From superstar baseball players to social media “Zynfluencers,” ZYNs are having a moment. ZYN users enjoy a more discreet and flavorful way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream. ZYNs, like most consumable products, come with a shelf life.

Pouches that exceed the sell-by date may taste less fresh and be less potent than fresh ZYNs. Here, we look at what an expiration date means for the quality and safety of ZYNs and how to get the most out of your ZYNs. 

Do ZYNs Have an Expiration Date?

Nicotine pouch manufacturers determine how long products last by performing stability tests, chemical analysis, sensory tests by trained panels, and compliance with rules on expiration dates. ZYNs, like most consumable items, have an expiration date listed on the packet. This date is usually one year after manufacture. Other big brands like Rogue and Velo also have a one-year expiration date, while On! can last from one to two years. 

Understanding Expiration Dates

The FDA requires product expiration dates as part of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. These dates are listed on food and pharmaceutical products to inform consumers that the quality is no longer guaranteed or that they may no longer be safe to consume. 

Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of ZYNs

The longevity of ZYNs can vary a lot depending on environmental factors. Keep your ZYNs in the original packaging, don’t open them until you are ready to use them, and seal the container after every use to avoid too much exposure to oxygen. 

Exposure to too much air can cause nicotine to degrade, pouches to dry out, and loss of flavor. Consumers can extend the life of a packet by keeping it in a cool dry place and avoiding too much humidity. Leaving your ZYNs in direct sunlight for too long may lead to UV degradation. 

What Happens if ZYNs Expire?

While ZYNs can be safe to use after expiration, older pouches approaching the sell-by date may not be as fresh and could be less potent. If they have mold on them, then this could cause some health issues if consumed. Additionally, ZYNs that exceed the expiration date may taste bitter or like chemicals. 

If you want to dispose of an old packet of ZYNs, never flush them down the lavatory, as this can harm water systems. Wrap the remaining pouches in plastic to prevent them from being accidentally ingested. 

How to Properly Store ZYNs

ZYNs can be stored carefully to retain freshness for longer in the original packaging. The can is designed to store them fresh thanks to how it seals, and transferring to a tin would expose them to the elements even faster. Keep away from humidity and heat, and avoid bright lights, which can change the molecules inside. 

After every use, seal them in a cool, dry place. Don’t forget to check the expiration date of your ZYNs at the purchase place to ensure you’re receiving a fresh product. Additionally, stockpilers may want to store any surplus ZYNs in the freezer to elongate their life. 

Conclusion

Yes, ZYNs do expire. These popular nicotine pouches have an expiration date of around one year after manufacture. ZYNs should still be safe to use after the expiration date, but older pouches may not be as fresh and could be less potent. To keep your ZYNs fresh for longer, store them in a cool, dry place and check the expiration date when you buy them.