By SmokerBar Editorial Team

From UFC champions to NFL quarterbacks, from top podcasters to political figures, ZYN nicotine pouches have become a cultural phenomenon reaching far beyond the world of harm reduction. In 2026, ZYN continues to dominate the nicotine pouch market—and celebrities are a big part of the story.

In this guide, we will explore which famous faces have been spotted using ZYN, why they choose it, and what their endorsements mean for the future of nicotine pouches.

6 Celebrities Who Use ZYN Nicotine Pouches

Beyond these, other personalities like Josh Brolin, Emma Chamberlain, and Joey Diaz have also been linked to nicotine pouch use.

Deep Dive: Why These Celebrities Choose ZYN

1. Joe Rogan – ZYN’s Most Powerful Voice

Joe Rogan is arguably ZYN’s most influential supporter. On The Joe Rogan Experience, he has repeatedly used ZYN pouches on camera and praised their benefits. Rogan describes ZYN as a “neuroprotectant” and a harm reduction tool for smokers. He once stated: “Nicotine itself is not harmful; the delivery system is what matters.”

Rogan introduced fellow celebrities to ZYN—Matt Serra tried his first 6mg pouch on the show, and Bert Kreischer followed suit. Rogan’s endorsement has helped normalize nicotine pouches among health-conscious adults and biohackers.

2. Tucker Carlson – From Fan to Rival

Tucker Carlson was once a vocal ZYN enthusiast, frequently praising the brand on his show. But in 2024, things turned sour. Carlson made unverified claims about ZYN treating erectile dysfunction. Philip Morris International (ZYN’s parent company) asked him to stop making such medical claims.

Instead of backing down, Carlson launched his own nicotine pouch brand, ALP, in partnership with Turning Point Brands. He declared ALP “better than ZYN” and even joked: “If you don’t think ALP is better than ZYN, we won’t give you a refund—but we will laugh.”

In March 2026, a shipment of 378,000 cans of ALP’s limited-edition Drifters pouches was hijacked in California, causing a major delay. The feud between Carlson and ZYN continues to play out in public.

3. RFK Jr. – The Health Secretary and the Pouch

In January 2025, RFK Jr. was filmed during his Senate confirmation hearing appearing to place something under his lip. The internet exploded. Later, he was photographed with a ZYN can. As the head of the Department of Health and Human Services, his use of nicotine pouches sparked intense debate.

In an August 2025 Fox News interview, RFK Jr. stated: “Nicotine pouches are probably the safest way to consume nicotine, with vaping being the second safest.” However, in a December 2025 Atlantic interview, he clarified: “Americans should not mimic my personal habits. My health initiative is about staying healthy, not promoting nicotine products.”

4. Baker Mayfield – Sideline ZYN

During the 2024 NFL season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was caught on camera using a ZYN pouch on the sidelines. The NFL responded with a “reminder letter” —no fine, but a warning. Since ZYN contains no tobacco leaf, it didn’t technically violate the league’s tobacco ban.

Mayfield’s use highlighted how nicotine pouches are blurring the lines in professional sports. He has not been photographed using ZYN since, but the moment became a viral talking point.

5. Matt Serra & Bert Kreischer – The Rogan Effect

Both Matt Serra (former UFC champion) and Bert Kreischer (comedian) tried ZYN live on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Serra used a 6mg pouch and had only positive things to say. Kreischer’s enthusiastic reaction was clipped and shared widely on TikTok, fueling the “Zynfluencer” trend.

Why Are Celebrities Turning to ZYN?

Several factors explain ZYN’s rising star power:

1. Smoke‑Free, Discreet, and Odorless

ZYN produces no smoke, no vapor, and no smell. Celebrities can use it during interviews, podcasts, flights, or even Senate hearings without drawing attention. For athletes like Mayfield, it offers a sideline solution without violating most stadium smoking bans.

2. Healthier Than Smoking

For former smokers, ZYN eliminates combustion and lung exposure. Joe Rogan’s framing of ZYN as a “neuroprotectant” aligns with the biohacker movement that views nicotine as a cognitive enhancer—though evidence is mixed and addiction risks remain real.

3. FDA Authorization Adds Legitimacy

In January 2025, ZYN became the first nicotine pouch brand to receive FDA PMTA authorization. This regulatory milestone gave ZYN a stamp of legitimacy, likely encouraging more public figures to use and discuss the product openly.

4. Social Media and the “Zynfluencer” Effect

A 2026 study by Truth Initiative found a direct correlation between viral TikTok content about nicotine pouches and increased sales. After a spike in pouch‑related videos, monthly sales rose by over 12 million units. Celebrities and influencers drive this cycle—and ZYN benefits enormously.

The Controversy: Celebrity Endorsements and Youth Concerns

Not everyone is happy about celebrities using ZYN.

The “Zynfluencer” Alarm

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was among the first to raise concerns in 2024, calling for FDA and FTC investigations into ZYN’s marketing. His primary worry: youth appeal.

Truth Initiative’s January 2026 study found that while only 1.8% of middle and high school students reported current nicotine pouch use, the surge in pouch‑related TikTok content could lead to increased youth uptake—mirroring the JUUL epidemic a decade ago.

Legislators Take Action

California’s SB 793 bans most flavored tobacco products, including flavored nicotine pouches. ZYN Chill (which uses WS-3 for a cooling sensation) is currently being litigated as to whether it qualifies as “flavored” (R.J. Reynolds v. Bonta). Massachusetts and other states have similar restrictions.

Celebrities Push Back

Some celebrities have distanced themselves. RFK Jr. explicitly stated in 2025: “Americans should not imitate my nicotine pouch use.” Emma Chamberlain, after showing ZYN in an Instagram video, joked: “This is probably why my gums are receding.” These mixed messages create confusion for young fans.

2026 Update: The FDA MRTP Decision and What’s Next

On January 22, 2026, the FDA’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) held a virtual meeting to review Swedish Match’s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) application for 20 ZYN products. The proposed claim: “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.”

The FDA stated that the claim appears “scientifically accurate.” The agency also noted that youth nicotine pouch use remains “relatively low” at 2.4% among high school students in 2024. A final decision is pending. If approved, ZYN would be allowed to advertise reduced‑risk claims—a massive marketing advantage.

Meanwhile, competition is heating up. Tucker Carlson’s ALP brand has entered the market, and a survey suggested 86% of U.S. nicotine pouch users would consider switching to ALP. However, ZYN still holds an estimated 70–80% market share as of 2026, with 794 million cans shipped globally in 2025.

Bottom Line: Celebrities, ZYN, and You

Celebrities have undeniably boosted ZYN’s visibility. Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson (before his switch), RFK Jr., and Baker Mayfield have all put nicotine pouches in the mainstream spotlight. Their influence has helped adult smokers learn about a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.

But celebrity endorsements also carry risks—especially for youth. Lawmakers are watching closely, and flavor bans are spreading.

For adult smokers who are considering switching, ZYN is a legitimate, FDA‑authorized harm reduction tool. For non‑users and minors, there is no benefit to starting.

At SmokerBar, we offer authentic ZYN nicotine pouches in 3mg and 6mg strengths, along with a full range of alternatives. All products are for adults 18+ or 21+ depending on local laws.

Browse our ZYN collection today—and see what the buzz is about.

Disclaimer: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adult nicotine users aged 18+ only. Keep out of reach of children and pets.