2FIRSTS | Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%
Nicotine pouches are growing in U.S. convenience stores while vape unit sales have declined by 14%.Summary
U.S. convenience store tobacco categories are undergoing a structural shift as consumer preferences evolve. According to Circana data for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2026, cigarettes remain the largest category with $50.8 billion in sales, despite a 5.3% decline in unit sales.
In contrast, electronic smoking devices and vaping products have faced significant pressure, with unit sales for electronic smoking devices dropping by 14% and vaping products by 15.3%. Meanwhile, modern oral nicotine products, specifically nicotine pouches, are seeing rapid growth, with dollar sales increasing by 29% and unit sales by 17%.
Retailers are observing that consumers are increasingly using multiple nicotine products. This shift is prompting retailers to reassess their tobacco assortments, which may increasingly include a mix of cigarettes, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and regulated vapor products, while navigating ongoing regulatory clarity from the FDA.
(Source：2Firsts)
