Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to nicotine use.
Zyns is a nicotine brand that markets itself as a tobacco alternative. Many consumers use it thinking it’s healthier than using dipping tobacco.
But what's actually in Zyns other than nicotine? Is it bad for you? Are nicotine pouches healthier than dipping tobacco containing nicotine? And how do real users describe the effects of Zyns?
In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we review clinical research on nicotine to give our take on whether it’s unhealthy and whether using it in isolation (like in Zyns) is a healthier option than dipping tobacco.
We’ll also analyze the ingredients in Zyns and highlight a few questionable additive ingredients that we consider to be unhealthy.
We’ll share a real user review of Zyns, and feature an addiction researcher discussing potential negative health effects.
Is Nicotine Bad For You?
Nicotine is the active ingredient in Zyns.
It’s a chemical compound found in tobacco that has a stimulatory effect on the body.
Nicotine actually has some positive health effects according to clinical research.
A medical review on the health effects of nicotine published in the British Journal of Addiction reports that its use may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease and sleep apnea.
The above-linked review mentions that these benefits are reported when nicotine is isolated (as in Zyns), and not when it is used in tobacco products.
A 2021 medical review reported on some of the cognitive benefits of nicotine use.
In healthy individuals, nicotine was shown to improve memory and reduce cognitive declines from sleep deprivation. In individuals with cognitive impairments, nicotine was reported to improve cognitive function.
Nicotine is also clinically shown to have negative health effects.
A 2015 medical review found that nicotine use can directly contribute to cardiovascular disease, can increase plaque in arteries, and can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
The same review reports that nicotine use can increase the risk of heartburn and peptic ulcer disease.
Due to the conflicting evidence, we don’t think it’s fair to conclusively say that nicotine is bad for you.
It seems logical for most people to avoid nicotine, but in certain instances (like someone with mild cognitive impairment who doesn’t have addictive tendencies), it may improve their quality of life.
An interesting YouTube video from an addiction researcher features a clip from neuroscientist Andrew Huberman who claims that nicotine may be good for you:
Zyns Ingredient Analysis
The ingredients in Zyn pouches are shown above.
There are two ingredients that may be worth avoiding for health-conscious consumers.
Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener shown in clinical research to have negative effects on the gut microbiome, and to cause weight gain.
Flavorings is a broad and poorly-defined term that fails to describe the specific chemical compounds used as flavoring agents.
As we documented in our Super Coffee review, there have been medical studies showing some flavoring compounds to be potentially toxic.
While Zyn may have a cleaner formulation than other tobacco alternative products, we consider these additives to be unhealthy, and using a non-flavored and non-sweetened nicotine product seems like a better choice (for those intent on using nicotine).
Real People Try Zyns
A TikTok user named "joycethedentist" has a stitch with another TikTok user who claims her gums have receded due to Zyns use:
@joycethedentist I dont think the Zyn is worth it tho…. @emma chamberlain #emmachamberlain #zyn #gumrecession #gumgraft ♬ original sound - Joycethedentist
A TikTok user named “docfrankhere” who’s an addiction researcher and claims to have tried Zyn in other videos suggests a healthier, nicotine-free alternative:
@docfrankhere Replying to @user274097840059 ask me anything about #quitvaping #quitsmoking with the #addictionmindset ♬ Hillbilly Banjo - Parry Music
