Conservative talker Tucker Carlson launched a nicotine pouch that he hopes will compete with the massive popularity of Zyn. Carlson’s foray into the business started with an appearance on comedian Theo Von’s podcast last year where he was actually talking about his love for Zyn.
“The truth is, Zyn is a powerful work enhancer, and also a male enhancer,” Carlson said as he covered the microphone. “If you know what I mean.”
Shortly after the appearance, Carlson’s team reportedly reached out to Zyn-maker Philip Morris International to form a partnership. But the tobacco giant declined the offer at the time, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“While we understand that these may be Mr. Carlson’s views, or made in jest, these statements lack a scientific foundation,” the company said at the time. “Given Mr. Carlson’s popularity and reach, these statements could promote a misunderstanding and misuse of our products.”
Research shows nicotine can result in erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive and infertility, according to anti-smoking group the Truth Initiative.
The response from Philip Morris upset Carlson and prompted the new venture.
“I’m going through a period of transition in my life with nicotine pouches,” Carlson said in a video posted on Old Row on X. “I’ve used a certain brand. I’m embarrassed to say it. It’s made by a huge company, huge donors to Kamala Harris. I’m not going to use that brand anymore. I think it’s fine. It’s good for your girlfriend or whatever. But I don’t think men should use that brand. It starts with a Z. And we’re launching our own brand today called Alp.”
For its part, Philip Morris International told both the Journal and USA Today that it doesn’t contribute to presidential campaigns. But the subsidiary that does oversee Zyn does make contributions to federal campaigns, and nearly 60% of those have gone to Republicans, according to OpenSecrets.
It’s no surprise Carlson wants to get into the nicotine pouch industry as Zyn pouches have become somewhat of a staple of young conservative men.
Additionally, Alp will offer more nicotine to users while Zyn only comes in three and six milligrams. Alp will also feature a 9 milligram pouch.
With the popularity of a product with nicotine, it has caught the eye of lawmakers and regulators alike that fear it may attract young people and get them addicted to the drug.
Research found a very small amount of middle and high school students are pouch users. But, Zyn pouches have become so popular, there was a shortage over the summer.
