What’s in RFK Jr.’s Mouth? The Truth About Zyn, Nicotine Pouches.
Dr. Bibhakar Ranjan
Bonn, Germany, UPDATED July 5, 2025 11:05 pm
Not long ago, the internet was obsessed with a curious bulge inside U.S. Health Secretary in the Trump administration Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s cheek.
Zoomed-in images from televised hearings showed a lump between his gum and cheek. Was it gum? A dental implant? A speech aid?
As more footage surfaced, Reddit sleuths seemed to solve the mystery.
It’s a nicotine pouch, most likely Zyn.
And that has raised eyebrows, especially coming from a man who has long campaigned against chemicals, pharma overreach, and “toxins in the human body.”
What Is a Nicotine Pouch?
A nicotine pouch is a small, white, spit-free packet that you place between your gum and cheek. Unlike cigarettes or chewing tobacco, it doesn’t involve smoking or tobacco leaf. It delivers a dose of nicotine—the same addictive chemical in cigarettes—through the lining of your mouth.
Popular brands include Zyn, Velo, and Rogue.
What’s Inside a Nicotine Pouch?
Each Zyn pouch is a small, white packet designed to deliver nicotine without the smoke or spit of traditional tobacco. It typically contains nicotine—either synthetic or extracted from tobacco—along with flavoring agents such as mint, citrus, or coffee to enhance taste.
The inner filling is made of plant-based fibers or food-grade starch, giving the pouch its soft texture. To speed up absorption through the mouth’s lining, pH balancers are added. Although Zyn is marketed as a cleaner alternative, it remains addictive due to its nicotine content and may pose oral health risks with frequent or prolonged use.
Do Nicotine Pouches Have Side Effects?
Careful with your zyn and nicotine pouches
— Carnivore Aurelius ©🥩 ☀️🦙 (@AlpacaAurelius) May 23, 2025
Studies show they contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, nickel and lead. Some even have uranium and radioactive byproducts. pic.twitter.com/QDTk2U9Y6H
Yes. While they’re marketed as “cleaner” than smoking or chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches can still cause:
- Mouth and gum irritation
- Receding gums over time
- Teeth Sensitivity
- Bad breath or dry mouth
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Addiction (especially in teens)
Long-term safety studies are still ongoing, but dental experts already warn against frequent use.
Why Are So Many Public Figures Using Nicotine Pouch?
RFK Jr. hasn’t officially confirmed it, but media outlets and dental professionals have noted he’s frequently seen using what appears to be a Zyn pouch—likely to stay focused, manage stress, or sharpen attention during high-pressure moments like interviews and speeches.
Nicotine, after all, is a known stimulant. It offers a quick boost in alertness, mood, and concentration—which explains its growing appeal in professional circles.
But RFK Jr. is far from alone.
In recent months, public reports and viral posts have revealed a growing list of Zyn users. If you look closely, you’ll notice the Zyn nicotine pouch isn’t far from Trump Jr.’s reach in the Instagram post above. Actor Mel Gibson and Tucker Carlson—who’s even launching his own nicotine pouch startup—have also been spotted with pouches in hand.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! pic.twitter.com/Bc7JauH5e4
— Alp Pouch (@alppouch) December 26, 2024
Senator Bill Hagerty, and FBI official Kash Patel, among others. The trend has gone beyond quiet habit—it’s becoming a mainstream
On top of discussing how to drain the D.C. swamp, @Kash_Patel and I did some R&D on a new product on the market… pic.twitter.com/y9pSBPp9dF
— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) December 20, 2024
Yes. Zyn and similar pouches are growing fast—especially among:
- College students
- Athletes
- Office workers
- Even some health-conscious individuals looking for a “safer” nicotine fix
In the U.S., Zyn sales jumped over 60% in a year.
In Europe, especially in Sweden and Norway, oral pouches are already popular alternatives to smoking.
Even in India, online sellers are targeting urban youth with imported pouches under the radar.
What Are Indian Teens & Adults Doing to Quit Tobacco?
India has one of the highest rates of oral tobacco use (gutka, khaini, pan masala). Many try quitting but struggle with addiction.
Nicotine patches are sometimes used as a smoking cessation aid, though awareness and accessibility remain limited compared to other countries.
While nicotine replacement therapies like patches can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, some users turn to alternatives such as nicotine pouches, which are gaining attention despite legal restrictions.
On social media platforms like Reddit, users have shared their mixed experiences—one user reported that prolonged use of nicotine pouches worsened their anxiety, while another mentioned cognitive difficulties after using multiple pouches consecutively. These firsthand accounts highlight the importance of caution and professional guidance when considering nicotine products for quitting tobacco.
Safer Ways to Quit Tobacco
If you’re trying to quit tobacco, here are safer, science-backed ways:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): gum, patch, or lozenges under doctor supervision
- Behavioral counseling
- Mindfulness and yoga (helps with cravings and anxiety)
- Mobile quit-smoking apps with tracking and motivation
- Joining a support group or helpline (like India’s Quitline: 1800-112-356)
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