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Nicotine toothpicks are a newer “oral nicotine” format—small, convenient, and designed for adults who want a smoke-free alternative. A Stanford-affiliated research team published a paper examining the nicotine toothpick category: what brands exist, what they claim, how they’re marketed, where they’re sold, and what regulatory issues come with a fast-growing product type.
This post summarizes what the research found, what it means for responsible brands (like Stokes), and how adult consumers and retailers can think about nicotine toothpicks in a more informed way.
The researchers looked at nicotine toothpick brands by searching online, checking vendor listings, reviewing patents, and surveying brand websites and social channels.
They were trying to characterize:
The paper identifies nine brands and frames them as mostly small, boutique entities rather than products pushed by major tobacco companies (at least at the time of publication).
Across the brands identified, nicotine concentrations were reported between 1 and 5 mg per stick.
In the table included by the authors, Stokes Picks is listed at 5 mg and noted as “tobacco-free” nicotine (as the brand described it), along with listed flavors.
The researchers observed that many brands emphasize convenience—designed for adult nicotine users who want an option that fits into modern routines without smoke or vapor.
Because nicotine toothpicks can resemble ordinary toothpicks, the authors raise concerns about adult-only access and responsible marketing practices across the category.
The paper discusses how nicotine toothpicks fit within broader tobacco/nicotine regulatory expectations and emphasizes the importance of clear warning labels and responsible advertising.
The authors highlight that nicotine toothpicks are not authorized by the FDA as smoking cessation products, and marketing should avoid implying that they are.
Important context for readers: citing a research paper is not the same as claiming endorsement. This post references the paper for education and transparency—not as “Stanford approves Stokes.”
Stokes recognizes that third-party research helps shape how products in this category should be discussed and sold—especially when it comes to adult-only access and responsible communication. We reference Stanford-affiliated work as context, not as a marketing endorsement.
How we operate as a responsible, adult-only brand:
No. The research notes these products are not authorized by the FDA as cessation tools, and marketing should avoid implying that they are.
In the paper’s sample of brands, nicotine toothpicks were offered in strengths between 1 and 5 mg per pick.
The authors observed that many brands position them for adult nicotine users who want an option for places where smoking/vaping isn’t possible, and for avoiding the downsides of smoke and vapor.
Store nicotine products in a secure location out of reach of children and pets, and follow all on-pack warnings. Nicotine is addictive and intended only for adults 21+.
Stokes is not a medical provider. Our products are intended for adult nicotine users 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Stokes products are not marketed as a smoking cessation aid and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Wilmore JC, Gresbach VG, Ramamurthi D, Chau C, Jackler RK. Nicotine Toothpicks: Another Splinter of the Oral Tobacco Market. Stanford Research into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising, Stanford University School of Medicine.
From smoke-free focus to on-the-go simplicity, Stokes gives you a cleaner way to enjoy nicotine. Crafted from sustainable birch and infused with pure nicotine, our picks deliver seamless performance.
Nicotine has a reputation problem. For decades, it’s been inseparable from cigarettes in the public
Nicotine toothpicks have gone from a niche curiosity to a legitimate category in oral nicotine.
At Stokes, we believe you have the right to know exactly what you’re putting in
