In "Zyn Was 100 Years in the Making", Atlantic journalist Jacob Stern explores the emergence of Zyn nicotine pouches, which resemble candy more than traditional tobacco products. With a packaging akin to mint tins and a variety of flavors like citrus and cinnamon, Zyn is attracting attention, particularly among younger consumers. Amid a surge in sales, concerns about underage use have prompted calls for regulatory action including a class-action lawsuit accusing the manufacturer of targeting minors. Stern traces the evolution of nicotine products, from their early marketing as a healthier alternative to candy in the 1920s to the ban on flavored cigarettes in 2009. Despite regulatory efforts, flavored nicotine products like Zyn have filled the void left by banned e-cigarettes, raising questions about their role in harm reduction versus their potential to addict young users.

The article highlights the complex debate surrounding flavored nicotine pouches. While they offer a potentially safer alternative to smoking, concerns about addiction and youth uptake persist. Stern notes the irony in tobacco companies' shift from promoting cigarettes as a healthy alternative to candy to marketing candy-like nicotine products as an alternative to smoking. Ultimately, the fate of flavored nicotine pouches remains uncertain with the possibility of future regulatory restrictions looming. However, their emergence signifies a significant development in the ongoing battle between the tobacco industry and regulators, suggesting that Zyn and similar products may endure despite regulatory challenges.