use among youth and adults is uncertain. Methods To assay chemistry emerging we analyzed 37 brands from six total manufacturers. Almost all had flavor descriptors (36 37), such as mint, licorice, coffee, cinnamon, fruit. The amount free nicotine, form most easily absorbed, was calculated for each product using pH, appropriate pKa, Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. Results varied content mass, moisture (1.12%?47.2%), alkalinity (pH 6.86?10.1), % (7.7%?99.2%). Total ranged 1.29 to 6.11 mg/pouch, whereas 0.166 6.07 mg/pouch. These findings pH levels found some pouches are similar conventional moist snuff snus, flavored. Conclusions Although likely lack many tobacco-related chemicals, contained which both addictive can harm human health. Given may appeal a spectrum users, novice experienced it important include control research, policy, practice. Implications “tobacco-free” snus. they highly flavored could increase experimentation new users. terms their flavors content, examine relate