Do Athletes Use Nicotine Pouches?
Sports and nicotine might not sound like a natural match, but nicotine use among athletes has been reported for decades — from baseball players with chewing tobacco to hockey players with snus. Now, nicotine pouches are the modern version of that trend.
So why do athletes use them, and what does science say about performance effects?
Why athletes choose nicotine pouches
- No smoke, no smell → discreet during training.
- Quick nicotine hit → provides focus and alertness.
- Stress reduction → calming effect before big games.
- Tradition → many sports (especially baseball, hockey, Nordic skiing) have a culture of smokeless nicotine.
Effects on performance
Nicotine is a stimulant, which means it can:
- Increase alertness and reaction time.
- Improve short-term focus.
- Slightly boost endurance by reducing fatigue perception.
But there are downsides:
- Increases heart rate and blood pressure.
- Possible dehydration.
- Risk of dependency.
Real-world examples
- Ice Hockey → Snus and pouches are common in European and North American leagues.
- Soccer → Reports of players using pouches before matches.
- Baseball → Historically heavy chewing tobacco use, now shifting toward pouches.
FAQs
Q: Is nicotine banned in sports?
A: WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) does not currently ban nicotine, but it monitors usage trends.
Q: Do nicotine pouches give athletes an advantage?
A: They may boost alertness, but there’s no evidence of major performance gains.
Q: Are they safer than chewing tobacco?
A: Yes — no tobacco leaf, no spit, fewer harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
Yes, many athletes use nicotine pouches for focus, tradition, and convenience. While they may provide small short-term benefits, long-term health concerns remain.