ZYNs are on the tip of everybody’s tongue (or placed under their lips) right now thanks to a boom in popularity among “ZYNfluencers” promoting the tobacco alternative, smokers cutting back on traditional cigarettes, and those looking for a more discreet way to consume nicotine.

Unfortunately, newfound “ZYN-enthusiasts” may have noticed a shortage of their new favorite nicotine product across America this summer that left them stranded with no other alternative but to settle for another brand of nicotine pouch or, worse, reach for their trusty vape or cigarettes. 

Why There’s a ZYN Shortage

Increased Demand

ZYNs, like other nicotine pouches, were first brought to the market as a stop-smoking aid. However, these popular little pouches have transcended that market to become the go-to nicotine product among everybody, from baseball players and social media stars to everyday people looking for a nicotine buzz without the antisocial associations of traditional smoking or vaping. While ZYNs started life in 2014, the product's popularity among Americans has soared in recent years. 

One study on the sales of the top four nicotine pouch brands between 2019-22 found Zyn led the overall unit share with 58.8% of the market and has been increasing in popularity year after year, including an 80% rise from early 2023 to 2024. In 2024, the sale of ZYNs could reach a massive 580 million cans in America alone. This rise in popularity is one of the reasons for the current ZYN shortage. 

Supply Chain Disruptions

The rise in popularity of ZYNs isn’t the only reason why there has been a recent shortage of the product. From building supplies to health commodities, supply chain issues have been felt across multiple industries globally since the COVID-19 restrictions were in place.

When a product like ZYNs is in higher demand, transportation delays can be felt even more acutely, which may have been affecting regular supply from the source to your local gas station. 

ZYNs contain plant-based fibers, sweeteners, and synthetic nicotine. Another reason why there could be a ZYN shortage is because any one of these vital products could have been held up in the supply chain and cause a delay in the overall manufacture. If a product gains popularity quickly, the suppliers of raw materials may struggle to keep up with new demands.

Can You Bring ZYNs on a Plane?

Production Constraints

ZYN only has one U.S. manufacturing facility in Owensboro, KY. Phillip Morris, ZYNs parent company, has pledged $600 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Aurora, CO. However, this won’t be operational until late 2025, so the increased demand falls solely on the current facility. 

While it may seem as simple as upgrading or adding new machinery, setting up new machines can be time-consuming and take up a lot of space that may not be available. Finding trained labor to operate machines is also tricky.

ZYNs are so popular because many consumers feel they can trust the quality. In some cases, ramping up production too quickly can lead to an inferior product. 

Regulatory and Compliance Challenges

ZYN isn’t just working against global issues like supply chains and a surge in popularity; regulation changes have also had a knock-on effect on the production of ZYNs. The FDA has introduced several new rules surrounding flavored tobacco products, including nicotine pouches like ZYNs. 

In 2019, the age to consume nicotine products increased from 18 to 21. Since then, other restrictions, including marketing claims, a ban on free samples, and more, have been in effect due to increased concern that social media influencers are targeting younger people.

The increase in compliance costs surrounding regulatory approval for health claims, new labeling and packaging requirements, and marketing restrictions have all contributed to the ZYN shortage as the company navigates a changing opinion on the product. 

In June 2024, the shortage was exacerbated further by the suspension of ZYN online sales after Phillip Morris received a subpoena from the attorney general of Washington, D.C., for selling flavored nicotine products in the region. Due to the industry's ever-evolving nature, new restrictions may change the future of ZYNs at any point. 

Do ZYNs Expire?

Impact of the ZYN Shortage

On Consumers

The lack of ZYNs available can be frustrating for loyal consumers. Sadly, this can lead to price gouging and fluctuations in price from certain companies who can get their hands on the products when nobody else has them. 

On Retailers

The shortage in ZYNs has led to a slowdown in the popularity of the product as people look elsewhere for their nicotine needs. Due to the relatively new space of nicotine pouches, customers are more likely to switch between brands and don’t show loyalty like more established industries like traditional tobacco. 

On the Industry

Due to nicotine pouches being a relatively new space, customers are more likely to switch between brands and don’t show loyalty as they do with more established industries like traditional tobacco. Philip Morris, ZYN’s parent company, has answered the questions and concerns of their customers by building a new manufacturing facility to avoid future shortages. However, other nicotine pouch companies have been able to capitalize on this shortage to persuade customers to make a switch. 

What to do About The ZYN Shortage?

If you’re struggling to find ZYNs during the shortage, don’t give up on them just yet. Be sure to check multiple retailers in your area first. You can also use alternative trusted online retailers for the product, but make sure you check reviews first. 

Before you reach for a packet of cigarettes, check out other nicotine pouch companies like VELO, On!, and Rogue. You may also find temporary relief by using a nicotine vape instead. 

Conclusion

ZYNs sudden popularity boom, supply chain issues, production constraints, and regulation changes have led to a shortage across the United States. While this has led to some customers switching loyalties to other nicotine product brands, ZYN enthusiasts and “ZYNfluencers” alike will rejoice that the company plans to build a substantial new facility to deal with the increase in demand.