Pouch Sales Rise at U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Units Slip 14%

New market data shows a clear shift in what adult nicotine shoppers are picking up at U.S. convenience stores: vape unit sales dropped 14% in the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2026, while nicotine pouches and other modern oral products emerged as one of the fastest-growing tobacco segments. The figures, compiled by Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm, also show cigarettes still lead in dollar sales, though steady pricing rather than higher volume is keeping that category afloat.

Convenience store tobacco sections are being reshaped as shoppers reach for a wider mix of products, according to the Circana data. Cigarette dollar sales held stable, but the number of packs purchased declined, meaning higher prices accounted for the steady revenue. Vape categories weakened over the period. Modern oral nicotine products, by contrast, gained ground and strengthened their presence in store displays. The pattern is not a simple swap of one product for another; it suggests consumers are using multiple nicotine formats side by side.

Retailers on the front lines see the trend playing out in their aisles. Jon Manuyag, director of marketing at Plaid Pantry, says innovation from major pouch makers such as ZYN and ON is pushing the category's share upward within store portfolios. He also notes that shoppers increasingly combine different nicotine products, which is why cigarettes can remain a major sales driver while pouches climb simultaneously. His assessment aligns with the broader Circana data showing modern oral nicotine as a standout category during that period.

At Weigel's, Jessica Starnes, who handles tobacco category oversight, sees the same dynamic. Cigarettes still produce substantial sales for the chain, but she says nicotine pouches are the segment growing at the fastest clip. Her forecast points to future store assortments that carry more modern oral nicotine items, giving customers a broader selection at the counter and reflecting a wider industry move toward multi-product shelves.

For Canadian and American shoppers, the market data points to pouches becoming a permanent, expanding fixture in convenience stores. The sales trends do not indicate that any single category has taken over; rather, they reflect a multi-product nicotine landscape where retailers adjust their offerings to meet demand. With ongoing product innovation from major pouch makers, the convenience channel is likely to keep widening its modern oral nicotine selection.