From smoking in pipes, leaves, and papers to chewing, vaping, dipping, and more, nicotine has been consumed in a variety of forms since it was first cultivated around 3,000 BCE in Mesoamerica for ceremonial and social purposes. In recent years, nicotine consumption has taken on a different form as nicotine pouches. 

Discreet, affordable, and flavorful, these gas station staples can quickly get nicotine into your bloodstream without any vapor, smoke, or spitting. But how long do they last? Here's our rundown on ZYNs, how to keep them fresher for longer, and when to restock. 

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

More than 1.3 billion people around the world consume tobacco products, which is why nicotine pouches first came about - as a stop-smoking aid. Niconovum were first on the scene with their oral nicotine pouches. However, Swedish Match, the people behind ZYN, has today's most significant market share. 

These handy little pouches have been on the market since 2014 and go through a lengthy production process:

• Nicotine extraction and transforming into nicotine salts
• Formulation of ingredients and moisture balancing
• Pouch fabrication to allow controlled release
• Sealing packet for freshness

You don't need to burn ZYN to get nicotine into your bloodstream. Slip one between your lip and gum, and forget about the anti-social aspects of traditional smoking, like smoke from cigarettes, vapor plumes from vapes, and spit from the dip.

ZYN is also available in both 3mg and 6mg, so you can select whichever strength you like, depending on your usage. Whichever you decide, the same flavors are available and the ingredients are the same too. The only difference is the amount of nicotine included. 

What's In a ZYN

Inside each recognizable circular plastic container, there are 15 tiny pouches containing nicotine salts from "high quality, pharmaceutical-grade nicotine" extracted from tobacco leaves. Then, they add flavoring and sweeteners to create ten flavors, including cinnamon, spearmint, coffee, and more. 

Each ZYN has organic cellulose compounds that feel like a piece of soft material under your lip. These plant fibers, often eucalyptus and pine, gradually diffuse the nicotine into your blood as it gets moist from your mouth. 

How Long Do They Last?

In the Mouth

ZYN can keep delivering nicotine to your body for around 30 minutes, though most people only keep them in the mouth for 5-10. 

In the Can

While ZYN and other nicotine pouches have an expiration date (usually one year after the manufacturing date), like some food products, they'll still be usable long after this sell-by date has been exceeded. However, older pouches approaching the sell-by date may taste less fresh and even be less potent. It's all about how you store them to make sure they stay fresh for longer. 

How to Keep a Nicotine Pouch Fresh

Storage

Tobacco, vape juice, and nicotine pouches can all lose potency over time. If your ZYN is unopened, it should stay good until the sell-by date in a cool, dry place. Nicotine pouches kept for way beyond their shelf life will start to break down at a molecular level rather than rotting or spoiling like other consumables. This breakdown affects not only the potency of the nicotine but also the taste of the unique flavors. Here are a few more storage tips: 

• Stockpilers may want to store any surplus in the freezer to elongate their life. 
• Keep away from humidity and heat.
• Avoid bright lights, which can change the molecules inside. 

Open Container

Just like your favorite breakfast cereal, it's hard to keep nicotine pouches fresh once opened. This breakdown is due to moisture, temperature, and oxygen infiltrating the ingredients inside a ZYN can and gradually breaking down the molecules inside.

While it’s unnecessary, you can keep your ZYNs inside the refrigerator once opened. Avoid opening your ZYN can until you're about to put one in your mouth. Also, don’t store your ZYNs inside another container once opened. The can is designed to keep them fresh thanks to how it seals, and transferring to a tin would expose them to the elements even faster. 

When to Restock

Even if you take great care of your new (or old) packet of ZYN, there will come a time when you need to freshen up. The following reasons mean it's time for a new can of ZYN:

• Soaked while open
• Too hot or exposed to too much light
• Past the sell-by date and has lost potency

So, how do you know if a ZYN has gone bad? The little packets inside each can are usually white, so if you notice a yellowy tinge on them or another discoloration, it’s probably time to restock.

Keep looking for mold, especially if moisture has gotten into the packet. ZYNs that have started to degrade may also have an unusual odor or be a different texture to the usual soft pillowy surrounding you’re used to. 

To sum it up

ZYNs are a smoke-free, spit-free way to satisfy nicotine cravings. But, they can go bad if you don’t store them correctly. While ZYNs won’t spoil and shouldn’t be dangerous for you to consume beyond the sell-by date, the ingredients can degrade, become less potent, and much less flavorful. Make sure you use them quickly after opening and watch for signs of degradation such as discoloration, unusual odors, or texture changes.